London, 19 December 2023
Asper, a UN PRI signatory since 2016, celebrates its commendable progress in the latest UN PRI Benchmark Assessment, showcasing top-tier performance in all three categories: Policy Governance and Strategy, Direct infrastructure investments and Confidence Building Measures.
The United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) is a globally recognised initiative that encourages companies to integrate ESG considerations into their investment practices. Every year, PRI signatories are required to report on their responsible investment activities, after which an annual assessment is undertaken.
To close off the year, the UN PRI released the results of its latest Benchmark Assessment, a comprehensive evaluation that delves into organisations’ commitments and performance in relation to sustainability. As a PRI signatory since 2016, Asper is delighted to see its performance consistently improving across the three PRI assessment categories:
- Policy Governance & Strategy: This year, we have outperformed on this Module by achieving a score of 99%, which compares to a median score of 51% to the peer group. The outperformance reflects recognition for our policy commitments (see Asper’s Responsible Investment policy), our strong governance structure, external reporting mechanisms and overall ability to integrate ESG in our strategy.
- Direct Infrastructure: In this module, Asper obtained the highest possible score of 100%, showcasing our aptness at integrating ESG considerations across all stages of the investment process (i.e., fundraising, pre-investment, due diligence, operator selection, post-investment, stakeholder management and exit).
- Confidence Building Measures: This newly released module ranks organisations on their internal and external ESG controls and third-party assurance on ESG data. Although we scored higher than peers, we continue to see scope for further growth in this module in the coming years.
Jiska Klein
Head of SustainabilityJiska has more than 8 years of experience in management consulting in the area of sustainability, climate risk and circular economy. Jiska joined from a climate change and sustainability advisory role within KPMG, one of the largest consultancy firms worldwide. At KPMG, Jiska advised multinational companies within the financial and non-financial sector on sustainability-related regulations, responsible investment and ESG-related matters. Furthermore, she conducted audits on social & environmental performances of companies’ sites in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and she was involved in providing assurance on companies’ non-financial information.
At Asper, Jiska enhances Asper’s sustainable investment strategy, gathers ESG and impact data from our platforms, and engages with investors and other stakeholders on ESG-related matters.
Jiska holds a BA in Economics from the University of Amsterdam, and a MA in International Economics and Business with a focus on Globalization & Development Economics and Environmental Economics from Utrecht University.