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5th Financial Community Update
Sustainability in management, investment strategy and communication
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The 5th Financial Community Update addressed the topic
of sustainable management. Peter Zollinger, Executive Director of SustainAbility Ltd., London and Zürich,
held an introduction in the subject. His speech was followed by a discussion between Dr. Holger Schimanke, Head
Investor Relations of Clariant, and Andreas Knörzer, Head of Sarasin’s Sustainable Investment team.
In his introductory statements, Peter Zollinger pointed out the multiple points of contact to the public of
listed companies are exposed today. A small local crisis can rapidly turn into immense loss of image destroying
massive capital. Today, a lot of companies content themselves to act as „good corporate citizens“
editing social and environmental Surveys without paying much attention to their commitments. Sustainability
asks for a change in the way of the thinking. This process has just started.
„Does a sustainable investment strategy pay a higher return?” The answer to this question, stated
by Andreas Knörzer, was clear: „Yes, it pays off.” In addition, it leverages corporate activities.
Also, the responsible use of recourses shows a positive impact on operating results, especially in the light
of today’s rising prices of commodities such as oil.
Andreas Knörzer recommended informing actively about sustainable business processes. This strategy would
support reducing the workload connected to serving the needs of SRI research institutions. Andreas Knörzer
ensured that the specialists of his team also receive valuable information from further involved organisations
e.g. NGOs. This enables them to draw a complete picture of a company’s mindset regarding sustainability.
Finally, Andreas Knörzer expressed his wish that in the future, at investor presentations and seminars,
more attention will be paid to sustainability. Sustainablility initiative would reinforce the image sent out
to stakeholders, thereby supporting sales of products and services and minimizing risks. Therefore, the crucial
questions to board directors is whether they are willing to increase the priority of sustainability initiatives.
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