Sustainable and Responsible Investment Policy of the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University
1. General Provisions
1.1. The Responsible Investment Policy of the Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University (hereinafter – the University) defines the conceptual framework for integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into financial resource management.
1.2. This document is developed in fulfilment of Strategic Goal 7 of the University Development Strategy for 2023–2027 and is based on the principle of institutional autonomy of higher education institutions.
1.3. The University views the integration of ESG factors as a supplementary tool for assessing long-term financial risks and upholding ethical standards.
2. Ethical Guidelines and Restrictions (Screening)
2.1. Within its competence, the University seeks to avoid direct investments in business entities whose activities contradict sustainable values, including:
- Production of tobacco products;
- Extraction of fossil fuels without existing ecological transformation plans;
- Systemic violations of international human rights standards.
2.2. These restrictions apply exclusively to the University’s direct investment decisions and do not extend to the operations of third parties (banking institutions) providing account management services for the University within current legislation.
3. Priority Areas and Positive Selection
3.1. Subject to the availability of appropriate market instruments and compliance with budget legislation, the University gives preference to:
- Financial institutions (partners) that have public ESG strategies;
- Instruments that facilitate energy efficiency and technological modernization of the regional industry;
- Projects supporting post-war reconstruction and the creation of new jobs in the Zaporizhzhia region (Operational Objective 7.4).
4. Climate Aspirations
4.1. The University shares the international aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality (Net-Zero) by 2050 and uses this target as a benchmark for forming a long-term vision for its infrastructure and asset development.
4.2. This commitment is a strategic intent and will be implemented gradually, in accordance with the University’s economic capabilities.
5. Governance and Monitoring
5.1. Coordination of this Policy’s implementation is carried out by the University’s financial department with the consultative support of experts in the field of sustainable development.
5.2. The University applies an “engagement through dialogue” approach: when selecting financial partners, their readiness to disclose information regarding sustainable practices is taken into account.
5.3. Reviewing or terminating relations with financial counterparties due to non-compliance with ESG criteria is considered a measure of last resort, provided that alternative instruments are available that do not jeopardize the University’s financial stability.
6. Reporting and Educational Integration
6.1. Generalized information on responsible investment activities may be included in the University’s annual public report (Operational Objective 7.5).
6.2. The provisions of this Policy may be used as educational material for students of technical and economic specialties within the framework of studying sustainable development concepts.
7. Safeguards under Martial Law
7.1. Ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the University, preserving human capital, and supporting the national security and defence of Ukraine are unconditional priorities that take precedence over any ESG criteria.
7.2. In cases of limited choice of financial instruments caused by martial law or legislative restrictions, the University makes decisions based on the principles of economic expediency and security; such decisions shall not be considered a violation of this Policy.
