ESG - Our Road to Sustainability

Our Commitment

In line with the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment, NAOS commits to:

Incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes

Be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices

Seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest

Promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry

Work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles

Report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles

Sustainability Outcomes

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.

As an asset manager, whether by instigating them in our own business or influencing our investee companies, the areas that we have the most opportunity to contribute to are the following:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Improve energy efficiency and make use of clean renewable energy

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Support local economic growth through good procurement practices and supporting local jobs

Responsible Consumption and Production

Support responsible management and use of natural resources, concentrating on waste reduction and sustainable practices

Climate Action

Promote practices that mitigate the climate crisis

One of the main drivers of the NAOS ESG stance is the growing risks caused by climate change.

NAOS’ first aim was to pursue a reduction in the production of GHG emissions and to offset our carbon footprint to zero, in line with global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

NAOS’ environmental initiatives to date include:

Emissions Reduction Strategy

100% of our electricity is now provided by a green energy supplier.
We use video conferencing technology to conduct and attend meetings whenever possible.
Documentation such as annual reports and other communications are predominantly provided online.

Energy Efficiency

Our office is located in a NABERS rated building (5.5 Energy, 4.0 Water).
We provide work from home options to reduce our transport footprint.

Pollution prevention

Staff are encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible.
We have in-office waste recycling bins including mixed recycling, paper and organics.
We encourage our staff to adopt sustainable approaches to consumption both at work and at home.

CHARITIES

We support charities such as Greening Australia and Bush Heritage who tackle environmental challenges such as restoring and protecting our native vegetation and landscapes.

Staff

We gauge our staff satisfaction with an annual engagement survey.
Staff undertake training courses to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge range.
We have flexible working arrangements which include working from home and the ability to take time out to attend to personal commitments.
All staff can administer First Aid.

Stakeholders

We keep our stakeholders engaged and informed via newsletters, roadshows and webinars.
We use environmentally responsible client merchandise and stationery.

Community

Staff are offered leave to volunteer for local charities.
As a company we commit to pledge 1% of revenue, time and intellect to movements and missions that matter.

Advocacy

As well as constantly improving our own ESG commitments, NAOS also engages with our investee companies to help achieve and improve their ESG credentials.

Questionnaires

We review all areas of ESG of our major investee companies and assist them to align to ESG principles.

Proxy Voting

We aim to vote on all resolutions of our investee companies, in line with our policies and processes to promote positive change if required.

Board representation

We sit on the Board of a number of our investee companies, providing independence and value to the Boards of a number of our investee companies.

Certifications and Accreditations

B Corporation

B Corporation certification is afforded to companies which demonstrate high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency in the areas of social and environmental responsibility.

Click Here for more information about our B Corp certification.

Signatory of Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

The United Nations backed PRI certification is provided to companies that publicly commit to responsible investment, encouraging signatories to provide a more sustainable global financial system by committing to the 6 Principles (provided above).

Find out more about UNPRI https://www.unpri.org/about-us/about-the-pri

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Our Road to Sustainability

Our Commitment