Greenbank says it will prioritise the themes of health, climate and nature in its 2024 engagements.

Greenbank, the specialist sustainable and impact investment team of Rathbones Group, says it will also resume its work on the Investor Coalition on Food Policy and working with Finance for Biodiversity and Nature Action 100 on biodiversity initiatives.

Greenbank says its 2024 Engagement Action Plan encompasses Greenbank’s eight sustainable development themes: habitats and ecosystems, resource efficiency, decent work, inclusive economies, energy and climate, health and wellbeing, resilient institutions, innovation and infrastructure.

It has also identified several secondary projects where it aims to play an active role in progressing existing objectives in the following areas: human rights; circular economy; animal welfare; workforce and responsible tax.

Sophie Lawrence, Greenbank Stewardship and Engagement Lead, said, “Our health engagements this year encompass nutrition; worker health; air pollution and access to medicine. We’ve led the Investor Coalition on Food Policy since inception, and this will continue to be one of our key active engagements in 2024.

“From a worker health perspective we aim to improve awareness and understanding of how worker health impacts social, corporate and investor outcomes, through our continued membership of ShareAction’s Long-term Investors in People’s Health initiative.

“Greenbank’s nature theme emphasises biodiversity. Related focuses include water – with the aim of helping companies manage the natural resource risks associated with stress and demand on water system.

“’Climate is once again a core focus. We will continue to encourage companies to develop a robust climate strategy, aligned to the criteria laid out in the Net Zero Investment Framework’. We want companies to have strong climate governance in place and allocate sufficient capital to decarbonisation, as well as transitioning in a fair and inclusive way.”

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