The Isle of Man is the world’s only ‘entire nation’ Biosphere and the UNESCO Biosphere Awards look to highlight those making a positive contribution to the Island’s sustainable future.

Taking place at the Manx Museum and presented by The Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer, the awards attracted entries from local organisations across a range of sectors.

Having entered the ‘Economy’ category, Douglas based financial services company, Capital International Group, were proud to be presented with a UNESCO Biosphere Award for a second year running.

The Group set out on its ‘Conscious Capital’ sustainability mission back in 2020 and has since made huge strides in making the business more sustainable. There are many areas where the Group has made significant progress, be that reducing its carbon emissions, optimising employee wellbeing or making a lasting and positive impact in the community. 

This year, the Group’s application was largely based on its sustainable investment management offering. Fusion ESG is the Group’s flagship, 100% sustainable portfolio which focuses on four investment themes: Sustainable-Agriculture, Water, Clean Energy and Healthy Living. Since launch, over £20m has been invested into the strategy.

Investment Specialist, Greg Easton, who manages Fusion ESG, said: 

“We believe clients can achieve their financial goals whilst making a positive environmental and social impact. Investing sustainably shouldn’t compromise performance. In fact, since adopting our ‘Conscious Capital’ non-exclusionary approach, we’re finding our research is helping us to build future-fit portfolios by identifying environmental risks and helping us unearth companies that can deliver sustainable Alpha. Winning this award is fantastic as it serves to highlight all of the great work our Conscious Capital Forum are doing on top of their day jobs.”

Anthony Long, Group Chairman and leader of the Group’s Conscious Capital Forum said:

"Becoming a Net Positive business and investing heavily in sustainable projects over the last few years has been immensely rewarding for everyone in the business. Our four key themes of Responsible Investment, Financial Wellbeing, Community Impact & Climate Change touch all our stakeholders both inside and outside the business. I am immensely proud of everything that we have achieved, and it is wonderful to see this work recognised through the UNESCO Biosphere awards for the second year in a row."

If you’d like to find out more about Capital International Group’s Conscious Capital initiatives, click here. 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed within this article are those of the authors and not those of any company within the Capital International Group (CIG) and as such are neither given nor endorsed by CIG. Information in this article does not constitute investment advice or an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of any company within the Capital International Group of companies to buy or sell any product or security or to make a bank deposit