More than three-quarters (77%) of Private Equity and venture capital companies claim to take ESG factors into account in their investment and portfolio management decisions, according to a survey of 659 European management companies conducted by Invest Europe.
The proportion is higher (90%) among buy-back companies, while 31% of companies surveyed have implemented an environmental management system, and 56% said they had obtained external certification.
The first ESG report from pan-European organization Invest Europe also reveals that women hold an average of 38% of full-time equivalent positions in companies, and 28% of board seats.
When it comes to governance issues, around seven out of ten companies surveyed have anti-corruption policies in place.
The report includes data from 659 European Private Equity and venture capital firms, 2,100 funds and 5,895 companies, based on measurements in 2021.
Eric de Montgolfier, Managing Director of Invest Europe, adds: "Tackling climate change and standing firm on responsible investment themes such as diversity and zero tolerance of corruption are among the biggest responsibilities facing the European Private Equity and venture capital industry."
Every journey begins with a decisive step. ESG management takes effort, and we recognize that the sector still has a long way to go. However, in time, ESG measurement and reporting will become as routine as tracking financial indicators."
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