November 3, 2025
In collaboration with DivestNMU, NMU pledged to increase sustainability-focused investments by up to 15%. Today, the university has significantly restructured its portfolio to reflect this commitment. Upon full divestment, an impressive 60% of NMU’s endowment will be allocated into sustainability-driven funds.
iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF: This fund tracks U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. It emphasizes companies on a decarbonization trajectory, reduces exposure to climate-related risks, and increases investment in businesses positioned to thrive in a low-carbon economy.
SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF: Designed to mirror the performance of S&P 500 companies that do not own fossil fuel reserves—including thermal coal, oil, and shale gas—this fund ensures NMU’s investments are free from direct ties to fossil fuel extraction.
Impax Global Environmental Markets Fund: This actively managed fund invests in companies offering innovative solutions to global resource challenges. Each company must generate at least 20% of its revenue from environmental markets, such as clean energy, water infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. The fund uses a rigorous bottom-up selection process and a proprietary taxonomy to identify high-growth sectors within the environmental economy.
Together, these funds represent a strategic and values-driven approach to investing—one that aligns NMU’s financial goals with its broader mission of sustainability, equity, and climate leadership. The university’s progress serves as a model for other institutions seeking to transition away from fossil fuels while investing in a more resilient and responsible future.