Sustainable Investment Policy

Coordination Office of Corporate Planning and Data Management

1. Introduction and Purpose

This policy document has been prepared to ensure that Atılım University adopts a long-term sustainable value creation approach that aligns with environmental, social, and governance criteria when managing its financial assets.

The Sustainable Investment Policy has the following core objectives:

  • Directing the financial investments of the University in line with social benefit, environmental responsibility, and ethical management principles.
  • Basing strategic investment decisions on transparent, accountable, and measurable standards.
  • Integrating the corporate sustainability vision of the University into its financial management processes.
  • Solidifying its position as a leading institution in the field of sustainability within the academic and administrative community, stakeholders, and society.
  • Referring to the processes established for the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

2. Policy Scope

When making investment decisions, environmental, social, and governance criteria are taken into consideration, along with the financial risk-return balance. The Sustainable Investment Policy encompasses the following mechanisms:

  • The financial investment portfolio
  • Capital market instruments,
  • Deposits and investment funds,
  • Bonds and similar debt instruments,
  • Venture capital and impact investments,
  • Sustainable strategic investment plans

3. Core Principles and Values

3.1. Academic and Ethical Responsibility

Atılım University takes into consideration the principles of public interest, academic ethics, scientific integrity, and social responsibility in its investment processes.  Due to the identity of the University, investment decisions are regarded not only as economic tools but also as value-generating social commitments.

3.2. Environmental, Social, Governance Integration

Environmental, social and governance criteria are applied in a holistic manner in the evaluation of investments:

  • Environmental aspect: Carbon emissions, energy efficiency, renewable energy use, waste and water management, impacts on biodiversity.
  • Social aspect: Employee rights, occupational health and safety, equality and inclusion, social impact, stakeholder relations.
  • Governance aspect: Ethical management, anti-corruption, data security, transparency of the management structure and accountability.

4. Investment Strategy

4.1. Positive Direction

Atılım University prioritizes companies and funds that have carbon neutrality targets, strong sustainability reporting, and invest in innovative green technologies.

4.2. Negative Elimination

Investment instruments with low environmental, social and governance compliance, governance issues or high environmental risk are systematically excluded from the portfolio.

4.3. Impact Investment

In accordance with the research policy of the University, resources may be allocated to investments that aim to generate measurable social and environmental impact along with financial returns. In this context; the following may be supported:

  • Renewable energy projects,
  • Clean technology practices,
  • Sustainable systems,
  • Social entrepreneurship projects.

4.4. Internal Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability-oriented projects developed by students, and our academic and administrative staff, as well as our research centers are backed in terms of investment and grant capital; while the criteria of innovation, social benefit, and applicability are taken into account in project evaluations.