Leading With Purpose: Our ESG Framework
Ventas has organized our industry-leading ESG program around three pillars: People, Performance and Planet. Combined with our foundational values of health and safety and strong corporate governance, this framework guides our sustainability efforts toward tangible change.
Materiality
GRI: 102-21 | 102-29 | 102-40 | 102-42 | 102-44 | 102-46 | 102-47
In accordance with GRI guidelines, the most widely used sustainability framework, Ventas completed an in depth ESG prioritization assessment in 2019. Also known as a materiality assessment, this evidence-based, objective process identified the ESG topics that matter most to Ventas according to internal and external stakeholders. The results of this process were plotted on a Materiality Matrix. Eight topics were identified as the most important, and their priority is reflected in our ESG strategy and framework.
Best Practice Standards, Accountability and Reporting
GRI: 102-12 | 102-13 | CRE8
Ventas is committed to continuous improvement and transparency in our ESG efforts. To inform our sustainability programs, improve our performance, and provide access to information that stakeholders need to make informed decisions, Ventas voluntarily supports and/or participates in a number of ESG-based initiatives:
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): a generally accepted framework for reporting on an organization’s economic, environmental and social performance
- CDP (formerly called the Carbon Disclosure Project): a non-profit that runs the global disclosure system for organizations to manage environmental matters such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use and climate change strategies
- GRESB (formerly Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark): an industry benchmark for real estate and infrastructure investments across the world
- S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment: an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices that focuses on criteria that are both industry-specific and financially material
- Bloomberg Gender Equality Index: A modified market capitalization-weighted index that aims to track the performance of public companies committed to transparency in gender-data reporting
- United Nations Global Compact: a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and to take steps to support UN Goals.
- United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles: Informed by international labor and human rights standards, these principles provide guidance on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
- U.S. Green Building Council (LEED®): LEED is the leading program for green buildings and communities worldwide
- ENERGY STAR®: the U.S. government backed program for energy efficiency.
Stakeholder Engagement
GRI: 102-2 | 102-40 | 102-43 | 102-44
Our approach to stakeholder engagement focuses on proactively seeking and fostering strong and impactful relationships to achieve mutually-beneficial outcomes. Our leaders, employees and all our stakeholders maintain a shared commitment to our integral approach to sustainability. We actively engage in a variety of local, national and international industry associations with missions that align with our corporate values and strategies.
Stakeholder Information
Engagement Approach and Frequency
(Ongoing)- Ventas Connect intranet platform
- Everyday Outperformance2
- Employee Spot Award program
- Quarterly Company updates
- Town Hall meetings
- Fireside chats
- Lunch and learns
- Guest speakers
- Online training program
- Field personnel awards program for individual and team performance3
- Employee engagement survey
- Employee networks (Women’s Network, Diversity Network, Young Professionals Network)
- CEO update emails
Key Topics Identified During ESG Prioritization Assessment
- Ethics & Integrity
- Company Performance, News & Reputation
- Talent Attraction & Retention
- Tenant, Resident & Operator Satisfaction
- Responsible Investment
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Environmental Efforts: Climate Change, Energy & Emissions, Water, Waste
- Procurement Practices/Supply Chain
- Community Impact & Engagement
- Succession Planning
- Policy Influence
- Data Security
- Marketing Practices
Engagement Approach and Frequency
(Ongoing)- Direct interactions (meetings, phone, email)
- Website
Key Topics Identified During ESG Prioritization Assessment
- Property Operating Performance
- New Business Development
- Tenant, Resident & Operator Satisfaction
- Responsible Investment
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Environmental Efforts: Climate Change, Energy & Emissions, Water, Waste
- Policy Influence
- Labor/Management Relations
- Community Impact & Engagement
Engagement Approach and Frequency
(Ongoing)- Online portal for MOB (Lillibridge) Tenants
- Direct mailings (email/print)
- Annual tenant satisfaction surveys
- Tenant appreciation events
- Property level events (luncheons, ice cream socials)
Key Topics Identified During ESG Prioritization Assessment
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Community Investment
- Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Facility Availability
- Maintenance Schedule
Engagement Approach and Frequency
(Periodically)- Quarterly earnings calls
- Annual & quarterly financial disclosures
- Key industry conferences and events
- Annual Stockholder meeting
- Direct interactions (meetings, phone, email)
- Non-deal roadshows (NDR)
- Periodic Investor Days
- Engagement with various ESG ratings and rankings surveys (GRESB, RobecoSAM CSA, ISS, MSCI, Sustainalytics, etc.)
Key Topics Identified During ESG Prioritization Assessment
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Environmental Efforts: Climate Change, Energy & Emissions, Water, Waste
- Talent Attraction & Retention
- Labor/Management Relations
- Executive Compensation
- Responsible Investment
- Succession Planning
- Tenant, Resident & Operator Satisfaction
- Policy Influence
- Strategic Direction
- Company Performance, News & Reputation
- Risk Management
Engagement Approach and Frequency
(Ongoing)- Corporate philanthropy (marquee partnerships, employee-initiated giving)
- Community engagement (community service events, employee volunteerism, participation in associations)
Key Topics Identified During ESG Prioritization Assessment
- Talent Attraction & Retention
- Environmental Efforts: Climate Change, Energy & Emissions, Water, Waste
- Labor/Management Relations
- Community Impact & Engagement
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Back to Stakeholders groups
- Stakeholder group included in ESG Prioritization Assessment.
- Everyday Outperformance is our performance management approach that incorporates ongoing performance feedback and evaluation.
- Lillibridge has an awards program for field employees at the property level that recognizes both individual performance (the Excellence Award) and team performance (the EPIC award).
| Stakeholder Group1 | Engagement Approach and Frequency | Key Topics Identified During ESG Prioritization Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| EMPLOYEES | (Ongoing)
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| OPERATING PARTNERS | (Ongoing)
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| TENANTS | (Ongoing)
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| INVESTORS & ANALYSTS | (Periodically)
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| COMMUNITIES | (Ongoing)
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- Stakeholder group included in ESG Prioritization Assessment.
- Everyday Outperformance is our performance management approach that incorporates ongoing performance feedback and evaluation.
- Lillibridge has an awards program for field employees at the property level that recognizes both individual performance (the Excellence Award) and team performance (the EPIC award).
| Organization | Ventas Role |
|---|---|
| American Senior Housing Association (ASHA) |
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| Argentum |
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| Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International |
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| Global Institute on Innovation Districts |
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| Healthcare Institute (HCI) HCI is an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Alliance Partner |
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| Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) |
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| National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Nareit) |
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| National Investment Center for Senior Housing (NIC) |
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| Real Estate Roundtable |
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| Urban Land Institute (ULI) |
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| U.S. Green Building Council |
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