Image of Dream's Indigenous Hub located in the Canary District, Toronto, ON
Impact

Impact investing forms an integral part of who we are, how we invest and how we have done business for more than 25 years.



What is Impact Investing?



Impact investments are investments made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside an attractive financial return.


– Global Impact Investing Network

West Don Lands – Toronto, ON
Aerial Rendering of Zibi Community with views of the water and bridge with cars, surrounded by greenery.
Block 10 – Zibi – Ottawa & Gatineau, ON

Impact investing encompasses more than the investment alone. By managing investments for impact, Dream provides enhanced access to a broad range of investment opportunities that achieve strong market returns with positive, measurable social and environmental outcomes.

July 2021

Impact Investing & Real Estate Management​

September 2021

Social Procurement Strategy

Dream’s impact effort will be consistent with leading industry frameworks. We are committed to an impact management approach that incorporates guidelines from the world’s leading impact and sustainable accounting bodies. Our approach will be guided by:

Intentionality

For every impact investment, Dream creates an impact plan that identifies multiple pathways to impact, each of which is aligned with a UN SDG and has a measurable outcome with key performance indicators.

Measurement

For each pathway, impact will be scored according to various dimensions. We intend to measure our impact efforts in a repeatable, systematic way, consistent with broadly recognized sustainability accounting standards.

Verification

Our processes and our Dream Impact Management System will be verified by a recognized independent firm.

As a signatory to the Operating Principles for Impact Management, Dream is required to release an annual Disclosure Statement, which describes how each of the Impact Principles are integrated into Dream’s investment process, and the extent of alignment with each. Dream is also required to undergo an independent verification of the alignment of its Impact Management System with the Impact Principles at regular intervals. Dream has released its 2022 Impact Principles Disclosure Statement and results of its independent verification from 2021 – please click the links below:

rendering of people enjoying west don lands community
Our Focus

Impact Investing Focus

The Trust is well positioned, with its existing assets and robust development pipeline, to deliver strong financial returns to its stakeholders, while having a meaningful, positive impact along three verticals: Attainable Housing, Inclusive Communities and Resource Efficiency. Our three impact verticals align with the universally recognized and accepted UN SDGs.

Environmental Sustainability and Resilience

Develop sustainable real estate that optimizes energy use, limits greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces water use and waste while also creating resiliency against natural disasters and major climatic events.

Attainable and Affordable Housing

Invest in mixed-income communities that are transit oriented, located close to employment opportunities, and support an overall lower relative cost of living with high quality of life.

Inclusive
Communities

Intentionally design and program communities that are safe and inclusive for everyone. This includes creating spaces that encourage mental and physical health and wellness.

Bright Image of Dream's Indigenous Hub with people on the sidewalk and greenery located in the Canary District, Toronto, ON
Indigenous Hub – Canary District – Toronto, ON
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At Dream, we have taken steps to make us a leader in translating responsible investment into financial, social and environmental results.

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Jamie Cooper

Portfolio Manager, Impact

Dream Community Foundation

The Dream Community Foundation (DCF), is a not-for-profit dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and neighbourhoods across Canada. Building on the Dream impact mandate, the Dream Community Foundation will offer and support the creation of affordable housing and invest in programs and services that create a sense of belonging for vulnerable and low-income tenant populations to thrive.


Dream Partnerships and Associations

Global Impact Investing Network

Dream Unlimited is a member of the Global Impact Investing Network (“GIIN”). The GIIN is the leading non-profit dedicated to increasing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing. Our membership signifies a commitment to deepening our engagement in the impact investing industry.

Dream Unlimited is a signatory to the Operating Principles for Impact Management. The Impact Principles are a standard for systems and processes for the management of investments targeting the achievement of positive social and environmental impact.

Impact Delta

Impact Delta advises leading investment firms on the firm-wide environmental and social impact of their activities. Impact Delta helps develop dedicated impact investing and ESG-focused businesses through its extensive network of seasoned practitioners.

The Trust’s portfolio strategy will be anchored by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UN SDGs”) and it will report its impact performance against the leading standards as they evolve. Together, these verticals are aligned with 13 of the 17 UN SDGs, which have the support of 162 countries and territories.