VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund

SRI Style:

Environmental Style

SDR Labelling:

Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Product:

OEIC

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Mixed Asset

Launch Date:

18/12/2017

Last Amended:

Jul 2024

Dialshifter ():

Fund Size:

£324.05m

(as at: 30/04/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£324.05m

Total Responsible Ownership Assets:

£324.05m

Total Assets Under Management:

£1023.00m

ISIN:

GB00BFN4H792, GB00BFN4H800, GB00BFN4H917, GB00BFN4H461, GB00BFN4H578, GB00BFN4H685, GB00BFN4HF75, GB00BDDVLJ60, GB00BDDVLK75, GB00BFN4HB38, GB00BFN4HC45, GB00BFN4HD51

Objectives:

The investment objective of the VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is to generate income and preserve capital with the potential for capital growth. The Fund will aim to meet its objectives by investing in listed securities whose primary activity or exposure is within the clean energy sector. The Fund invests primarily in equities however, the Fund may also invest in other transferable securities, bonds, collective investment schemes, money market instruments, deposits, cash and near cash. Other than as noted in the policy there is no particular emphasis on any geographical area or industry or economic sector.

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

The VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is managed in line with a Responsible Investment Statement and selects investments that have a significant involvement in clean energy by:

  • The ownership of renewable energy assets and the generation of clean energy
  • Direct linkage to renewable energy through funding, construction, and the supply chain
  • Improving energy generation, supply, and usage (including increasing efficiency and reducing pollutants)


The investment objective of the VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is to generate income and preserve capital with the potential for capital growth. The Fund will aim to meet its objectives by investing primarily in listed equities whose primary activity or exposure is within the clean energy sector. In addition to investing in equities, the Fund may also invest in other transferable securities, bonds, collective investment schemes, money market instruments, deposits, cash and near cash.

Primary fund last amended:

Jul 2024

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus

Find funds that specifically aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Fast fashion exclusion

Find funds that exclude companies involved in the ‘fast fashion’ sector - these funds will typically be of the view that this area is unsustainable and prone to low environmental and social standards.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Alcohol production excluded

Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.

Gambling avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.

Pornography avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Child labour exclusion

Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.

Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy

Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Modern slavery exclusion policy

The fund has a policy which excludes assets with involvement in Modern Slavery

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Invests > 5% in social housing

Find funds that have significant investment in social housing or similar assets.

Invests > 50% in social housing

Find funds that invest more than 50% in social housing or similar assets.

Invests > 5% in social bonds

Find funds that invest in ‘social bonds’ which raise funds for the purpose of financing projects with positive social (people related) outcomes.

Invests > 50% in social bonds

Find funds that invests more than 50% in social bonds which raise funds for the purpose of financing projects with positive social (people related) outcomes.

Green infrastructure focus

Fund focuses on (ie directs a significant proportion of its investment towards) green infrastructure, eg the clean energy supply chain. See fund details.

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Banking exclusion

Will not invest in any banks.

Financial institutions exclusion

Exclude all companies in the banking, insurance, finance and related sectors.

Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments

Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.

Exclude all or most insurance companies

Find funds that explicitly avoid investing in insurance companies, typically because of the organisations they insure. See fund literature for more information as strategies vary.

Exclude insurers of major fossil fuel companies

Find funds that avoid investing in insurance companies that insure major fossil fuels companies – particularly coal, oil and gas. Strategies (eg definition of ‘major’) vary. See fund literature for further information.

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Asset Size
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets

Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests > 5% in sustainable bonds

Invests in loan stock that is exclusively used to finance environmental and social projects. See ICMA Sustainable Bond Guidelines.

Invest > 5% in transition bonds

Invests in loan stock that is supporting or enabling the shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Strategies vary significantly and may or may not be linked to specific outcomes.

Invests > 5% in green bonds

Find funds that invest in green bonds (also known as climate bonds) which encourage sustainability and support climate related or special environmental projects. Please check fund literature for specific % of assets invested in this area.

Invests > 50% in green bonds

Find funds that invest more than 50% in green bonds (also known as climate bonds) which encourage sustainability and support climate related or special environmental projects. Please check fund literature for specific % of assets invested in this area.

Impact Methodologies
Positive environmental impact theme

Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Single resource theme or focus

Single resource themed funds focus their investment strategy on a single natural 'resource' eg water. See fund information for further detail.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Do not use stock / securities lending

This fund does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets

No ‘diversifiers’ used other than cash

Fund that only invest in cash to aid the practical management (buying and selling) of assets. These funds do not use additional financial instruments.

