“While ESG integration is not new to our investment process, adopting the UN PRI further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to responsible investing,” said Dan Chornous, chief investment officer at RBC GAM. “As investment managers, we have a fiduciary duty to explore all factors that could potentially impact the performance of companies in which we invest.”

The principles are “voluntary and aspirational,” as stated on the organization's website, offering a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practices across asset classes.

There are now 1,380 signatories including asset managers, investment managers and other service providers.

Assets under management by PRI signatories now stands at more than $59 trillion, up from $4 trillion at the PRI’s launch in 2006.