Our commitment to responsible investing isn’t separate from our return objectives—it’s integral to identifying investments that build long-term value and resilience. The example below illustrates how sustainable practices create both meaningful social impact and stronger business fundamentals.

Riverwater BLUE Impact Spotlight: Advancing Human Rights in Global Supply Chains

Calvert Asset Management

Calvert Asset Management, a pioneer in responsible investing, has over four decades of experience in active stewardship and has helped found key initiatives like the Carbon Disclosure Project and Principles for Responsible Investment.

Dual-Purpose Stewardship Strategy

Calvert’s stewardship strategy focuses on a dual purpose of creating long-term value for clients while driving positive global change. The firm works directly with portfolio companies to encourage improved corporate behaviors and with collaborative partners to further amplify impact.

Key 2024 Engagement Statistics:

• 216 companies engaged across 19 countries
• Coverage across every business sector
• Focus on measurable ESG improvements

Case Study: Combating Child Labor in Cocoa Supply Chains

The Challenge

A key engagement priority has been advancing human rights in global supply chains. Calvert has partnered with major chocolate brands to combat widespread child labor on West African cocoa farms. Despite previous industry efforts, nearly half of children in agricultural regions remain engaged in labor.

Root Cause Analysis

Through research and stakeholder dialogue, Calvert identified that low farmer income is a key driver of this issue, as farms cannot afford to pay adult workers living wages, perpetuating the cycle of child labor.

Collaborative Solution

In response, Calvert is collaborating with multiple stakeholders to promote higher farmer incomes:

• Chocolate companies
• Cocoa traders
• NGOs
• Community organizations

Measurable Impact

All engaged companies have taken concrete steps to support local communities, with many launching initiatives to raise earnings for cocoa farmers.

Investment Returns Through Social Impact

Aligned with Calvert’s dual purpose of creating long-term financial value and positive societal change, increased wages for cocoa producers aims to deliver multiple benefits:

• Supply Chain Resilience: Supports farm and chocolate industry stability
• Risk Mitigation: Reduces poverty-related operational risks
• Regulatory Compliance: Upholds human rights standards
• Brand Value: Strengthens company reputation and consumer trust

Creating Long-Term Value for Our Clients