ARA is dedicated to implementing environmental, social, and corporate governance policies reflecting the intent of the U.N.'s Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) across the firm’s investment activities. ARA believes that conducting its activities consistent with such principles can improve our ability to meet commitments to our clients, as well as to align our investment activities with the broader interests of society.
Integrating corporate responsibility practices in our daily investment process is a reflection of our culture, our values, and the manner in which we manage our business. Our dedication to corporate social responsibility at all levels of our business helps contribute to a successful and sustainable future.
Learn more / Browse our Annual Corporate Responsibility Reports: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Founded on the principles of transparency and integrity, ARA recognizes the responsibilities we bear as fiduciaries. We believe our corporate values and governance structure allow us to serve our clients in an honest and ethical manner that permeates all aspects of our business management.
ARA incorporates responsible governance into our investment process and the overall operation of the firm. Overseen by our General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer and involving various committees at the firm, ARA has established policies and procedures and processes consistent with the law and industry best practices to promote lawful and ethical practices within the firm and to ensure that the fiduciary responsibility that ARA owes to its clients is a primary focus for the firm and its employees.
ARA’s longstanding commitment to supporting responsible labor practices has given us decades of practical experience investing on behalf of jointly-trusteed pension funds. Working together with the local building trades, contractors, developers, and lenders, we continue to support the creation of high-quality real estate consistent with our responsible contractor policy that will help to secure the future of plan participants and their beneficiaries for years to come. In addition, we provide clear and straightforward communication and reporting that enables trustees and staff to exercise the diligent oversight required of these funds.
ARA manages our clients’ portfolios in a manner that can benefit society and the environment at large. We are keenly aware of the issues surrounding sustainability and have instituted formal “green” initiatives throughout our investment process. As a fiduciary and investment manager, our risk-control approach goes hand-in-hand with this culture of responsibility. Our sustainability initiatives include:
Evaluation of potential acquisitions for financially attractive green retrofit opportunities using energy and environmental audits
Benchmarking and tracking energy and environmental metrics at the asset level
Sharing of best practices and information with the firm's business partners to increase awareness and knowledge of sustainability initiatives
Periodic reviews of all policies regarding energy usage and environmental impact for all properties under management
1 Buildings that achieve ENERGY STAR scores exceeding 75 are more energy efficient than 75% of buildings in the U.S. of comparable square footage, usage type, and geographic location. These buildings are eligible to receive the ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR certifications are conveyed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are given on an annual basis so must be certified year to year.
2 LEED is a widely used green building rating system. LEED certifications are conveyed by Green Business Certification Inc. and require a project registration and certification fee.
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