Labels & Accreditations
RSMR rated (OEIC funds only)

Find funds that are rated by research agency 'Rayner Spencer Mills Research' (awarded 'RSMR Rated' status). Read fund literature or contact RSMR for further information.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

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Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

Resources
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
B Corp certified (AFM company wide)

Fund manager has achieved accreditation which requires them to articulate their purpose and have high environmental and social standards.

PRI A+ rated (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'

UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Engaging to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Tobacco avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in tobacco (manufacturing) companies across all their assets.

Fossil fuel exclusion policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in fossil fuel companies (e.g. coal, oil and gas) across all of their funds. (and/ or other assets.)

Coal exclusion policy (group wide coal mining exclusion policy)

This asset manager excludes direct investment in the coal mining industry. Managers ability to do this may depend on the geographic regions in which they invest.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM company wide)

Fund management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund selects investments that have significant involvement in clean energy.

 

Exclusionary Criteria:

The Fund will avoid investment in companies with significant involvement in controversial activities, including those that contradict with the stated aims of the fund.

  • Controversial activities include significant involvement in: armaments, alcohol, gambling, pornography and tobacco. Significant involvement is defined as greater than 5% of revenue. 
  • Companies with ongoing or persistent involvement in human rights abuses will be avoided.
  • No involvement in production of coal, or generation of power from coal is acceptable
  • No involvement in production of power from nuclear fuel is acceptable. Companies indirectly involved in the nuclear industry, such as providing maintenance and services, are acceptable.

The Fund Adviser reserves the right to avoid investment in other activities not listed above where they are also deemed in conflict with the overall Fund aim.


External Screening:


We have engaged a third party company who conduct screening on all holdings within the portfolio. They produce reports detailing any environmental, social or governance issues related to each holding – particularly in reference to the fund’s Responsible Investment Statement (RIS) and stated aims. These reports are used by the Fund Adviser in the decision-making process when deciding whether something should be held by the Fund.

Process:

The VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is managed in line with a Responsible Investment Statement and selects investments that have a significant involvement in clean energy by:

  • The ownership of renewable energy assets and the generation of clean energy
  • Direct linkage to renewable energy through funding, construction, and the supply chain
  • Improving energy generation, supply, and usage (including increasing efficiency and reducing pollutants)


ESG:

Environmental

Attention will be given to the environmental performance of the selected investments. For an investment to be deemed suitable for the Fund, it must demonstrate a commitment to environmental improvements, through policy, management systems or positive products. Consideration will also be given to potential negative incidents and environmental controversies, including pollution events and environmentally related fines. In the energy sector there remains a legacy of nuclear and fossil fuel generation - for companies involved in multiple generation methods natural gas is deemed acceptable, whereas any involvement in coal and nuclear activities is deemed unacceptable.

Social

In selecting suitable investments consideration will be given to the management of social impacts, including:

  • Community impacts
  • Labour rights
  • Supply chains and modern slavery

Governance

In selecting suitable investments, consideration will be given to governance issues including:

  • Company ownership and control structure
  • Remuneration of board members
  • Taxation
  • Corruption & Bribery (including fraud and market manipulation)

 

The Fund will avoid investment in companies with significant involvement in controversial activities, including those that contradict with the stated aims of the fund.

  • Controversial activities include significant involvement in: armaments, alcohol, gambling, pornography and tobacco. Significant involvement is defined as greater than 5% of revenue.
  • Companies with ongoing or persistent involvement in human rights abuses will be avoided.
  • No involvement in production of coal, or generation of power from coal is acceptable
  • No involvement in production of power from nuclear fuel is acceptable. Companies indirectly involved in the nuclear industry, such as providing maintenance and services, are acceptable.


The Fund Adviser reserves the right to avoid investment in other activities not listed above where they are also deemed in conflict with the overall Fund aim.

We have engaged a third party company who conduct screening on all holdings within the portfolio. They produce reports detailing any environmental, social or governance issues related to each holding – particularly in reference to the fund’s Responsible Investment Statement (RIS) and stated aims. These reports are used by the Fund Adviser in the decision-making process when deciding whether something should be held by the Fund.

 

 

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Gravis has been a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment since January 2019. Other affiliations include - UN Global Compact Network UK, Investors in People, UK Stewardship Code and support the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures. In March 2024, Gravis also became certified as a B Corporation.


 

SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Key Performance Indicators:

The Fund is managed in line with a Responsible Investment Statement and separately we have engaged a third-party company who conduct screening on all holdings within the portfolio. They produce reports detailing any environmental, social or governance issues related to each holding – particularly in reference to the Fund’s Responsible Investment Statement (RIS) and stated aims. These reports are used by the Fund Adviser in the decision-making process when deciding whether something should be held by the Fund.

