Vision and strategy
EQT's values, culture, and business model are linked to its vision to be the most reputable investor and owner. The interplay between a strong vision and the systematic work needed to develop a holistic view of business models, processes, and tools enables EQT to implement a sustainable mindset and behavior.
By providing access to ownership skills and operational expertise, EQT helps acquired companies grow and prosper, both under EQT's ownership and with future owners. Furthermore, EQT's diversified platforms provide an opportunity to leverage sustainability knowledge among sectors and strategies.
The EQT Responsible Investment and Ownership Policy (EQT RI&O Policy) was adopted in 2010 and describes EQT’s commitment to sustainability and approach to address material sustainability aspects throughout the entire investment process. The key lies in EQT’s thematic approach of investing in businesses with positive societal impact, advancing the progress of one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The policy further outlines the standards for how EQT works on the structural development of portfolio companies in the context of sustainability, including a wide variety of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. EQT invests in good companies with a potential to become great, sustainable companies during ownership and beyond.
In addition to EQT's RI&O Policy, EQT has developed the EQT Sustainability Blueprint. This document offers guidance to portfolio companies and seeks to stimulate an innovative and strategic perspective on sustainability. It also sets out what EQT's expectations of portfolio companies are, including reporting on an EQT core set of sustainability KPIs as well as identifying, reporting and progressing on sustainability-related KPIs specific to their business. This framework enables value creation and enhanced contribution to society, including the SDGs. The EQT Sustainability Blueprint is continuously updated and refined based on input as well as industry and societal developments.
Organizational resources
To integrate and advance EQT's responsible investment and ownership practices within the organization, EQT has a dedicated Sustainability Team that focuses on how EQT can lead by example and works in close liaison with other parts of the organization. The Sustainability Team promotes sustainability awareness internally, follows up on the EQT Sustainability Blueprint together with business lines and engages with external stakeholders on sustainability aspects. In addition, Sustainability Ambassadors have been appointed for all EQT business segments to ensure complete dissemination of sustainability knowledge and best practice within the Investment Advisory Teams within EQT Partners. These are close to 20 in total with all main geographies represented – Asia, Europe and North America.
EQT's sustainability resources frequently engage with and support portfolio companies or other investments on specific sustainability projects and portfolio companies are encouraged in sharing best-practice. As an example, EQT has hosted sustainability workshops for portfolio companies in selected geographies, focusing on the sustainable development agenda and societal impact. The events offer an opportunity to share experiences and best practices as well as to network. The Sustainability resources, in cooperation with other specialist functions are also available as sounding boards for portfolio companies and investments.