Our ESG Philosophy

It is our view that companies we invest in should not contravene good practices when it comes to the environment, to society, or from a governance perspective (ESG). Whilst we acknowledge that Indian listed companies are generally yet to reach the same standards and practices of their European, North American, Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand peers, it is a work in progress. Several companies are recognizing that observing good practices when it comes to ESG is rewarding them with better valuations and are likely to seek betterment in this aspect. We have taken the view that ESG investing is philosophically important to us. At this stage we employ a negative screening process on harmful industries in India is our view and seek to develop this further and the ecosystem in India adapts to greater transparency in reporting. We screen out the paper, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, coal, nuclear and defence industries.

India Avenue's ESG Philosophy

OUR COMPANIES

Indian companies continue to make strong progress on the ESG front. Some of this is highlighted by the links below of our top 10 holdings (as of Sept 2022):

No Company Industry
1 Infosys Information Technology
2 Bajaj Finace Non-Bank Financial Company
3 ICICI Bank Private Bank
4 Kotak Bank Private Bank
5 Brigade Enterprises Real Estate
6 Hindalco Metals
7 Shriram Transport Finance Co Non-Bank Financial Company
8 Redington (India) Information Technology
9 Avenue Supermarts Retailing
10 Cyient Information Technology

ENVIRONMENT

DALMIA BHARAT

The Dalmia Bharat Group has evolved as a distinct brand that commands respect as an environmentally responsible business group. The group’s cement business is globally ranked No. 1 by CDP in 2018 on business readiness for a low carbon transition and has achieved the lowest carbon footprint in the cement sector globally. It follows the business philosophy of ‘Clean & Green is Profitable and Sustainable’ to create positive environmental and social impacts. By replacing conventional fuels and raw materials with alternative solutions, the group continues to expand its overall renewable energy portfolio. Its blended cement portfolio and continued investment in technology reduce any adverse impact on the planet. With a clear thrust on improving efficiency in all practices and technological innovations, the group is dedicated to operate its facilities with the utmost respect for the communities and environment it exists in.

Link: www.dalmiabharat.com/sustainability

SOCIAL

TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

TCS has more than 390,000 employees globally, representing more than 129 nationalities, and of whom more than a third are women. A heavy investment has been made in training to help women at all levels excel in their roles, including one to one coaching when they take up senior positions, a Rising Stars Program for those with three to five years of experience and the Pathways to Success Workshop, a leadership programme for women with five to eight years of experience.

Link: www.tcs.com/tcs-named-best-company-diversity-inclusion

GOVERNANCE

HDFC BANK

The Bank believes in adopting and adhering to the best recognized corporate governance practices and continuously benchmarking itself against each such practice. The Bank understands and respects its fiduciary role and responsibility towards its shareholders and strives hard to meet their expectations. The Bank has infused the philosophy of corporate governance into all its activities. The philosophy on corporate governance is an important tool for shareholder protection and maximization of their long-term values. It has been established as global best practice when it comes to Governance, alongside our other portfolio companies in Infosys, Hindustan Unilever and Wipro.

Link: www.hdfcbank.com/personal/about-us/corporate-governance/codes-and-policies/code-of-corporate-governance