National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its endowment fund's investment strategy, demonstrating a strong commitment to both University Social Responsibility (USR) and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Key measures include:
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Avoiding High-Impact Industries: NCKU actively screens out and refrains from investing in industries characterized by high pollution and significant carbon emissions, thereby supporting green and sustainable development through its financial decisions.
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Promoting Sustainable Investments: The university's endowment actively seeks to reinvest in and support companies and funds that exhibit exceptional and sustainable performance across ESG criteria.
This strategic approach not only underscores NCKU's dedication to social and environmental sustainability beyond its academic pursuits but also leverages its financial operations to direct capital towards more responsible enterprises, thereby illustrating the university's pivotal role in societal transformation.
- NCKU ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investment Guidelines for School Funds” Written Report
National Cheng Kung University demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility through its formal "ESG Investment Guidelines for School Funds." Since 2019, NCKU has progressively implemented a divestment policy targeting carbon-intensive energy and fossil fuel industries. This policy restricts new direct investments and mandates the gradual release of existing holdings. This proactive strategy has successfully reduced the portfolio's exposure to high-carbon industries from 3.95% in 2019 to just 1.18% by March 2022. The university remains dedicated to continuing this divestment process, aligning its financial practices with its sustainability goals.
- NCKU Directions for Endowment Fund Investment
National Cheng Kung University's "Directions for Endowment Fund Investment" outlines a clear commitment to responsible financial management. This official policy mandates that all investment activities must align with the university’s sustainable development goals. Specifically, Article 3, Paragraph 4 explicitly incorporates the "University’s Sustainable Investment Policy" as a guiding principle for all fund allocations. This directive ensures that financial returns are pursued in conjunction with social and environmental responsibilities, systematically integrating sustainability into the core of the university's investment strategy and reinforcing its commitment to divestment from harmful industries.
- NCKU has launched the ESG Base of the Greater Southern Research and Industrialization Platform
National Cheng Kung University has launched the "Greater South Industrialization Platform ESG Base" to spearhead the net-zero transformation of key industries. This initiative strongly complements the university’s divestment policy by proactively building a low-carbon economy. The platform channels NCKU’s resources and innovation toward developing sustainable solutions for sectors like steel and petrochemicals. By fostering this hub for green technology, NCKU is not just withdrawing from carbon-intensive industries but is actively investing in their replacements, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to a sustainable and responsible economic future.