As a publicly supported post-secondary institution, CapU feels a strong sense of responsibility to invest with purpose and accountability.
Responsible investing at CapU
Capilano University is committed to socially responsible investing and applies an environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors-based approach to guide its investment decisions.
The Finance Committee (pdf) provides oversight, advice and recommendations related to the University’s investment portfolio.
The University has two investment managers: RBC Global Asset Management and Trans-Canada Capital Incorporated.
Both are signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI) and provide annual updates on ESG factors and responsible investing policies. They incorporate ESG factors, along with other conventional analytical tools, when evaluating investment opportunities and risks.
Investing approach
Capilano University's B.201 Investment Policy (pdf) outlines investment governance, objectives and considerations and includes a section specifically on Environment, Social, and Governance.
ESG factors are considered and not applied as an exclusionary screen to eliminate specific entities or sectors from consideration.
Relevant ESG factors vary by industry and are applied appropriately to help assess both risk and return.
CapU endowments
Endowments are held by the Capilano University Foundation, which is overseen by the University's Board of Governors and guided by its Finance Committee, which includes a Foundation representative.
The committee carefully monitors current market conditions and the performance of the Foundation's endowment.
Investment income generated each year by the endowment supports scholarships, bursaries, awards and specific projects or programs in various faculties.
The Finance Committee reviews the investment income annually and recommends a distribution rate, which is approved by the Capilano University Foundation directors.
For more information about Foundation investments, view our Donor Impact Reports.
Additional resources and information
CapU's Investment Policies
- B.201 Investment Policy (pdf)
- B.307 Gift Acceptance Policy (pdf)
Budget/Financial Reports
Governance
FAQs about CapU Investments
The University supports and encourages its investment managers to incorporate ESG factors that may have a material impact on an investment, along with other conventional analytical tools, when evaluating investment opportunities and risks.
ESG factors are one of many aspects of analysis used and are not applied as an exclusionary screen to eliminate specific entities or sectors from consideration.
Relevant ESG factors will vary by industry and are applied appropriately to help assess both risk and return.
The University is committed to sustainability and has included it as a core value in Envisioning 2030. CapU is currently carbon neutral and has participated in the Carbon Neutral Government Program since 2010.
The University actively sets targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower costs, and improve sustainability on campus.
Our goal is to demonstrate leadership by:
- Incorporating sustainable practices into energy management plans;
- Embedding energy conservation into policies;
- Promoting sustainable transportation to and from campus;
- Reducing our consumption of paper; and
- Providing learning opportunities through programs and events.
Yes. We have a Capilano University investment portfolio and a Capilano University Foundation investment portfolio, each with its own asset mixes tied to fossil fuels.
Capilano University is committed to socially responsible investing and uses an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors-based approach to guide the University's investment decisions.
Capilano University's approach has been to focus on socially responsible investing, not divesting.
As a percentage value, as of March 31, 2024, nine (9) per cent of Capilano University's total portfolio ($52.41M) and seven and a half (7.5) per cent of Capilano University Foundation's total portfolio ($17.56M) are made up of fossil fuel investments.