Most of our impact is positive and happens indirectly via the work that we do to help our 3,038 signatories implement the Principles.
We have an impact on:
- our investor signatories – by encouraging them to be more transparent in their investment activities;
- companies – by improving their practices through investor engagements;
- markets – through ventures such as the Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative.
Beyond these positive, indirect impacts, we recognise that the way we choose to operate as an organisation can have direct impacts, and we try to manage these wherever possible.
Environmental
We have been certified as compliant with ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems. As part of this certification, we will continue to monitor, manage and reduce our impact on the environment through transport, waste, consumption of natural resources, energy use and procurement.
We strive to make sure our events are as green as possible. We acknowledge that our annual event, PRI in Person, has the potential to impact the environment and as such we have a duty to proactively manage this.
We commit to doing this through identifying significant environmental impacts and putting processes in place to prevent, reduce and/or mitigate them in a practical manner. For example:
- PRI in Person 2019 offset 2,272 tonnes of carbon emissions, in partnership with Allianz Global Investors. View the certificate
- Using refill water fountains allowed us to serve 352 litres of water, saving 1067 plastic bottles from use, and landfill.
- Our venue has sustainable events management accreditation ISO 20121 across all Viparis sites, with features including on-site waste sorting facilities, energy-efficient LED lighting and washroom taps fitted with aerators and infrared sensors.
- PRI in Person 2019 was again a ‘paper-free’ conference. As such there was no paper delegate pack and exhibitors were discouraged from providing paper handouts.
- We used reusable and recyclable banners, carpets and furniture, while the lanyards, badge holders, conference pens and bags provided to delegates are sourced from recycled, sustainable materials.
- The catering was fully vegetarian catering during lunches and refreshment breaks, using organic, locally sourced produce from Fairtrade suppliers.
- All waste is collected three times a week by a charity who supports people in need
Social
Our employees have the right to work in an environment of dignity and respect. We are accredited as a Living Wage Employer, whereby we ensure that our staff are paid a salary that will ensure a good standard of life.
We are also against unpaid internships and ensure that interns are paid a decent and fair salary.
We invest in the training and development of our staff, and have set up staff committees on employee engagement, including diversity and inclusion, and human rights.
Governance
Good governance at the PRI includes annual signatory elections, term length limits for board directors, publishing board meeting attendance and clear separation between the roles of the CEO and chair. We have a board diversity policy in the belief that diversity contributes to high performance.
We are committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, cost- effective and accountable process in the purchasing and provision of goods and services to our signatories and other stakeholders. We have a procurement policy in place to provide direction to staff in relation to tendering, contracting and procurement activity. The policy aims to establish a framework that will, among other things, appropriately manage risk, ensure the efficient, effective and responsible use of resources, and deliver best value for money.
Our public communications policy ensures we advocate for the uptake of the six Principles and responsible investment, but that we don’t speak on behalf of our signatories.
