HitecVision believes that when ESG factors are integrated into the investment analysis, decision making, ownership policies and practices, they will contribute to potential long-term performance advantages.
In HitecVision we believe that having a genuine focus on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance issues) is a competitive advantage. The energy industry today faces new pressures and demands related to the transition to a low-carbon economy, and we believe that by integrating our ESG approach into the core business, we will be better placed to make the right investment decisions, and to identify, analyze and mitigate the ESG-related risks and opportunities of our portfolio companies. In doing so, we improve the resilience of our portfolio while being better positioned to make use of the opportunities following from the sustainability agenda.
In the transition to a low-carbon energy future, HitecVision will be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. We will invest in companies that help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the European energy industry, and companies supplying energy that replaces current sources with higher emissions.
ESG issues can have a material impact on the financial performance of our portfolio companies and on the communities in which both HitecVision and our portfolio companies operate. We believe that when ESG factors are integrated into the investment analysis, decision making, ownership policies and practices, it will improve the long-term performance of our portfolio companies, and thus that of our funds.
HitecVision is a signatory of the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment.
HitecVision’s Responsible Investment Policy aims to ensure that the HitecVision funds only invest in companies which operate in an environmentally responsible manner; respect human and labour rights and provide their employees with good, healthy and safe working conditions; and maintain high ethical standards and follow good corporate governance practice.
HitecVision believes that a strong focus on responsible and sustainable investment is critical to its long-term success as a private equity investor. We are convinced that in this respect, the interests of our investors are aligned with those of our portfolio companies, their employees, customers and the communities in which they operate.
On this basis HitecVision has adopted a responsible investment policy that forms an integral part of our investment process and our active owner practices.
Our Ethical Guidelines is an important basis for the ESG work in HitecVision. The Ethical Guidelines are based on five principles to ensure that all our activities are performed in an ethical manner and in compliance with sound business practice:
The Responsible Investment Policy, which applies to all aspects of HitecVision operations, is also part of the Ethical Guidelines, and forms an integral part of HitecVision’s investment processes and active owner practices. The policy aims to ensure that the HitecVision funds only invest in companies which operate in an environmentally responsible manner; respect human and labor rights and provide their employees with good, healthy and safe working conditions; and maintain high ethical standards and follow good corporate governance practice. Further codes of conduct stem from these core principles and continue to underpin how we want to do business and take responsibility for areas where we have influence.
In our work in HitecVision and with our portfolio companies, ESG comes down to people, starting with ourselves. Therefore, we place great emphasis on building a company culture in order to integrate our ESG approach into all levels of operation. Our company culture rests on our ethical principles, which entails that the entire organization should be mindful of our influence and impact on the surrounding world. We also strive to build a corporate culture that emphasizes equality and diversity. We strongly believe that a gender-equitable workplace benefits our bottom line as well as the company culture and the societal impact of HitecVision. As a signatory of the Women in Finance Charter we show our support and commitment to equality and diversity initiatives in the finance industry.