Summary (English)

This study provides an important rationale for action by large institutional investors that have a financial interest
in the wellbeing of the economy as a whole. By exercising ownership rights and through constructive dialogue with
companies and public policy makers, these “Universal Owners” can encourage the protection of natural capital
needed to maintain the economy and investment returns over the long term.
This research also brings a responsible investor perspective to United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Green Economy Initiative, particularly en route to the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development – also known as “Rio+20”. Indeed this work represents an opportunity to take another step in the transformational process to develop a sustainable global economy.