Have a plan for the future
…for the life you want to live
Your investment decisions and pension fund choices can positively affect your carbon footprint and contribute to a better world – good for you and good for the planet.
How it works
- When you set up a pension, the funds your contribute through your pension plan are linked to investments on your behalf.
- A big challenge is that people are not always aware of what their pension fund is invested in. Most people are enrolled in a pension default investment strategy so what are you actually invested in?
- Traditional funds invest in a broad range of companies across the world but in 2022, there is increased demand for investment funds that look beyond financial metrics and to also consider environmental factors (The Irish Times, 2022).
- By investing in funds that also take account of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues as part of their investment approach, you can help to make a positive change in the world while aiming to grow your pension. (source: Irish Life)
- Unlike traditional funds, ESG funds invest less in companies that may be harmful to the planet or society such as those that are involved in fossil fuels, controversial weapons or tobacco manufacturing. Instead, they actively look for assets that score highly on environmental, social and governance factors
- There is heightened concern over climate change, and growing discomfort about what it means. The number of people who believe they personally can help the environment has fallen in recent years, dropping from 79% in July 2019 to 68% in May 2022 (RedC on behalf of Irish Life, 2022). However, investing in a pension fund with a responsible investing approach is a key step you can take to improve your climate impact.
If you have a pension or investment plan, or are thinking of getting one, you may not know how much good it could do for the world. At HC Financial we have access to pension and investment funds that allow you to invest your money more responsibly. This means that – compared to typical funds that track stock-markets – you can invest less in companies that are harmful to the environment or society, and more into companies which try to help.
So while you are saving towards your retirement you can also do your bit to help build a better future for everyone.
Call us on 091 788000
Email: admin@hcgroup.ie
To find out more about Green Funds and Sustainable Investment Options
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is focused on building a more sustainable future by investing your money in companies and funds that meet strict environmental, social and governance criteria.
When providing advice, the firm considers the adverse impact of investment decisions on sustainability. As part of our research and assessment of products, the firm will examine the Product Providers literature to compare financial products and to make informed investment decisions about ESG products. The firm will at all times act in the client’s best interests and keep clients informed accordingly. The consideration of sustainability risks can impact on the returns of financial products.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental factors refer to an organization’s environmental impact(s) and risk management practices. These include direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, management’s stewardship over natural resources, and the firm’s overall resiliency against physical climate risks (like climate change, flooding, and fires).
SOCIAL
The social pillar refers to an organization’s relationships with stakeholders. Examples of factors that a firm may be measured against include human capital management (HCM) metrics (like fair wages and employee engagement) but also an organization’s impact on the communities in which it operates.
GOVERNANCE
Corporate governance refers to how an organization is led and managed. ESG analysts will seek to understand better how leadership’s incentives are aligned with stakeholder expectations, how shareholder rights are viewed and honored, and what types of internal controls exist to promote transparency and accountability on the part of leadership.
Call us on 091 788000
Email: admin@hcgroup.ie
To find out more about Green Funds and Sustainable Investment Options
We believe in playing our part in a better future for everyone. Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented in the last few years. We are committed to continuing improvements in this area
ENERGY SAVING
All our light fittings in Store Rooms and Toilets are set to come on/off automatically when in use,
SOCIAL
We have an electric Car charging port onsite free to use for an employee with an electric car and an electric company car
REMOTE WORKING
We offer remote working options to our employees so they can cut down on commuting
COMMUNITY
Community is very important to us all at HC and we support, sponsor and engage with our local community groups continuously
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We support, encourage and facilitate continuous professional development and further education opportunities for our employees
RECYCLE & REUSE
As well as operating a recycle and compost bin policy in the office we also recycle all our ink and toner cartridges
ENVIRONMENT
We have a small pollinator friendly garden out in the front of HC Financial with rambling roses and other native blooms.
FLEXIBLE HOURS
We offer flexible work days to many of our employees to help work around their family life
BIKE TO WORK
We backed the Bike to work scheme and have a bike port, shower, changing room at the office to facilitate any employee wishing to cycle to work
GOVERNANCE
Strong Governance and Compliance practices are in place to ensure the highest standards are maintained (regulated by Central Bank of Ireland)