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund

Environmental Style Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics OEIC Global Mixed Asset 18/12/2017 Jul 2024

Objectives

The investment objective of the VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is to generate income and preserve capital with the potential for capital growth. The Fund will aim to meet its objectives by investing in listed securities whose primary activity or exposure is within the clean energy sector. The Fund invests primarily in equities however, the Fund may also invest in other transferable securities, bonds, collective investment schemes, money market instruments, deposits, cash and near cash. Other than as noted in the policy there is no particular emphasis on any geographical area or industry or economic sector.

Fund Size: £324.05m

(as at: 30/04/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £324.05m

(as at: 30/04/2024)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £324.05m

(as at: 30/04/2024)

Total Assets Under Management: £1023.00m

(as at: 30/04/2024)

ISIN: GB00BFN4H792, GB00BFN4H800, GB00BFN4H917, GB00BFN4H461, GB00BFN4H578, GB00BFN4H685, GB00BFN4HF75, GB00BDDVLJ60, GB00BDDVLK75, GB00BFN4HB38, GB00BFN4HC45, GB00BFN4HD51

Contact Us: jacob.kett@graviscapital.com

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

The VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is managed in line with a Responsible Investment Statement and selects investments that have a significant involvement in clean energy by:

  • The ownership of renewable energy assets and the generation of clean energy
  • Direct linkage to renewable energy through funding, construction, and the supply chain
  • Improving energy generation, supply, and usage (including increasing efficiency and reducing pollutants)


The investment objective of the VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is to generate income and preserve capital with the potential for capital growth. The Fund will aim to meet its objectives by investing primarily in listed equities whose primary activity or exposure is within the clean energy sector. In addition to investing in equities, the Fund may also invest in other transferable securities, bonds, collective investment schemes, money market instruments, deposits, cash and near cash.

Primary fund last amended: Jul 2024

Information received directly from Fund Manager

Please select what you would like to read:

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus

Find funds that specifically aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Fast fashion exclusion

Find funds that exclude companies involved in the ‘fast fashion’ sector - these funds will typically be of the view that this area is unsustainable and prone to low environmental and social standards.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Alcohol production excluded

Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.

Gambling avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.

Pornography avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Child labour exclusion

Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.

Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy

Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Modern slavery exclusion policy

The fund has a policy which excludes assets with involvement in Modern Slavery

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Invests > 5% in social housing

Find funds that have significant investment in social housing or similar assets.

Invests > 50% in social housing

Find funds that invest more than 50% in social housing or similar assets.

Invests > 5% in social bonds

Find funds that invest in ‘social bonds’ which raise funds for the purpose of financing projects with positive social (people related) outcomes.

Invests > 50% in social bonds

Find funds that invests more than 50% in social bonds which raise funds for the purpose of financing projects with positive social (people related) outcomes.

Green infrastructure focus

Fund focuses on (ie directs a significant proportion of its investment towards) green infrastructure, eg the clean energy supply chain. See fund details.

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Banking exclusion

Will not invest in any banks.

Financial institutions exclusion

Exclude all companies in the banking, insurance, finance and related sectors.

Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments

Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.

Exclude all or most insurance companies

Find funds that explicitly avoid investing in insurance companies, typically because of the organisations they insure. See fund literature for more information as strategies vary.

Exclude insurers of major fossil fuel companies

Find funds that avoid investing in insurance companies that insure major fossil fuels companies – particularly coal, oil and gas. Strategies (eg definition of ‘major’) vary. See fund literature for further information.

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Asset Size
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets

Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests > 5% in sustainable bonds

Invests in loan stock that is exclusively used to finance environmental and social projects. See ICMA Sustainable Bond Guidelines.

Invest > 5% in transition bonds

Invests in loan stock that is supporting or enabling the shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Strategies vary significantly and may or may not be linked to specific outcomes.

Invests > 5% in green bonds

Find funds that invest in green bonds (also known as climate bonds) which encourage sustainability and support climate related or special environmental projects. Please check fund literature for specific % of assets invested in this area.

Invests > 50% in green bonds

Find funds that invest more than 50% in green bonds (also known as climate bonds) which encourage sustainability and support climate related or special environmental projects. Please check fund literature for specific % of assets invested in this area.

Impact Methodologies
Positive environmental impact theme

Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Single resource theme or focus

Single resource themed funds focus their investment strategy on a single natural 'resource' eg water. See fund information for further detail.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Do not use stock / securities lending

This fund does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets

No ‘diversifiers’ used other than cash

Fund that only invest in cash to aid the practical management (buying and selling) of assets. These funds do not use additional financial instruments.

