Nuveen, a TIAA company’s Post

No doubt, you've been flooded with news about our pioneering 'Letters to Heaven' initiative over the past 18 months (if not, where have you been?), which started at Gedling Crematorium and quickly gained the spotlight within our entire group and, subsequently, globally (just ask Drew Barrymore- https://lnkd.in/enU_BzKS)! One question that frequently arises is, "What happens to the letters once they're removed?" These inquiries sparked thoughtful consideration within our team at Westerleigh Group, leading us to collaborate with the exceptional team at The Faunus Group to discover a sensitive and sustainable method for managing the letters posted in our 'LTH' postboxes. Aligned with our own ESG principles, Faunus' mission to develop environmentally beneficial and socially responsible projects perfectly complemented our vision. The trial aimed to assess whether their composting equipment could effectively decompose a batch of test cards and letters, mirroring the typical mail received through our post boxes. We're thrilled to announce that the trial exceeded expectations! This success prompted us to secure investment to procure the necessary equipment for each of our Westerleigh sites. The composting equipment, including tumblers and composting solutions, gradually breaks down letters into soil over time. This resulting soil is then reintegrated into our grounds, establishing a beautiful and sustainable cycle. We understand that the fate of these letters has been a pressing concern for the communities we serve, and it's a matter our colleagues have approached with great sensitivity. With this innovative solution, the letters remain within the site where they were originally posted, becoming an integral part of our grounds forever. You can read more about everything 'Letters to Heaven' here -> https://lnkd.in/giGCsAUT Thanks to Giles Palmer, Alan Jose and Jana Smidkova for leading from the front on this one! #WesterleighGroup #Environment #Sustainability #Governance #ESG #UniquelyPersonal #Memorialisation

Looking to apply #biodiversity metrics and tools to your investment process? We have recently updated the FVCA - Pääomasijoittajat ESG toolbox, which is free to use and available online. Take a look👇📗

Updated toolbox includes a list of i) metrics ii) digital tools & services iii) frameworks related to ESG. We've also tried to share working group's thoughts on applicability, strengths and weaknesses of each. Have a look here: https://lnkd.in/eXVnCm4N

In the News ➪ The Rapid Rise of Nature-Based Investments In 2020, global sustainable investments reached a combined value of USD 35.3 trillion. But until recently, little attention has been paid to nature as an investment asset – now this is changing. As the international focus on nature grows, businesses are likely to come under increasing scrutiny for the harm they do to biodiversity and ecosystems. Learn why nature is our most underpriced asset and why nature-based investments are on the rise. Read the article from Lombard Odier Group ➪ https://lnkd.in/gAwqwje2

Transforming the Future: Celebrating a Sustainable Partnership We are thrilled to share the inspiring collaboration between two remarkable environmental leaders - George Gann and Sathya Raghu Mokkapati. George D. Gann, CERP, the International Policy Lead for the Society for Ecological Restoration, is a pioneer in ecological conservation. His dedication to restoring Florida's endangered Pine rocklands is a testament to his commitment to our planet's health. Sathya Raghu V Mokkapati, CEO of Kheyti, has made monumental strides in sustainable agriculture. Under his leadership, Kheyti won the prestigious Earthshot Prize in 2022, showcasing innovation and impact in the environmental sector. Their partnership epitomizes the synergy we at Growth River strive for - uniting individuals and organizations with a fervent vision for a positive future. Together, they are not just addressing ecological challenges but are actively crafting solutions that reverberate globally. Their work in the Pine Rocklands is a beacon of hope, showing how collaboration and expertise can bring about real and lasting environmental change. It's a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we join forces for a common goal. Let's celebrate this union of minds and missions. May their journey inspire others to come together for the greater good of our planet and future generations. 💬 Feel free to share your thoughts on this inspiring collaboration or similar initiatives you know of! https://lnkd.in/dbpdCPbm #EcologicalRestoration #Sustainability #Collaboration #EarthshotPrize #EnvironmentalConservation #FutureVision #GrowthRiver

Sustainability is a constantly evolving practice. What does it mean to you? Our team members have attended multiple sustainability-focused events this year to discuss how our industry can keep advancing. As we continue to support animal production, build partnerships and embrace new ideas, our diverse perspectives are key to achieving sustainable outcomes. https://zinp.ro/46mwg5O

We’re committed to supporting small and medium businesses on their sustainability journey, that’s why we’ve launched a ‘Sustainable Business Growth for SMEs’ series. SMEs represent about 99% of businesses and more than 61% of employment in the UK*. For small businesses, being sustainable isn’t just a nice to have anymore, it’s one of the key factors for clients and customers when considering who to do business with. Our new series provides actionable tips and insights for implementing best practice sustainability processes into your own business, including contributions from leaders in environmental conservation and sustainability practices such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Carbon Trust. * Data taken from House of Common’s business statistics report

We’re committed to supporting small and medium businesses on their sustainability journey, that’s why we’ve launched a ‘Sustainable Business Growth for SMEs’ series. SMEs represent about 99% of businesses and more than 61% of employment in the UK*. For small businesses, being sustainable isn’t just a nice to have anymore, it’s one of the key factors for clients and customers when considering who to do business with. Our new series provides actionable tips and insights for implementing best practice sustainability processes into your own business, including contributions from leaders in environmental conservation and sustainability practices such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Carbon Trust. * Data taken from House of Common’s business statistics report https://lnkd.in/dq5jpXya

Collaborative water governance is key for watershed health. Great to see industry, governance, and thought leaders coming together for the Great Lakes Sustainable Growth Forum in late June to advance water stewardship and value water for a range of sectors from food to manufacturing and buildings management. The partnership between the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s (GLSLCI) Mayors’ Commission on Economic Transformation will guide sustainable economic growth that captures the value of protecting the environment and ensuring the health of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River freshwater ecosystems for future generations. We look forward to the engagement that follows! #inclusivewatergovernance #collaborativewatergovernance #SDG6

Our latest white paper on how investors can assess the impact of biodiversity loss is now available. Working with the Stockholm Resilience Centre, our thematic equity team introduce the Earth System Impact model (ESI) to help investors measure the impact on nature of their investments and company activities.   We believe the ESI model breaks new ground by accounting for key biosphere-atmosphere interactions that are essential for planetary health