We launched our Active Voice thought leadership platform in early 2021 with an interview with CEO Bob Reynolds. When asked if he viewed ESG and sustainability as an investment solution, an investment category, or a fully integrated philosophy for managing the company, he replied, “All of the above.”
In our first annual corporate sustainability report, “What Matters Most,” we provide an overview of 80+ years of serving investors with a sustainability mindset across several systems – economic, social, and natural. By focusing on connections between the people, companies, and communities where we operate, Putnam has built an industry leading reputation for responsible and sustainable best practices.
The report discusses our approach to sustainability in key business areas including investing, ethics, the workplace, associate wellbeing, and our role in the community. Here are some highlights.
Sustainability in our investment process
Putnam’s industry-leading sustainable investment focus turns on a belief that many ESG issues are relevant and “material” to long-term business fundamentals. The team integrates ESG considerations into research across all asset classes. Inspired by the work of the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB), we have developed
“materiality maps” that structure ESG-related research
across equities, corporate credit, structured credit, and
sovereign debt.We believe that active fund managers have a particular role to play in engaging company management teams through regular dialogue — including annual CEO letters. This engagement focuses on a company’s long-term corporate strategy, capital allocation, execution, and financially material ESG issues. To enhance ESG-related disclosures, the team focuses on investment-relevant data, particularly through the frameworks of the SASB and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Ethics, compliance, and data security
The Putnam Code of Ethics — fundamental to our role as a trusted fiduciary — demonstrates that client interests come first. The code also ensures that associates comply with all applicable laws and avoid potentially harmful conflicts of interest.
Security is of the utmost importance to Putnam. With
respect to cybersecurity, the firm’s Digital Technology
division approaches data and security through policy,
people, process, and technologies that establish procedures
for handling information and systems. Security technologies are implemented through a “Defense in Depth” strategy built on the traditional pillars of protection, detection, and reaction.Sustainability in the workplace
We are committed to energy and environmental efficiency at our Boston headquarters and satellite offices. Our Boston office has been LEED Silver-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and has been designated an ENERGY STAR facility based on an Environmental Protection Agency energy performance score superior to that of 75% of similar buildings nationwide.
Great-West Lifeco, our parent company, is a recognized leader in carbon and climate risk management, earning an A (leadership) ranking from CDP, a non-profit environmental reporting system for investors, companies, governments, and regions worldwide.
Each year since 2002, Putnam has been designated one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters” by the EPA. In the city of Boston, an estimated 80% of workers take public transportation to work.
Culture and associate well-being
For more than 20 years, we have actively engaged in diversity and inclusion initiatives. We believe corporate diversity has a positive impact on performance and can result in better stakeholder outcomes. In 2004, we established a Diversity Advisory Council, composed of members representing all associate levels across the company. The council is overseen by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. In 2008, we established a Head of Diversity and Inclusion, with this role reporting directly to the CEO since 2020. Our business impact groups — Putnam Pride Alliance, Women of Putnam, Putnam Black Professional Network, and the Putnam Multicultural Group — focus on education, community, development, and retention.
Community engagement
Recognizing the vital link between Putnam and the community, we engage with numerous civic, charitable, and nonprofit organizations and encourage associates to participate as board members, donors, and volunteers.
An ongoing commitment to sustainability
The goal of our Corporate Sustainability Report is to present the highlights of our approach to sustainability in key areas of our business. The report represents a culmination of our long-standing commitment to sustainable business practices, a resilient investment process, the highest standards of ethics and service, an inclusive workplace culture, and community engagement.
Sustainability is an evolving concept. We are constantly evaluating the impact of our corporate policies on our business, our people and our community. On this path, as the world changes, we respond and redefine what matters. More opportunity lies ahead for us to build on this progress and deliver an even greater impact on our communities. For a detailed look at our approach to sustainability at Putnam, read more about the key areas in the report.
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This material is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not designed to be a recommendation of any specific investment product, strategy, or decision, and is not intended to suggest taking or refraining from any course of action. The material was not prepared, and is not intended, to address the needs, circumstances, and objectives of any specific institution, plan, or individual(s). Putnam is not providing advice in a fiduciary capacity under applicable law in providing this material, which should not be viewed as impartial, because it is provided as part of the general marketing and advertising activities of Putnam, which earns fees when clients select its products and services. The views and strategies described herein may not be suitable for all investors. Prior to making any investment or financial decisions, any recipients of this material should seek individualized advice from their personal financial, legal, tax, and other professional advisors that takes into account all of the particular facts and circumstances of their situation. Unless otherwise noted, Putnam is the source of all data. Putnam Investments cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any statements or data contained in the material. Information and data contained in this material are subject to change. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. All investments involve risk, and investment recommendations will not always be profitable. Putnam Investments does not guarantee any minimum level of investment performance or the success of any investment strategy. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This material or any portion hereof may not be reprinted, sold, or redistributed in whole or in part without the express written consent of Putnam Investments. The information provided relates to Putnam Investments and its affiliates, which include The Putnam Advisory Company, LLC, Putnam Investment Management, LLC, Putnam Investments Limited® and Putnam Retail Management, LP.
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For informational purposes only. Not an investment recommendation.
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Consider these risks before investing: International investing involves certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, economic instability, and political developments. Investments in small and/or midsize companies increase the risk of greater price fluctuations. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate risk, which means the prices of the fund’s bond investments are likely to fall if interest rates rise. Bond investments also are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the bond may default on payment of interest or principal. Interest-rate risk is generally greater for longer-term bonds, and credit risk is generally greater for below-investment-grade bonds, which may be considered speculative. Unlike bonds, funds that invest in bonds have ongoing fees and expenses. Lower-rated bonds may offer higher yields in return for more risk. Funds that invest in government securities are not guaranteed. Mortgage-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk. Commodities involve the risks of changes in market, political, regulatory, and natural conditions. You can lose money by investing in a mutual fund.
Putnam Retail Management.