Responsible investing – test
At Abris, there is no distinction between ‘investing’ and ‘responsible investing’. We believe that companies that lead on ESG will deliver better long-term returns for investors. ESG is therefore a guiding principle, encapsulated in our philosophy as a firm and central to our approach to investment decision making and value creation.
ESG excellence is embedded at all levels of our organization and throughout our investment processes, from pre-DD through to exit. We have made our commitment to ESG visible and quantifiable. Our ESG Framework and the tools we have developed to measure and report on our impact are industry leading, and we have committed to a process of continual learning to ensure we stay at the forefront of best practice.
“Companies that lead on ESG will deliver better long-term returns for investors.”
B Corporation
In 2023, we were certified as a B Corporation, becoming the first private equity firm in Central Europe to receive this recognition. B Corp status is the most prestigious, globally recognised ESG accreditation for businesses that demonstrate the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. By being part of this influential global movement, we hope to further build trust with entrepreneurs and managers; attract and retain employees; and draw mission-aligned investors. We hope to inspire other firms, and further our own education and commitment to sustainable investing.
Visit our B Corp page.
Our ESG Framework
Responsible Investment Policy
The Abris Responsible Investment Policy defines our responsibilities, presents our investment process path, and defines the rules of transparency.
We have developed our framework, policies and the flagship programmes in order to maximise the positive environmental and social impact of our own activities and those of our portfolio companies. In addition, Abris has an important part to play in working towards specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable world.
ESG Universe
Abris’ ESG Universe strategy – described in detail in our ESG Reports – sets our responsible investment direction for the coming years. The strategy operates on a three-year cycle, allowing us to process lessons learnt, set new targets and launch new projects regularly.
ESG Universe 2023 encompasses 17 initiatives across governance and culture, standards, education and carbon neutrality. The strategy retains the clear goal of supporting value creation across the Abris portfolio, but at the same time includes the ambitious target of achieving a carbon neutral portfolio by 2025 and puts in place net-zero action plans for each individual portfolio company.
Our flagship programmes
- Climate Manifesto – program setting out how we will reach carbon neutrality across our portfolio by 2025, prepare for net zero and ensure we and our portfolio companies lead the field in terms of sustainable investment.
- DEI Code – our approach to cognitive diversity, setting out how we will promote diversity, equity and inclusion across our portfolio.
- Corporate Governance Model – launched in 2020 with the primary goal of strengthening standards of corporate governance across our portfolio.
Our flagship programmes are described in detail in our ESG Reports.
Our proprietary tools
- ESG Scoring Application – proprietary software that tracks more than 600 metrics at each portfolio company and allows us to measure and analyse ESG actions across our portfolio.
- ESG Exit Path – tailored action plan for each portfolio company, created on entry, that defining the ESG goals we need to achieve at exit.
- Carbon Footprint Calculator – proprietary tool that allows us to calculate CO2 emissions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 at each portfolio company. Shared with the industry via Invest Europe.
ESG Reports
Abris’ annual ESG Reports are an important opportunity to reflect on progress made, learn from our experiences and set out new priorities for the coming years. In each report, you can review our philosophy and framework, discover the new programmes and projects we have launched and read a full review of developments at all our portfolio companies. View our reports here.
Contact us to find out more about our ESG programs.
