Investing for Environmental and Social Impact | Tufts Now – Tufts Now

Investing for Environmental and Social Impact | Tufts Now Tufts NowInvesting for Environmental and Social Impact | Tufts Now Tufts NowInvesting for Environmental and Social Impact | Tufts Now Tufts Now

The devastating effects of climate change are being demonstrated by the destruction of wildfires and other severe weather events. Entrepreneurs Jason Epstein, A96, as well as Chloe Epstein J96, are helping Tufts students learn how they can steer their businesses to help them succeed. ESG investing is a strategic approach that investment managers and businesses use to analyze the complex factors that affect how companies align their products and processes with sustainability goals. These results, also known as a corporate social credit score or corporate social credit score, can be used to influence investment and expansion of sustainability initiatives. The Tufts online program will last one year and be taught in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning. It also offers a master’s in sustainability policy and planning. The Epstein gift will endow a professorship, the Jason & Chloe Epstein Profissio, which will be awarded an expert in ethics or a professor who contributes to solving important societal problems. The gift will also fund a term professor of practice, who will serve as program manager and ESG research assistants. As climate change predictions continue to worsen, the Epsteins’ philanthropy is a great example of their generosity. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued an August 8 report warning that the world faces increasingly devastating impacts if it does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly. Jason Epstein sees ESG a rapidly-emerging necessity due to a shortage in professionals trained to assist companies in achieving their goals. These targets include the adoption and implementation of green technologies and practices, as well as commitments to transparent values. He said that there is a growing demand for graduates who can integrate ESG factors to make positive societal and environmentally-friendly changes. “Consumers expect investments to reflect a higher level of social and environmental consciousness. It is important to train professionals capable of responding to these demands. Chloe, myself and the Tufts team believe that this is a crucial step in our quest to be a leader in this field. Because of its collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, Tufts is well-positioned to lead the field. “ESG intersects many complex issues. Tufts has both the global perspective and the expertise to address them. I am excited about the university’s potential to address such important issues. President Anthony P. Monaco stated that the new program aligns with university’s commitments to innovation, collaboration and civic life. It also builds upon a strong reputation in sustainability studies and research. He said, “We are deeply thankful to the Epsteins’ vision and support.” “Their generous and inspiring acts of kindness come at a critical time when the fight against climate change is more urgent than ever. This program adds to the outstanding work already being done at Tufts, and strengthens our ability promote sustainable solutions for the future. The couple, who are based in New York, have just given their latest gift. Jason Epstein is on the School of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors, and Chloe is on the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Board of Advisors. Both are members of the university Campaign Cabinet’s executive committee. Jason Epstein is both an entrepreneur as well as an investor. He is an affiliate partner of Stonecourt Capital and sits on the Boards of Harmonix Games and EG7 Games. Chloe Epstein is the co-founder of and president at Chloe’s. This brand was inspired by their search for healthy food for their three children. The Epsteins now have a certificate program and are looking to Tufts for innovative thinking and rigor in the fight against climate change. Chloe Epstein stated that ESG is a complex global movement that incorporates all the social drivers that will be dominant the world in the next decades. “Jason, Jason and I are thrilled to be able to help start what we hope will be an important part the Tufts Experience.”

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