Downing Sustainability and Responsible Investment Report 2025
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Downing Sustainability and Responsible Investment Report 2025
16/1/26
10 min
ESG
Report
What does responsible growth look like?
At Downing, responsible growth is about more than financial returns - it reflects how we grow and manage the business over the long term, from the development of our people to the expansion of our investment capabilities and assets.
For institutional investors, the Report offers a comprehensive overview of our approach to sustainable operational governance and practices as well as integrating ESG considerations across different investment strategies.
Our journey so far
Strategic outlook
Downing’s institutional strategy is built on resilience, adaptability, and transparency. As James Weaver, COO and Co-Deputy CEO, shares in his foreword:
“At Downing, we are committed to operating responsibly and sustainably across all areas of our business. Our decisions shape not only the financial future of our clients but also have a lasting impact on society and the environment. This report reflects our ongoing journey - celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, and setting out our ambitions for the future.”
What’s inside this year’s report?
Integrated governance and strategy
Sustainability oversight is embedded at the highest level, with our Executive Management Team and dedicated sustainability function driving policy and strategy. Board-level accountability, alongside our Responsible Investment Framework and proprietary ESG Scorecard, ensures ESG risks and opportunities are identified and addressed across all investment funds and portfolio companies.
Active stewardship
As signatories to the UN PRI and UK Stewardship Code, we tailor engagement to each investment type, influencing outcomes and driving long-term value. Case studies highlight how targeted stewardship, such as board leadership changes, can unlock sustainable growth and outperform benchmarks.
Climate and nature-related disclosures
Downing continues to enhance climate risk monitoring, TCFD disclosures, and data-driven reporting. Our transition to the CEDA database improves emissions accuracy, and we’re exploring new platforms for comprehensive portfolio reporting.
Portfolio Impact
Energy & Infrastructure: Accelerating the UK’s transition to Net Zero through utility-scale renewables, biodiversity net gain, and local workforce engagement.
Private Equity: Focusing on resilient, needs-driven businesses in healthcare and education, with active engagement to strengthen governance and operational performance.
Public Equity: Prioritising governance-led ESG integration, with leadership driving best practices and transparency.
Whitecross Solar Farm Lincolnshire
You can find out more about all the above by downloading the full report here.
We remain committed to continuous improvement, aligning with global standards, and delivering long-term value for shareholders and investors through investments that matter. Explore the full report for detailed case studies, data, and insights into our evolving approach.
Share
Contents
See full contents
What does responsible growth look like?
At Downing, responsible growth is about more than financial returns - it reflects how we grow and manage the business over the long term, from the development of our people to the expansion of our investment capabilities and assets.
For institutional investors, the Report offers a comprehensive overview of our approach to sustainable operational governance and practices as well as integrating ESG considerations across different investment strategies.
Our journey so far
Strategic outlook
Downing’s institutional strategy is built on resilience, adaptability, and transparency. As James Weaver, COO and Co-Deputy CEO, shares in his foreword:
“At Downing, we are committed to operating responsibly and sustainably across all areas of our business. Our decisions shape not only the financial future of our clients but also have a lasting impact on society and the environment. This report reflects our ongoing journey - celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, and setting out our ambitions for the future.”
What’s inside this year’s report?
Integrated governance and strategy
Sustainability oversight is embedded at the highest level, with our Executive Management Team and dedicated sustainability function driving policy and strategy. Board-level accountability, alongside our Responsible Investment Framework and proprietary ESG Scorecard, ensures ESG risks and opportunities are identified and addressed across all investment funds and portfolio companies.
Active stewardship
As signatories to the UN PRI and UK Stewardship Code, we tailor engagement to each investment type, influencing outcomes and driving long-term value. Case studies highlight how targeted stewardship, such as board leadership changes, can unlock sustainable growth and outperform benchmarks.
Climate and nature-related disclosures
Downing continues to enhance climate risk monitoring, TCFD disclosures, and data-driven reporting. Our transition to the CEDA database improves emissions accuracy, and we’re exploring new platforms for comprehensive portfolio reporting.
Portfolio Impact
Energy & Infrastructure: Accelerating the UK’s transition to Net Zero through utility-scale renewables, biodiversity net gain, and local workforce engagement.
Private Equity: Focusing on resilient, needs-driven businesses in healthcare and education, with active engagement to strengthen governance and operational performance.
Public Equity: Prioritising governance-led ESG integration, with leadership driving best practices and transparency.
Whitecross Solar Farm Lincolnshire
You can find out more about all the above by downloading the full report here.
We remain committed to continuous improvement, aligning with global standards, and delivering long-term value for shareholders and investors through investments that matter. Explore the full report for detailed case studies, data, and insights into our evolving approach.
Share
What does responsible growth look like?
At Downing, responsible growth is about more than financial returns - it reflects how we grow and manage the business over the long term, from the development of our people to the expansion of our investment capabilities and assets.
