Responsible Investing

Whitehelm is committed to conducting itself in accordance with the highest legal, ethical and professional standards throughout our business and investment operations

Throughout our history of infrastructure investing, Whitehelm’s investment philosophy has consistently focused on sustainable and customised investment strategies for our clients.

This is underpinned by an active approach to Responsible Investment and addressing Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) issues.

The long-term, capital intensive nature of infrastructure assets means that the incorporation of ESG considerations is a critical component of protecting and increasing value.  Whitehelm’s focus on these issues permeates each step of our investment process from acquisition through to divestment and includes actively working with our portfolio companies to disseminate these beliefs.

Our Responsible Investment Code defines seven principles that Whitehelm abides by.  These include that Whitehelm will:

  • Strengthen awareness of environmental, social and governance issues in its culture and process, investment analyses and activities, aiming at reinforcing the practice of responsible investment.
  • Ensure that ESG issues are, prior to the investment being undertaken, manageable through adequate procedures and, after the investment, monitored to reduce risks and maximize compliance with Whitehelm’s standards.
  • Employ an integrated approach to ESG risk evaluation and management, which considers multiples risks through the entire investment process, from investment origination to exit.
  • Choose investment partners with a proven track record of high ethical and business integrity standards and alignment with Whitehelm’s views on ESG matters.
  • Only invest in countries and businesses that meet Whitehelm’s requirements on specific ethical issues.
  • Promote the respect of high standards of integrity, honesty and business conduct by portfolio companies.
  • Foster ESG awareness in the industry, stimulating competitors and peers to embrace responsible investment practises.

Whitehelm is proud to be a signatory to the United Nations backed Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI).