In our second annual Downing Sustainability and Responsible Investment Report, we outline our approach to sustainability. At Downing, we do not claim to be saving the environment or society, or to invest only in the best-governed assets – but we are pragmatic and we recognise the importance of ESG. This report’s guiding principle is to show how we are progressing, and how we present a consistent view across Downing covering our Private Markets and Downing Fund Managers (DFM) businesses. 

When was the last time the world had as eventful a start to a year as 2024? 

The first of many democratic elections in Taiwan, continued tensions in Ukraine and Gaza and the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering in Davos. Nonetheless, we are pleased to look back at 2023 and talk about our sustainability and responsible investment. Especially when we consider that the events of 2024 – those so far and those coming up – can be linked to environmental, social and governance factors. 

An important principle to focus on is what is truly material to our stakeholders. Sustainability is vast and we see these seven factors as the most relevant: 

• Targets for accountability

• Reporting greenhouse gas emissions

• Climate disclosures

• Descriptions and stories of how we invest responsibly and are engaged owners

• External reporting

• Verification of our approach

• Sustainability themes in 2024

As well as the above principles, our report covers the vast range of the topic; we go from science and emissions to business and investments, with case studies of integration.  

Our report aims to convince readers that we were aware and responsive to all the latest trends in sustainability and responsible investment throughout 2023. And that we are well positioned with our policies, products and processes to continue this throughout 2024. After which, we’ll do a similar reflection and review.