Sustainable Investment Policy
February 3, 2026 2026-02-03 10:03Sustainable Investment Policy
Sustainable Investment Policy
| Approved | Board of Management on 29th March 2022 |
| Notification | Notified by Registrar vide notification No. SRHU/Reg/OO/2022-58 (i) dated 5th April 2022 |
| Next Review | 2025-26 |
- Short Title & Commencement:
- This Policy shall be called the “Policy for Sustainable Investment” of Swami Rama Himalayan University.
- This Policy shall be deemed to have come into force from the date of approval of the Board of Management of the University.
- Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to:- Ensure that SRHU’s investments support sustainable development and responsible business practices.
- Incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making.
- Mitigate financial, environmental, and reputational risks.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and long-term financial stability.
- Scope:
This policy applies to all financial investments made by SRHU, including but not limited to:- Endowment and reserve funds.
- Fixed deposits and bonds.
- Equity and mutual fund investments (where applicable).
- Infrastructure and capital investments.
- Partnerships, joint ventures, and sponsored projects.
- Guiding Principles:
SRHU’s sustainable investment approach shall be guided by the following principles:- Financial Responsibility: Ensuring safety, liquidity, and reasonable returns on investments.
- Environmental Responsibility: Preference for investments that minimize environmental harm and promote climate-positive outcomes.
- Social Responsibility: Supporting entities that respect human rights, labor standards, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Good Governance: Investing in organizations demonstrating ethical conduct, transparency, and strong governance structures.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and statutory guidelines.
- Sustainable Investment Strategies:
- ESG Integration:
SRHU shall consider ESG factors alongside financial metrics while evaluating investment opportunities, including:- Environmental impact, energy use, emissions, and resource efficiency.
- Social impact, employee welfare, occupational health and safety, and community engagement.
- Governance practices, board structure, compliance, and ethical standards.
- Positive Screening:
SRHU may give preference to investments in sectors or organizations that:- Promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technologies.
- Support healthcare, education, sustainable infrastructure, and social development.
- Demonstrate strong sustainability performance and disclosures.
- Negative / Exclusionary Screening:
SRHU shall avoid or restrict investments in entities that are primarily involved in:- Activities causing significant environmental degradation.
- Production or trade of hazardous substances banned under law.
- Violations of human rights, child labor, or forced labor.
- Corruption, fraud, or unethical business practices.
- ESG Integration:
- Responsible Management of University Assets:
- Capital investments and infrastructure development shall incorporate life-cycle costing, energy efficiency, and environmental impact considerations.
- Preference shall be given to green buildings, sustainable materials, and low-carbon technologies.
- Investments shall align with SRHU’s Climate Action Policy and other sustainability policies.
- Governance and Oversight:
- The Finance Committee / Investment Committee of SRHU shall oversee the implementation of this policy.
- Sustainability considerations shall be incorporated into investment proposals and approval processes.
- Expert advice may be sought, where required, to assess ESG risks and opportunities.
- Risk Management:
SRHU shall identify, assess, and manage financial and sustainability-related risks by:- Diversifying investments to reduce exposure.
- Periodically reviewing investment performance and ESG compliance.
- Avoiding high-risk investments that may adversely impact the University’s reputation or sustainability commitments.
- Monitoring, Reporting, and Disclosure:
- Investments shall be reviewed periodically for financial performance and sustainability alignment.
- The University may disclose relevant sustainability-related investment information in its annual report, AQAR, or sustainability reports.
- Corrective actions may be taken in case of material non-compliance with this policy.
- Capacity Building and Awareness:
SRHU shall encourage awareness and capacity building among relevant stakeholders by:- Sensitizing decision-makers on sustainable finance and ESG principles.
- Promoting best practices in responsible investment.
- Encouraging research and academic engagement in sustainable finance.
- This policy shall be reviewed every three years or earlier if required to accommodate new educational practices, regulatory requirements, or emerging student needs.
- The University reserves the right to interpret, alter, amend, modify, cancel or withdraw any or all provision mentioned herein above in this policy without any notice.
- In case of any dispute, the decision of the Vice Chancellor of the University shall be final and binding.