JANA has announced the launch of a new independent advisory council to provide the investment consulting firm and its clients with practical guidance on sustainable investing.
The JANA Sustainability Advisory Council (JSAC) will identify ways to generate returns on investments that will make a meaningful difference to the environment and society.
It will also work closely with JANA to identify and apply practical frameworks to measure and monitor investing for real-world outcomes.
“The reach of sustainability efforts are far and wide, impacting not only the wealth of investors, but also individuals and society. Achieving the outcomes of net zero, racial and gender equality, or eradicating modern slavery, are challenges that our industry will play a central role in resolving but cannot achieve alone,” said JANA CEO, Jim Lamborn.
“This is precisely why we've appointed council members from backgrounds and perspectives outside of institutional investment. A true collaboration of both experts in sustainability and influencers in investing is the most impactful way we can achieve necessary change.”
The council comprises of experts across climate, biodiversity, human rights and inequality, diversity, equity and inclusion, including Climate Council councillor, Nicki Hutley and vice president of First Nations Portfolio at the Australian National University, Peter Yu.
Its members also include SDGx partner and chief impact officer, Zarmeen Pavri, as well as Impossible Mining chief sustainability officer and co-founder, Renee Grogan.
“It is extremely pleasing to see JANA, one of Australia's most influential investment consultancies, championing genuine sustainable and impact investment,” said Ms Pavri.
“I look forward to applying my experience implementing impact and UN SDG investment frameworks for some of the leading fund managers in the country into my new role on the JANA Sustainability Advisory Council.”
Commenting on her role as a member of the council, Ms Grogan said that impact investing is turning into a powerful tool in the transition toward becoming carbon neutral.
“More and more, investors are able to hold their portfolio companies accountable, to cut through the greenwashing and to affect change — a change which also results in increased financial durability and resilience in those same portfolio companies,” she said.
“I am delighted to be part of the JSAC and look forward to working closely with all council members to help JANA drive change and generate impactful sustainability insights for JANA clients.”
Mr Lamborn stated that JANA's longstanding philosophy is that sustainability forms the foundation for stable, reliable and impactful returns and that its clients would benefit enormously from the insights and expertise of the new council.
“All parties in the financial ecosystem have a responsibility and role to play in working towards a cleaner, greener and fairer future. So, disseminating our solutions and best practice with the industry is an important consideration behind the council,” he said.
“The work of JSAC will seek to answer important questions such as how do we improve the lack of quality investment opportunities in social housing? How can we support the first nations' voice in our investment decision-making processes? And so much more.”
The council's quarterly meetings commenced in August and will be chaired by JANA head of sustainability, Rachel Halpern.
Jon Bragg
Jon Bragg is a journalist for Momentum Media's Investor Daily, nestegg and ifa. He enjoys writing about a wide variety of financial topics and issues and exploring the many implications they have on all aspects of life.