For institutional investors, the Report offers a comprehensive overview of our approach to sustainable operational governance and practices as well as integrating ESG considerations across different investment strategies.
Our journey so far
Strategic outlook
Downing’s institutional strategy is built on resilience, adaptability, and transparency. As James Weaver, COO and Co-Deputy CEO, shares in his foreword:
“At Downing, we are committed to operating responsibly and sustainably across all areas of our business. Our decisions shape not only the financial future of our clients but also have a lasting impact on society and the environment. This report reflects our ongoing journey - celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, and setting out our ambitions for the future.”
What’s inside this year’s report?
Integrated governance and strategy
Sustainability oversight is embedded at the highest level, with our Executive Management Team and dedicated sustainability function driving policy and strategy. Board-level accountability, alongside our Responsible Investment Framework and proprietary ESG Scorecard, ensures ESG risks and opportunities are identified and addressed across all investment funds and portfolio companies.
Active stewardship
As signatories to the UN PRI and UK Stewardship Code, we tailor engagement to each investment type, influencing outcomes and driving long-term value. Case studies highlight how targeted stewardship, such as board leadership changes, can unlock sustainable growth and outperform benchmarks.
Climate and nature-related disclosures
Downing continues to enhance climate risk monitoring, TCFD disclosures, and data-driven reporting. Our transition to the CEDA database improves emissions accuracy, and we’re exploring new platforms for comprehensive portfolio reporting.
Portfolio Impact
Energy & Infrastructure: Accelerating the UK’s transition to Net Zero through utility-scale renewables, biodiversity net gain, and local workforce engagement.
Private Equity: Focusing on resilient, needs-driven businesses in healthcare and education, with active engagement to strengthen governance and operational performance.
Public Equity: Prioritising governance-led ESG integration, with leadership driving best practices and transparency.
Whitecross Solar Farm Lincolnshire
You can find out more about all the above by downloading the full report here.
We remain committed to continuous improvement, aligning with global standards, and delivering long-term value for shareholders and investors through investments that matter. Explore the full report for detailed case studies, data, and insights into our evolving approach.
Share
What does responsible growth look like?
At Downing, responsible growth is about more than financial returns - it reflects how we grow and manage the business over the long term, from the development of our people to the expansion of our investment capabilities and assets.
For institutional investors, the Report offers a comprehensive overview of our approach to sustainable operational governance and practices as well as integrating ESG considerations across different investment strategies.
Our journey so far
Strategic outlook
Downing’s institutional strategy is built on resilience, adaptability, and transparency. As James Weaver, COO and Co-Deputy CEO, shares in his foreword:
“At Downing, we are committed to operating responsibly and sustainably across all areas of our business. Our decisions shape not only the financial future of our clients but also have a lasting impact on society and the environment. This report reflects our ongoing journey - celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, and setting out our ambitions for the future.”
What’s inside this year’s report?
Integrated governance and strategy
Sustainability oversight is embedded at the highest level, with our Executive Management Team and dedicated sustainability function driving policy and strategy. Board-level accountability, alongside our Responsible Investment Framework and proprietary ESG Scorecard, ensures ESG risks and opportunities are identified and addressed across all investment funds and portfolio companies.
Active stewardship
As signatories to the UN PRI and UK Stewardship Code, we tailor engagement to each investment type, influencing outcomes and driving long-term value. Case studies highlight how targeted stewardship, such as board leadership changes, can unlock sustainable growth and outperform benchmarks.
Climate and nature-related disclosures
Downing continues to enhance climate risk monitoring, TCFD disclosures, and data-driven reporting. Our transition to the CEDA database improves emissions accuracy, and we’re exploring new platforms for comprehensive portfolio reporting.
Portfolio Impact
Energy & Infrastructure: Accelerating the UK’s transition to Net Zero through utility-scale renewables, biodiversity net gain, and local workforce engagement.
Private Equity: Focusing on resilient, needs-driven businesses in healthcare and education, with active engagement to strengthen governance and operational performance.
Public Equity: Prioritising governance-led ESG integration, with leadership driving best practices and transparency.
Whitecross Solar Farm Lincolnshire
You can find out more about all the above by downloading the full report here.
We remain committed to continuous improvement, aligning with global standards, and delivering long-term value for shareholders and investors through investments that matter. Explore the full report for detailed case studies, data, and insights into our evolving approach.
Please fill out the form to download the full report
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Downing LLP does not provide advice or make personal recommendations and investors are strongly urged to seek independent advice before investing. Investments offered on this website carry a higher risk than many other types of investment and prospective investors should be aware that capital is at risk and the value of their investment may go down as well as up. Any investment should only be made on the basis of the relevant product literature and your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 545025). Registered in England No. OC341575. Registered Office: Downing, 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AF.
VAT Number: 112 940 149
