WINNIPEG, MB, June 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Artis Real Estate Investment
Trust ("Artis" or the "REIT") (TSX: AX.UN) announced today that it
has published its annual Environmental, Social and Governance
("ESG") Report, providing an update on the REIT's ESG practices,
policies and objectives and highlighting the progress made in
2020.
"I am pleased to share Artis' annual ESG Report with our
stakeholders, demonstrating our commitment to making ESG a core
component of our go-forward vision and strategy for Artis. My goal
is to create and foster an environment in which ESG is woven into
the very fabric of our business and forms an integral part of our
day-to-day operations and culture – a true ESG-minded company,"
said Samir Manji, President and CEO
of Artis. "This extends beyond our board, senior executives and
employees to our investment decisions and our role with many
stakeholders and the broader community. We will strive to be
sustainability leaders, and to demonstrate a high standard of ESG
consciousness and best-in-class practices and look forward to
proving our commitment through ongoing review, transparency and
performance."
Select highlights from Artis' 2020 ESG Report
include:
- diversification on the Board of Trustees, including 57% female
representation and 29% Black, Indigenous and People of Colour
representation
- diversification throughout the organization, including 67%
female representation in C-suite positions and 50% female
representation across the company
- adoption of improved Board Mandate, Committee Charters,
Position Descriptions and various governance policies
- implementation of an enhanced Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics, Whistleblower Protection Policy and Insider Trading and
Blackout Policy
- certification achieved or maintained by Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design ("LEED") of 15 properties, by Building
Owners and Managers Association ("BOMA") Building Environmental
Standards ("BEST") of 17 properties and by Energy Star of 20
properties
- implementation of new software to analyze, report on and reduce
consumption in the portfolio
- recognition as one of Canada's
Top Small and Medium Employers and Manitoba's Top Employers for 2020
- prioritization of health and wellness initiatives for
employees, including healthy lifestyle challenges and webinars
related to stress and personal finance management to offer support
and connectivity during a year of unprecedented change related to
the COVID-19 pandemic
A copy of the ESG Report can be found on Artis' website at:
www.artisreit.com/about-us/environmental-social-governance/.
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Artis is a diversified Canadian real estate investment trust
with a portfolio of industrial, office and retail properties in
Canada and the United States. Artis' vision is to build a
best-in-class asset management and investment platform focused on
growing net asset value per unit and distributions for investors
through value investing in real estate.
SOURCE Artis Real Estate Investment Trust