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Climate Action

Climate Action

As IMCO continues to deliver on its mandate to build a multi-client global asset management service that will drive long-term benefits for public sector organizations in Ontario, we are committed to integrating ESG considerations into our investment decisions, ownership activities and selection of external managers. This allows us to better manage risk, capitalize on emerging sustainable investing opportunities and generate sustainable long-term returns for our clients.

Climate action plan

IMCO is proud to embrace the targets and pledges of the 2015 Paris Climate Accord which outlines the goals and commitments required to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. We have committed to achieving a net zero emissions portfolio by 2050 or earlier.

IMCO has established interim climate targets for 2030, consistent with science-based net zero pathways aimed towards the 1.5°C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement and net zero emissions by 2050.

IMCO will actively reduce its portfolio carbon emissions, while concurrently contributing to building the net zero economy through:

  • An interim science-based target of 50% reduction in portfolio emissions intensity by 2030, as measured against IMCO's 2019 baseline;
  • Investments in climate solutions totaling 20% of the portfolio by 2030.

Climate Action Plan

IMCO's climate strategy focuses on four areas: capital deployment, asset ownership, portfolio management, and climate guardrails. Our plan will contribute towards delivering sustainable long-term risk-adjusted returns for our clients, and achieve IMCO's long-term goal of net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
Capital Deployment
We pursue climate positive and transition investment opportunities. We will also emphasize lower-emission investments and support assets in preparing for the net zero transition.
IMCO will increase its investment in climate solutions to 20% of IMCO's portfolio by 2030. Climate solutions are defined in line with the categories detailed in the Green Bond Principles, as set out by the International Capital Markets Association.
Portfolio Management
We focus on further integrating climate related risks and opportunities into our investment decision making processes, and continuously monitor climate risk across our portfolio.
IMCO will:
• Prioritize partnerships with external managers that have existing or intended net zero commitments
• Increase investment in companies with net zero commitments
Asset Ownership
We drive climate action in our portfolios by engaging with portfolio companies and external managers on key issues related to climate. We also collaborate with like-minded investors and policymakers to drive collective climate action.
IMCO will:
• Support its external managers and portfolio companies in establishing Paris-aligned plans and delivering portfolio emissions reduction
• Engage with its external managers and portfolio companies to increase the share of its portfolio reporting emissions data
• Exercise its right to vote at shareholder meetings, to encourage companies to manage climate-related risks and opportunities
• Collaborate with like-minded investors and policymakers to drive collective climate action
Climate Guardrails
We mitigate climate risk in our portfolio through climate guardrails, which will limit our exposure to investments that are incompatible with a net zero future.
IMCO will:
• Phase out new investment commitments in development of new unabated fossil fuel assets, in line with appropriate global, science-based scenarios
• Limit exposure to investments in thermal coal mining and arctic drilling

Stewardship

As a steward of client capital and a responsible organization, IMCO is committed to playing its part in the transition to a net zero emissions economy. Whether through direct engagement with portfolio companies and external managers, proxy voting or collaborative engagement with our peers, we aim to use our influence to promote strong climate action practices. IMCO's Stewardship Guideline includes our approach to engaging on climate change.

IMCO's Proxy Voting Guideline includes our policy on how we vote and criteria that need to be met to vote for a company's climate plan and/or resolution.

We expect companies to commit to a net zero GHG emissions target by 2050 or sooner, set science-based emission-reduction targets, and disclose climate information in line with TCFD.

IMCO’s Climate Action Commitments

IMCO is a proud member or signatory of these organizations

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Climate Engagement Canada (CEC)

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2021 Global Investor Statement to Governments on the Climate Change Crisis

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Canadian Investor Statement on Climate Change

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Climate Action 100+

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Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF)

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Climate Action 100+

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Canadian Investor Statement on Diversity & Inclusion.

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International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN)

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Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG)

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Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

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Responsible Investment Association

Portfolio Emissions

We measure our portfolio carbon footprint in line with the PCAF standard. 2019 is our baseline year and was used to set our interim emissions reduction targets in 2022 in line with our net-zero commitment.

Portfolio Emissions 2019 2020 2021 2022 2022 vs 2019
Total financed emissions (tCO2e1) 3,223,480 2,324,864 2,351,913 2,070,359 -36%
AUM in scope for financed emissions ($ million) 46,942 49,694 55,150 50,541 +8%
Financed emissions intensity (tCO2e1 / $ million invested) 75 54 47 45 -40%

1 Metric tones (t) of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (e)