OREANDA-NEWS. KKR, a leading global investment firm, today released its sixth annual Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Citizenship Report, taking a fresh approach to discussing responsible investment. This year's report examines five global challenges and opportunities that are affecting KKR, its portfolio companies, and investors: adapting to climate change, supporting better agriculture, treating and preventing disease, investing in infrastructure, and managing resource constraints.

"As investors, we have an opportunity to be part of the solution to these critical global challenges," said Ken Mehlman, Member and Global Head of Public Affairs. "We can build enterprises that improve the environment, build human capital, enhance food safety, and prevent and treat diseases. We can also help our companies adopt best ESG practices. This report addresses both."

Since KKR's founding 40 years ago, the Firm's approach to investing has evolved to incorporate the thoughtful consideration of critical factors, including ESG issues, in the decision-making process and management of companies in certain asset classes. The ESG and Citizenship Report showcases KKR's expanded responsible investment efforts and demonstrates KKR's commitment to incorporating ESG considerations into how the Firm invests.

Highlights from the 2015 report include:

  • $1.6 billion in renewables - Since 2011, KKR has deployed $1.6 billion globally behind solar, wind, and district heating as part of KKR's diversified approach to infrastructure and energy investments.
  • Green Solutions Platform - Building on nearly eight years of environmental and financial impact from the Green Portfolio Program, KKR re-launched its pioneering environmental initiative in December 2015 under a new name, and with an expanded mission. As part of this announcement, KKR released results for 22 participating companies across four asset classes highlighting projects focused on eco-efficiency, eco-innovation, and eco-solution.
  • Focus on better agriculture - KKR expanded its investments in Chinese agricultural companies with a focus on food safety to help address the growing demand for safer dairy, meat, and poultry products in the region. Additionally, these portfolio companies are increasing their focus on agricultural innovation and sustainability to meet rising food demands while using fewer natural resources.
  • Diversity and inclusion - The Firm continued to recognize the importance of improving talent management by focusing on diversity and inclusion, employee benefits and resources, and training and development.
  • Community impact - KKR completed a third pro bono impact investing assistance project, through which employees provided financial, operational, and analytical expertise to the social enterprise Banyan Nation in India.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world?class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds.