Sustainability

DORE's Sustainability & ESG commitment

DORE is classified as an Article 9 fund, which makes impactful investments and has specific Sustainable Investment Objectives. To read the full SFDR document, please click here.

Sustainability runs through the whole of DORE’s responsible investment framework, aiming to benefit the communities that its assets serve, the wildlife that lives around them and the wider environment.

Responsible investment considerations are embedded into the screening of opportunities, investment decisions and the ongoing monitoring of investments. This helps to identify, assess, monitor and manage environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities and also provides a framework to report progress across DORE's activities.

Social
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Downing, as the Investment Manager, promotes high labour and health & safety standards across its teams in addition to implementing an ESG investment training programme for all staff. The company is implementing a sustainable procurement process for contractors to ensure they are aligned to DORE's expectations on environmental and social performance. Working with local communities, Downing is instructed to consider local aspects and needs as part of each project, including, in some circumstances, a contribution of energy or investment to local projects.

Corporate Governance
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Business ethics and transparency of reporting on the ESG performance of assets will be integral to annual fund accounts and regular investor reporting. Downing has a dedicated internal infrastructure asset management team focused on achieving both financial and environmental targets. DORE is focused on  diversity, accountability and  independence, both for its own board and that of its investment manager. A strict and robust approach is taken to risk management, including ESG factors.

Green Economy Mark

DORE was proud to be awarded The Green Economy Mark by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as soon as it listed in December 2020.

The Green Economy Mark was introduced in 2019 and recognises listed companies and funds that derive 50% or more of their revenue from environmental solutions. The award is recognition that DORE meets the required industry standards of the trust’s commitment to a sustainable investment approach. It also provides transparency for investors, giving those seeking a sustainable and strong risk-adjusted returns the reassurance that they are investing in a greener future and supporting the UK’s commitment to a net-zero economy.

Principles of Responsible Investment

DORE's commitment to ESG is reflected in Downing's (the Investment Manager) role as a signatory to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), incorporating the PRI’s six principles into its Responsible Investment System.

Sustainable Development Goals

There are four Sustainable Development Goals that DORE actively supports:

United Nations Global Impact

Downing is committed to the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative and its principles in the areas of human rights, labour the environment and anti-corruption.

Additionally, DORE will be reporting in line with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, which measure both climate impact as well as the material risks and how these are managed.