Labels & Accreditations
RSMR rated (OEIC funds only)

Find funds that are rated by research agency 'Rayner Spencer Mills Research' (awarded 'RSMR Rated' status). Read fund literature or contact RSMR for further information.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

Resources
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
B Corp certified (AFM company wide)

Fund manager has achieved accreditation which requires them to articulate their purpose and have high environmental and social standards.

PRI A+ rated (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'

UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Engaging to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Tobacco avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in tobacco (manufacturing) companies across all their assets.

Fossil fuel exclusion policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in fossil fuel companies (e.g. coal, oil and gas) across all of their funds. (and/ or other assets.)

Coal exclusion policy (group wide coal mining exclusion policy)

This asset manager excludes direct investment in the coal mining industry. Managers ability to do this may depend on the geographic regions in which they invest.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM company wide)

Fund management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund selects investments that have significant involvement in clean energy.

 

Exclusionary Criteria:

The Fund will avoid investment in companies with significant involvement in controversial activities, including those that contradict with the stated aims of the fund.

  • Controversial activities include significant involvement in: armaments, alcohol, gambling, pornography and tobacco. Significant involvement is defined as greater than 5% of revenue. 
  • Companies with ongoing or persistent involvement in human rights abuses will be avoided.
  • No involvement in production of coal, or generation of power from coal is acceptable
  • No involvement in production of power from nuclear fuel is acceptable. Companies indirectly involved in the nuclear industry, such as providing maintenance and services, are acceptable.

The Fund Adviser reserves the right to avoid investment in other activities not listed above where they are also deemed in conflict with the overall Fund aim.


External Screening:


We have engaged a third party company who conduct screening on all holdings within the portfolio. They produce reports detailing any environmental, social or governance issues related to each holding – particularly in reference to the fund’s Responsible Investment Statement (RIS) and stated aims. These reports are used by the Fund Adviser in the decision-making process when deciding whether something should be held by the Fund.

Process:

The VT Gravis Clean Energy Income Fund is managed in line with a Responsible Investment Statement and selects investments that have a significant involvement in clean energy by:

  • The ownership of renewable energy assets and the generation of clean energy
  • Direct linkage to renewable energy through funding, construction, and the supply chain
  • Improving energy generation, supply, and usage (including increasing efficiency and reducing pollutants)


ESG:

Environmental

Attention will be given to the environmental performance of the selected investments. For an investment to be deemed suitable for the Fund, it must demonstrate a commitment to environmental improvements, through policy, management systems or positive products. Consideration will also be given to potential negative incidents and environmental controversies, including pollution events and environmentally related fines. In the energy sector there remains a legacy of nuclear and fossil fuel generation - for companies involved in multiple generation methods natural gas is deemed acceptable, whereas any involvement in coal and nuclear activities is deemed unacceptable.

Social

In selecting suitable investments consideration will be given to the management of social impacts, including:

  • Community impacts
  • Labour rights
  • Supply chains and modern slavery

Governance

In selecting suitable investments, consideration will be given to governance issues including:

  • Company ownership and control structure
  • Remuneration of board members
  • Taxation
  • Corruption & Bribery (including fraud and market manipulation)

 

The Fund will avoid investment in companies with significant involvement in controversial activities, including those that contradict with the stated aims of the fund.

  • Controversial activities include significant involvement in: armaments, alcohol, gambling, pornography and tobacco. Significant involvement is defined as greater than 5% of revenue.
  • Companies with ongoing or persistent involvement in human rights abuses will be avoided.
  • No involvement in production of coal, or generation of power from coal is acceptable
  • No involvement in production of power from nuclear fuel is acceptable. Companies indirectly involved in the nuclear industry, such as providing maintenance and services, are acceptable.


The Fund Adviser reserves the right to avoid investment in other activities not listed above where they are also deemed in conflict with the overall Fund aim.

We have engaged a third party company who conduct screening on all holdings within the portfolio. They produce reports detailing any environmental, social or governance issues related to each holding – particularly in reference to the fund’s Responsible Investment Statement (RIS) and stated aims. These reports are used by the Fund Adviser in the decision-making process when deciding whether something should be held by the Fund.

 

 

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Gravis has been a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment since January 2019. Other affiliations include - UN Global Compact Network UK, Investors in People, UK Stewardship Code and support the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures. In March 2024, Gravis also became certified as a B Corporation.


 

SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Key Performance Indicators:

The Fund is managed in line with a Responsible Investment Statement and separately we have engaged a third-party company who conduct screening on all holdings within the portfolio. They produce reports detailing any environmental, social or governance issues related to each holding – particularly in reference to the Fund’s Responsible Investment Statement (RIS) and stated aims. These reports are used by the Fund Adviser in the decision-making process when deciding whether something should be held by the Fund.