Our Responsible Investment Policy
At Ediston, we recognise the significant impact real estate has on ESG and Responsible Investment issues such as climate change, health and wellbeing and local economic development. By incorporating ESG considerations into investment decisions and across its operations, Ediston seeks to strengthen long-term value creation, make a positive impact to society and the environment, reduce risks and futureproof clients’ returns.
It is Ediston’s belief that assessment of ESG factors plays a pivotal role in facilitating an understanding of investment risks and opportunities within real estate. Embedding ESG considerations into investment, development and asset management services mitigates sustainability risks and could improve our clients’ investment outcomes, whilst supporting the transition to a greener and more resilient economy.
We are committed to working together with our clients, partners and supply chain to improve the integration of ESG factors into decision making throughout the investment process. That includes identifying material ESG issues and undertaking ESG due diligence for potential acquisitions, improving ESG credentials of new developments and major renovations, and assessing and managing sustainability performance across standing investments.
We are committed to protecting the environment and preventing pollution caused by our investment activities by ensuring these are managed and controlled using best practice systems. We will utilise all reasonable methods to conserve resources including energy and water, while ensuring waste and greenhouse gas emissions are managed in a responsible manner.
Ediston is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and embraces adoption and implementation of the Principles within the real estate industry.
We outlined our approach to Responsible Investment within the three areas where the Company believes its actions will have the most significant impact:
Stewardship and Engagement
- Promote Responsible Investment through industry and cross-sector initiatives.
- Work with clients, partners, managing agents and supply chain to improve ESG credentials, standards and working practices.
- Ensure staff are fully trained on Responsible Investment and are incorporating the principles within their work.
Asset Improvement
- Ensure ESG considerations are embedded into asset management and development services and decision-making processes, with a particular focus on improving efficiency and reducing emissions, and supporting the delivery of clients’ wider ESG goals.
- To better understand the impact on the environment across our clients’ real estate portfolios by asset class; to support our clients in improving performance and mitigating climate-related risks.
Compliance
- Continue to monitor, assess and manage Ediston’s ESG risks, and raise awareness of ESG risk management across our clients’ portfolios.
We are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring transparency of our ESG performance and outcomes through annual disclosure, including through the UN PRI transparency report.
We recognise our responsibility for ESG extends beyond what we do for our clients and with the real estate we manage. We have a responsibility to ensure that our own ESG impact is as positive as we can make it and that we operate as sustainably as we can.
Staff health and wellbeing is key. This has been incorporated into the design of our office where we have sit-stand desks, ergonomic equipment, social spaces as well as quiet spaces for relaxation and reflection. The team has access to bike storage, gym equipment and showers, all of which encourage cycling, running and walking to work. Many team members have utilised our Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Community engagement is important to Ediston. We sponsor an Edinburgh based girls’ under-12 football team, and support SPIFOX, a Scottish charity committed to raising money for Scottish children’s charities.
We are committed to our ESG strategy and to being the best we can be in this regard.
This policy is applicable to all operational areas of Ediston and is reviewed annually.
Ediston’s board holds the overall responsibility for this policy and the implementation of its objectives.
UK Stewardship Code Disclosure
Rule 2.2.3R of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”) requires an FCA-authorised firm to disclose the nature of its commitment to the Financial Reporting Council’s UK Stewardship Code (the “Code”) or, where it does not commit to the Code, its alternative investment strategy.
The Code aims to enhance the quality of engagement between institutional investors and companies to assist in improving long-term returns to investors and the efficient exercise of governance responsibilities. It is to be applied by firms on a “comply or explain” basis.
The Code is a voluntary code, first published in 2010 and subsequently subjected to updates in 2012, 2020 and 2026. The updated Code published in 2026 defines stewardship as “the responsible allocation, management and oversight of capital to create long-term, sustainable value for clients and beneficiaries” and consists of a set of Principles for asset owners and asset managers.
Whilst Ediston Invetsment Services Limited (‘EISL’ or the ‘Firm’) agrees with the aspirations of the Code and the high standards set out in the Code’s Principles, the Firm considers that the Code’s Principles are not presently applicable to its investment strategies and as such, has chosen not to commit to the Code.
Consequently, while EISL generally supports the objectives underlying the Code, the provisions of the Code are not considered to be relevant to the activities currently undertaken by the Firm.
If EISL’s activities change in such a manner that the provisions of the Code become relevant, the Firm will amend this disclosure accordingly.
MIFIDPRU 8 Disclosure
In accordance with MIFIDPRU8 8, the regulatory aim of this disclosure is to enable stakeholders and market participants to have an insight into how the Firm is run. The Firm’s remuneration disclosures can be found here: MIFIDPRU 8.
Complaints Process
If you are unhappy with our service you should contact us immediately. Gregg Carswell is the responsible individual for handling complaints and can be contacted by post, e-mail or telephone using the following details:
Ediston Investment Services Limited, 1 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD
0131 225 5599
Ediston takes every complaint seriously and aims to resolve every complaint fairly and timeously. Your complaint will be handled in accordance with our internal Complaints Procedure, a copy of which is available on request, as well as the relevant rules set out by the Financial Conduct Authority.
In the event we fail to resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, or if we fail to do so within eight weeks of receiving your complaint, you may be entitled to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service and further details are available on their website (http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/)