As part of Partners Group's focus on client returns, we have a longstanding commitment to sustainability. With a track record of action on sustainability topics that spans almost two decades, we have been at the forefront of driving transformation within our industry and the wider economy through our own operations and across our portfolio.
Our Commitment
Our Sustainability Governance
Sustainability is fully ingrained in our operations, core committees, and overall corporate governance. Unlike conventional approaches, we forgo a separate Sustainability Committee as our corporate governance model mirrors the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit that underpins our investment strategies. Just as we govern investments within the parameters of our entrepreneurial governance model, our sustainability governance strategy aligns seamlessly, reinforcing our commitment to holistic and impactful decision-making.
Our Double Materiality Approach
Double materiality assessments (DMA) are innovative tools that companies use to evaluate the impact of sustainability factors on their financial performance and their broader societal and environmental performance (non-financial materiality). Our DMA looked at how these factors can affect the value of our portfolio and how our activities can impact our stakeholders and the wider environment. The assessment helped us reconfirm our Sustainability Strategy topics, and further understand how we can manage the risks and opportunities in our operations and investments.
Embracing materiality, making a difference where it matters most
* While diversity and inclusion did not emerge as material within our portfolio, it remains an integral part within other material topics such as talent attraction and retention.
Our Pathway to Net Zero
Corporate
As a responsible investor, we are committed to combating climate change by aligning our corporate sustainability goals with net zero best practices. To achieve this, we have set targets to reduce material emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.
Our corporate target: Achieve net zero by 2030 on all our corporate activities
Portfolio
Having committed to achieve corporate net zero by 2030 across our Scope 1, Scope 2, and material Scope 3 emissions (Categories 1-14), we assessed how our full investment portfolio Scope 3 (Category 15) will contribute to Net Zero by 2050. The aim was to see how our existing climate targets could be extended and adhere to the Swiss Climate Ordinance, as well as finding the best approach to apply to our full investment portfolio, covering all asset classes, and supporting 100% of our investments going forward.
Our portfolio target: Achieve net zero by 2050 for our portfolio companies in line with the Net Zero Investment Framework.
Our Entrepreneurial Ownership
As business builders, we manage both our business and investment portfolio like founders and entrepreneurs. In doing so, we uphold a collaborative culture that clearly defines everyone’s contribution. We lead by example to our portfolio companies and we deliver a strong sustainability governance triangle, which enables us to build sustainably as a responsible investor. The triangular concept has been successfully rolled out to our portfolio companies, allowing them to actively govern the topic, as well as illustrating our hands-on approach to ownership.
"We are, at heart, business builders. Driving sustainability at scale requires all hands on deck, creating strong governance. Our Business Unit Leaders have shaped our path forward and continue to inspire and challenge our investment platform to achieve new heights in sustainability."
"Many of our clients have set ambitious climate goals for their investment portfolio. We are proud to work alongside our clients in making net zero a reality by implementing decarbonization initiatives and sustainable practices, and creating a more environmentally responsible future for generations to come."
Our People
Diversity & Inclusion
At Partners Group, we are committed to promoting a diversity of perspectives, skills and backgrounds as we believe this makes us better at what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of age, gender, nationality, or any other basis that is inconsistent with our guiding values.
We pride ourselves on welcoming diversity in our workforce and hire local talent throughout our global platform. As stated in our Charter, Partners Group was built on partnership and partnership is grounded in the collaboration of diverse teams.
Our Employee Networks
Our employee networks are responsible for articulating, promoting and supporting the interests of our people and network members.
Partners Group supports employee networks that work to help increase the diversity of hiring and create a sense of inclusion at the firm. Our Diversity & Inclusion Working Group was founded in 2019 and elevated to a committee in 2020. Our employee networks have grown stronger over the years, with many powerful initiatives giving all Partners Group employees a chance to build connections across the firm and understand new perspectives.
Diversity & Inclusion initiatives we support
PG Impact (Verein)
Founded in 2006, PG Impact, our employee-run impact investment association, aims to create lasting positive social impact by supporting organizations addressing challenging issues such as poverty, sustainable-energy access, educational opportunities, and access to healthcare.
PG Impact is run entirely by our employees, all of whom dedicate their time, expertise, and/or money to contribute to high-impact projects. All of our employees are strongly encouraged to support PG Impact. We believe it is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to creating lasting positive change.