Water is essential for all crop growth. On the land we manage in our diversified cropping portfolio, for certain crops we grow, we require irrigation to supplement rainfall. Conserving water through innovation benefits our tenants, crop managers, the environment and investors.
Engagement
/in-'gāj-mənt/ noun
Engaging with our farm operators, Nuveen strives for optimal water efficiency using a range of innovations, technologies and cooperative efforts. In 2014, the vineyard management team for affiliate Westchester Global Investment Management worked with the Napa Sanitation District to recycle treated wastewater for irrigation.
Nuveen invested $2M in capital and property easements to develop a two-foot wide pipeline irrigating our properties and those of 30 to 40 other landowners in Los Carneros Water District. Reusing wastewater cut irrigation costs by up to 65 percent,2 improving the bottom line for local farmers, and is expected to reduce surface and groundwater consumption in the area by 75 percent
Glossary: E-F
Environmental
A responsible investing factor dealing with climate impact, energy consumption, biodiversity, waste management and natural resource use. See environmental, social and governance (ESG).
Engagement
A range of activities performed to exert influence on companies, issuers and other investees to help them innovate and operate more efficiently, i.e., proxy voting, company dialogue, targeted initiatives, market initiatives and policy influence. See responsible investing .
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Typically refers to the factors and issues investors consider regarding a firm’s sustainable business practices.
► Environmental: A responsible investing factor dealing with climate impact, energy consumption, biodiversity, waste management and natural resource use.
Example: Waste management
Innovative packaging can reduce waste while also driving down material and transport costs.
► Social: A responsible investing factor dealing with employee engagement and development, labor relations, human rights practice, product safety and consumer protection.
Example: Health and safety
Effective health and safety programs can mitigate unexpected costs caused by workplace injuries, e.g., medical expenses, workplace disruption, productivity loss.
► Governance: A responsible investing factor dealing with management structure, board accountability and independence, executive compensation, audits and internal controls and shareholder rights.
Example: Board diversity
A wide range of competencies, knowledge, and perspectives can lead to better decision-making and more effective corporate governance.
ESG-focused funds
Originally known as socially responsible investing (SRI) funds, portfolios that explicitly apply environmental, social and governance criteria in their investment decision-making process, often in the development of an investable universe.
ESG integration
Including ESG factors within the investment processes to enhance long-term performance and manage risks for clients. See responsible investing .
ESG investing
Examining a company’s exposure to ESG-related risks and opportunities, focusing on the ones most likely to have a material impact on investment performance.
Exclusionary screening
Avoiding companies involved in controversial businesses such as fossil fuels, oil, and tobacco, or other ESG-related criteria. See responsible investing – other RI approaches .
