Trillium Asset Management

We believe, racial inequity poses a significant systemic risk to companies across our investment portfolios globally. Racial equity as an investment theme has received much more attention in the United States. As a global investor we wanted to explore two questions in this paper how investors think about racial equity in Europe — and what should they do about it? Address. Acknowledge. Advocate. At Trillium Asset Management, we recognize the challenges of discussing diversity issues openly. Yet, these actions are key to advancing equity and inclusive prosperity. Right-wing political influences and recent efforts to restrict DEI programming may be harmful to the long-term health of our economies. With major elections set to take place amid growing polarization, it’s time-critical for us as shareholders to use our voices to advance an inclusive workforce culture.   Our latest whitepaper “Engaging EU Companies on Racial Equity” builds the moral and business case for advancing racial equity, including: - Why supporting the collection and reporting of ‘equality data’ is key to understanding racial disparities - Our belief that majority-diverse boards are more likely to make better decisions - How drawing from a diverse talent pool attracts and retains top talent and improves reputation - Why institutional investors are in a strong position to influence justice, equity, and diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) benchmarks and standards    - How prolonged racial inequity contributes to the erosion of social cohesion, increased political polarization, and ultimately lower economic growth  Learn how Trillium is engaging institutional investors and advocating for change: https://lnkd.in/ekfMxTUf

The United States isn’t the only nation riding an election cycle. Nearly 60 countries will hold national elections this year, meaning the world is gearing up for major change. Across the globe, voters' moods are souring, and the rising popularity of right-wing rulers from India to France and the United Kingdom is igniting tempers across the political world stage — not to mention, the family kitchen table. Here in the U.S., voters have been dealing with political whiplash. Looming in the shadows is the January 6th attack on the Capitol, the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, and the staggering civil judgments against Donald Trump who remains highly competitive in the Presidential race. This, of course, comes in light of President Joe Biden’s recent departure from the ticket, a shiny new nominee in Vice President Kamala Harris, and an attempt on the former President’s life. And that’s just this month.   Despite the upheaval at home and abroad, the U.S. economy has proven tame in comparison. Inflation has cooled, giving consumers a bit of breathing room, GDP is trending positive, and unemployment remains historically low. While we don’t believe a recession is immanent, weakening consumer spending and a softening labor market, along with geopolitical flare-ups in places such as Ukraine and Gaza, could raise that probability. So, what happens next? In a year expected to bring inevitable change, we’re covering all of these topics and more in our latest Economic and Market Outlook report. Download now: https://lnkd.in/euZFvEXV

As the 2023-2024 proxy voting season winds to a close, Trillium is thrilled to share the results of its second-quarter shareholder advocacy work, continuing our pursuit of more just and sustainable practices and policies across our portfolio holdings. During the quarter, we entered nearly 60 new engagements and joined 30 sign-on letters calling for change, including from major corporations. These initiatives included: - Earning a high vote for our shareholder proposal at Bank of America urging it to align its lobbying activities with sound climate change policy - Co-filing a shareholder proposal with Domini Impact Investments, SHARE, and European investors to boost transparency at Nike and urge the company to support binding agreements that protect worker’s rights within its global supply chain   - Continued work with Visa to increase transparency around its hiring processes by disclosing criminal background checks, which can hinder employment opportunities for formerly justice-involved individuals.  This list merely scratches the surface, and we strongly believe there is much more work to be done. We’re currently planning our 2024-2025 season to generate even more impact on issues like #AI, environmental sustainability, diversity and equity, labor practices, human rights, and more.  To learn more about our shareholder advocacy impact and how we’re driving large-scale change, read the full report: https://lnkd.in/e-MCRwMe

Trillium is proud to stand with The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) and the other 27 Massachusetts based businesses calling on state lawmakers to finalize and pass an omnibus climate bill. The bill includes key provisions on siting and permitting reform, renewable deployment, decarbonization of transportation infrastructure, and planning for a net-zero built environment.   “As long-term investors, we [believe] that the health of people and planet is inextricably linked to the health of our economy”, said Matt Patsky, CEO of Trillium Asset Management   Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/g9HinxEU

Trillium Asset Management is now hiring an Investment Manager, Private Client Business. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eid_KvmA

Trillium has a philosophy of investing in companies that have the potential to make the world a better place. The ESG Large Cap Core strategy aims to create a diversified portfolio, focusing on companies that meet specific criteria, which are identified by integrating ESG factors into fundamental financial analysis. Watch now to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_Q6Pb_y

On this #IndependenceDay, we express deep gratitude to the people and communities that for hundreds of years have contributed to the efforts to form a more perfect union and to live up to our ideals of a democracy.   Considering recent US Supreme Court decisions, the events of January 6, 2021, and growing threats to our democracy, it is critical that the business community understands the positive role it can play in maintaining our democratic institutions and norms. At Trillium Asset Management, we strongly believe a robust democracy is the cornerstone of a flourishing society, where freedom, equality, and justice can prevail. We embrace these principles while understanding their significance for economic and business value.   Political risk threatens financial stability and rocks the confidence of investors around the world. It opens the door to abuses of power, human rights violations, financial fraud, and political corruption.   To help address these challenges businesses can take actions, such as: - Providing employee paid time-off to vote - Enhancing transparency around political spending and lobbying - Aligning political spending with their ESG values or ceasing political spending altogether - Engaging with trade associations to address misalignment of political spending - Supporting public policy that enables democracy such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act       By championing democracy, the business community fulfills its part in safeguarding the fundamental rights that underpin our society, benefitting us all. Read more about Trillium’s advocacy for democracy and voting rights: https://lnkd.in/e8vH2B23

Trillium's ESG Large Cap Core process is a unique investment approach combining ESG data and financial analysis. However, it's not just about the data; it's about making informed decisions. The team targets business leaders with strong financials and superior ESG characteristics, striving to find the best companies that align with Trillium's values and deliver impact. Watch now: https://lnkd.in/ePs_NnfG

Trillium Asset Management is now hiring a Portfolio Manager. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/enBJm7-v

Where can investors deliver the deepest impact? Our Chief Advocacy Officer, Jonas Kron tells US SIF there’s power in promoting shareholder advocacy. From influencing companies to adopt ethical AI policies to setting science-based climate targets, Jonas said that continued engagement and stewardship with shareholders are key to affecting lasting change. That doesn’t mean this work is without challenges and Trillium Asset Management remains committed to encouraging Starbucks to continue engaging productively with its organized workers.     To hear more dynamic conversations from the sustainable investing community, join the Trillium team and other US SIF members at #FORUM2024 in downtown Chicago from June 24 to 26.