Boston Common Asset Management

Operating Principles

We endeavor to:

Be responsible stewards of our clients’ assets by seeking competitive investment returns from thoughtfully constructed portfolios of companies that can contribute to and benefit from sustainable global growth.
Provide high-quality client service that is responsive, timely, and wherever possible, proactive.
Use our voice as representatives of shareowners effectively, working to advance the global dialogue on sustainable growth, and encouraging responsible corporate conduct within a market framework.
Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior and fiduciary responsibility.
Provide a rewarding and supportive work environment that allows Boston Common’s team members to work together to achieve client objectives as well as personal growth goals.
Be responsible members of our community as individuals and as an organization.

Walking Our Talk

As a firm, we are committed to "walking our talk," and we look for innovative ways to incorporate the sustainable practices we seek in our portfolio companies into our own company culture.

Carbon Neutrality

Since 2005, Boston Common has offset its annual carbon emissions by supporting sustainable reforestation in South America through Camino Verde (2015), South Pole Group (2009-2014) Las Gaviotas of the Marion Institute (2005-2008) We include employee commuting and travel, as well as visitors’ travel, in our emissions calculations. In 2015, we signed the Montreal Carbon Pledge, which commits us to measure and publicly disclose the carbon footprint of our investment portfolios annually.

Composting & Recycling

We encourage our employees and office visitors to compost. Our office composting program has diverted more than 150 gallons of waste from the garbage stream. We also helped initiate a more robust commingled recycling program in our office building.

Employee Ownership

As a firm, we are committed to employee ownership, profit sharing, and a culture in which diverse perspectives are welcomed and encouraged. During the 2008-2009 financial crisis for example, senior members of the firm agreed to voluntarily reduce their compensation in order to protect the jobs of all employees. Boston Common is women-led and majority employee-owned.

Diversity as a Women-led Firm

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, because we believe diversity enriches our efforts and aligns with our integrated investment approach. Boston Common is an Affirmative Action-Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information or any other protected status.

Responsible Purchasing

Our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) analysts vet our own office purchases—from furniture and appliances to 100% post-consumer waste paper—to ensure the same standards and best-practices we look for in the companies in which we invest. We purchase reusable, recyclable, and recycled products whenever possible— such as compostable plates and cutlery—for use in our office.

Charitable Giving

On behalf of our clients, Boston Common is a sustaining contributor to four organizations annually. Past contributions have supported: Boston Women's Fund, Community Works, Doctors without Borders, First Peoples Worldwide, Friends of the Congo, Goodweave, International Indian Treaty Council, Oxfam America, The Pachamama Alliance, Partners In Health, Rugmark Foundation, U.S. Campaign for Burma, and Women for Women International

Employee-Directed Donations

Boston Common donates $200 annually to the secular charitable organization of each employee's choosing.

Employee Volunteerism

In addition to our firm-organized community service days, we encourage our staff to participate in their own community and social outreach projects. Boston Common supports our employees in these endeavors by providing 2 Service Days each year dedicated to the volunteer opportunity of their choice.

Community Service

As a firm, Boston Common employees participate in an annual community service day. In 2014, we volunteered at the Pine Street Inn, and in 2015 at Cradles to Crayons. In 2015-16 we observed “Stand Against Racism.”