Responsible Investment
Earnings from university investments are an important part of the funding that supports students, university research, innovation and scholarships.
The University of Alberta is committed to responsible investment that aligns with university policies, industry-recognized practices and ensures the long-term value and benefit of investments. Responsible investment involves considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities when making investment decisions and influencing companies or assets through stewardship practices.
Governance
The university’s Board of Governors is responsible for investment management and approves related policies. The Board Investment Committee reports to and supports the Board of Governors by providing strategic oversight, guidance and advice on the management of university investments. The Investments and Treasury team works with external investment managers to maintain the long-term benefit and value of the university’s investments and ensure responsible investment.
2024-25 Responsible Investment Policy Review
In 2024, the university’s Board of Governors initiated a review and approved updates to the University Funds Investment Policy relating to responsible investment. As part of this complex and comprehensive review process, the Board worked with industry experts and consulted with the university community.
Investing in the Path Forward: What We Heard
Community consultation occurred from September 2024 to February 2025. Engagement included opportunities with various governance bodies, university groups and individuals as well as the option to submit written feedback. An online Information and Engagement Session was held with the university community in December of 2024.
Feedback provided by the university community throughout consultation was captured and reflected in “Investing in the Path Forward: What We Heard During the Review of University Investment Policies and Practices.”
Policy and Practices
The university’s policy relating to responsible investment policy is captured in the University Funds Investment Policy. The policy states that the university will:
- integrate responsible investment considerations into the selection and ongoing monitoring of external investment managers;
- obtain and evaluate annual disclosure from all external investment managers on how ESG risks and opportunities are incorporated into their investment decision-making processes;
- regularly review and track stewardship activities by its external investment managers, including engagements with investee companies and proxy voting records on ESG-related risks and opportunities, where relevant;
- ensure its external investment managers are conducting due diligence of those companies, sectors and regions that face heightened risks from, for example, conflicts, climate-related physical or transition risks, and human and labour rights abuses; and
- report with transparency and accountability to stakeholders on ESG risks and opportunities, including in the Investment Committee’s annual report.
The policy also states that the university recognizes that the integration of ESG risks and opportunities in the investment process complements traditional financial analysis and portfolio construction techniques and can lead to improved financial performance.
The Board Investment Committee’s Statement of Investment Principles and Beliefs guides asset allocation, implementation, performance evaluation and risk management, while reinforcing requirements relating to responsible investment. The Committee reviews this document annually to ensure it remains current and responsive to the university’s investment needs.
University Endowment Pool Disclosure
The University Endowment Pool (UEP) annual disclosure report includes a listing of all direct and indirect investments in publicly traded companies. The disclosure reports are available on the University Endowment Pool Disclosure page.
Investment Reporting
Investments and Treasury reports annually on the university’s endowment and non-endowed investment assets as well as major initiatives undertaken by the Investment Committee. Learn more about Investment Reports »