“We believe that value creation and sustainable development are complementary goals. Throughout our operations, we are committed to practices that have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.”
Responsibility
Our 2021 ESG Report
Download our latest report to learn more about our ESG approach and initiatives.
ESG at Brookfield
Our ESG strategy is centered on supporting business resilience and creating value for our investors and stakeholders—now and in the future.
OUR GUIDING ESG PRINCIPLES
Mitigate the impact of our operations on the environment
Strive to minimize the environmental impact of our operations and improve our efficient use of resources over time.
Support the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Ensure the well-being and safety of employees
Foster a positive work environment based on respect for human rights, valuing diversity, and having zero tolerance for workplace discrimination, violence or harassment.
Operate with leading health and safety practices to support the goal of zero serious safety incidents.
Uphold strong governance practices
Operate to the highest ethical standards by conducting business activities in accordance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Maintain strong stakeholder relationships through transparency and active engagement.
Be good corporate citizens
Ensure the interests, safety and well-being of the communities in which we operate are integrated into our business decisions.
Support philanthropy and volunteerism by our employees.
Our Net-Zero Commitment
We support the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions by 2050.
Frameworks and Memberships
In support of advancing our ESG efforts, we align and engage with leading sustainability organizations and frameworks.
Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative
Signatory to Net Zero Asset Managers initiative supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and to supporting investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Principles for Responsible Investment
Signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), underscoring our ongoing commitment to responsible investment and ESG best practices.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
Supporters of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which aims to guide companies in incorporating the considerations of the effects of climate change into business and financial decisions to help facilitate the transition to a more sustainable, lower carbon economy.
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board
Alliance Member of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), whose industry-specific standards are designed to be evidence-based and market-informed, to further formalize the integration of ESG considerations into our due diligence process.
ILPA Diversity in Action
Signatory to the ILPA Diversity in Action (DIA) initiative, demonstrating our commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion, both within our organization and the private equity industry more broadly.
GRESB
Most of our real estate office operations voluntarily disclose environmental performance annually through participation in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), an investor-driven organization assessing the sustainability performance of real asset sector portfolios and assets. All our reporting businesses continue to maintain their GRESB Green Star rating.
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
To help progress a commitment to protect biodiversity, our renewable power portfolio assesses nature-related physical and transition risks and opportunities in line with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) recommendations. The TNFD is a risk management and disclosure framework for organizations to report and act on evolving nature-related risks, with the ultimate aim of supporting a shift in global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes and toward nature-positive outcomes.
WELL
Brookfield Properties, our real estate operating company, has adopted the WELL Health-Safety Rating, a global sustainability designation that recognizes buildings that support the long-term health and well-being of their occupants. The rating was developed by the WELL Building Institute, an organization focused on improving human health and well-being through the built environment.
Accounting for Sustainability
Members of Accounting for Sustainability (A4S), which seeks to inspire action through a knowledge-sharing network of leading CFOs from large businesses aiming to embed ESG into resilient business models and sustainable strategies.
BSR
BSR is a global non-profit organization focused on working with businesses to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions. We leverage their sustainability expertise to inform our overall approach and collaborate on a project basis as we continue to advance on our ESG journey.
Integrating ESG Considerations into Our Investment Process
ESG is embedded throughout our investment process, starting with the initial due diligence through to the exit of the investment. Below is a summary of how we integrate ESG factors.
Due Diligence
We tailor ESG due diligence to each investment and follow a structured approach, leveraging relevant industry frameworks.
- Proactively identify material ESG risks and opportunities relevant to the potential investment
- Leverage our investment and operating expertise and utilize industry-specific guidelines that incorporate SASB guidance
- Where warranted, perform deeper due diligence, working with internal experts and third-party consultants
- In 2021, we enhanced our ESG due diligence guidelines to more specifically address climate change, human rights and modern slavery risks
Investment Committee Approval
All potential investments must incorporate ESG matters into their evaluation and be approved by the Investment Committee.
- Investment teams outline for the Committee the merits of each transaction and material risks, mitigants and significant opportunities for improvement, including those related to ESG
- Material ESG factors may include bribery and corruption risks, health and safety risks and environmental and social risks
Ongoing Management
Upon company acquisition, we create a tailored integration plan that includes any applicable material ESG-related matters for review and execution.
- Brookfield looks to advance ESG initiatives and improve ESG performance to drive long-term value creation, as well as to manage any associated risks
- It is the responsibility of the management teams within each portfolio company to manage ESG risks and opportunities through the investment’s life cycle, supported by the applicable investment team
Exit
- As part of our divestiture plan, we create robust business plans outlining potential value creation deriving from several different factors, including relevant ESG considerations
- We also prepare both qualitative and quantitative data that summarize the ESG performance, where applicable, of the investment and provide a holistic understanding of how Brookfield has created value and managed the investment during the holding period
Diversity & Inclusion
A focus on diversity and inclusion reinforces our culture of collaboration and strengthens our ability to develop our people, maintain an engaged workforce and create value for our investors.
ESG in Action
Renewable Power
An Onshore Wind Portfolio in One of Europe’s Strongest Wind Resource Locations
Ireland is a prime location for this wind portfolio, and a place where wind is a competitive source of electricity in a natural gas fired market.
Impact Investing
Building a Global Financial System for Net Zero
Net-zero transition plans are mainstreaming, driving demands for capital and solutions.
Private Equity
Schoeller Allibert: Making Packaging Too Good to Waste
Schoeller’s mission is to design and produce packaging products that respect the environment.
Infrastructure
Arc: Investing in Renewable Energy
Arc Infrastructure has replaced approximately 32 km of overhead power lines with a solar powered system.
Real Estate
The Partner to Empower Program: Promoting Meaningful Diversity
Partner to Empower supports Black and minority business owners at our retail locations.