Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) has appointed global firm Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to train its direct infrastructure team.
The team oversees $146.2 billion in funds under management. The course will look at the environmental and social issues currently facing the infrastructure sector.
The globally recognised training program was the next step in the organisation's implementation of the principles for responsible investment, CFSGAM's global co-head of infrastructure Perry Clausen said.
"Given the long-term nature of direct infrastructure investing, we believe it's critical we understand and manage ESG [environmental, social and governance] issues to both maximise value for our investors and to reduce investment risk," he said.
"Our asset managers sit on the board of the infrastructure businesses we invest in, and we want to ensure they are well equipped on the most current environmental and social challenges, ensuring we protect and enhance performance."
ERM has extensive experience in the application of the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) guidelines and other environmental and social due diligence processes for some of the world's largest companies.
