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
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.
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 inaugural 2021 Disclosure Statement and results of its first verification – please click the links below:
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.
At Dream, we have taken steps to make us a leader in translating responsible investment into financial, social and environmental results.
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
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 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.