Molpus ESG Policies

The Molpus ESG Corporate Statement

Molpus Woodlands Group, LLC (Molpus) incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies and practices into investment analysis and decision-making. We are active landowners who seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues from all the major entities in which we invest or with whom we partner.

We are committed to reporting on activities and progress towards implementing sound ESG policies. We believe that today’s investors are making the connection between a company’s commitment to ESG principles and its ability to create sustainable value and reduce risk whenever possible. Our strong ESG performance makes us more efficient and less wasteful. We also believe our ESG commitment has positive implications for the environment, the communities we work in, and the future of Molpus Woodlands Group (Molpus).

The Molpus ESG Mission Statement

Molpus strives to be a reliable, trustworthy investment partner for timberland investors. At Molpus, we use environmental, social, and governance principles and key performance indicators to realize these goals and support sound land stewardship.

We will always be appreciative of our customers who place their belief in us. We view that confidence as a sacred trust, and we see ESG as critical to earning and maintaining that trust.

View and Download Our ESG Corporate Strategy

Environmental

Sustainability is at the Heart of Our Success

Molpus is committed to sustainable forestry and sound stewardship practices. Being a good steward of the land is crucial for the long-term success and future growth of our business. The viability and success of our timberland investments are contingent upon the management of our forests on a sustainable basis. We also recognize the importance of land-based solutions and healthy forests in climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration.

Supporting Private Working Forests is Essential

Private working forests, such as those we manage, are a fundamental part of the underlying infrastructure of the United States. They produce renewable, recyclable, and reusable wood and paper products society wants and needs, absorb and store carbon, produce clean water and air, sustain vital biodiversity, provide quality recreation experiences, and supply a growing resource for renewable energy.

Our commitment to ESG principles is demonstrated by our third-party forest certifications and continuous improvement in all of our forest management practices.

Forest Management Systems Grounded in Sound, Fundamental Practices

Molpus uses qualified natural resource professionals to manage our forests. These professionals have completed SFI-approved training programs focused on important issues like water quality and enhancing biodiversity.
Molpus strives for long-term sustainability and productivity of forests through timely regeneration and application of the best cost-effective silvicultural treatments and practices to protect forest health from insects, pathogens, fire, and non-native, invasive species.
Our state-of-the-art geographic information system and ongoing, forest inventory and planning processes are essential for sound management decisions and long-term planning.
Operations meet or exceed state best management practices (BMPs) and comply with all local, state, or federal laws and regulations governing water quality.
Molpus collaborates with industry partners and associations on forest-related conservation and policy initiatives.
In addition to timber production, forests are managed to improve the quality and distribution of wildlife habitats, contribute to the conservation of biodiversity at the stand- and landscape-levels, and provide outdoor recreation benefits.
We allocated 2,178 staff hours in 2022 to do advocacy work for the sustainable management of working forests.
Molpus internally monitors for compliance and continuous improvement of its systems.
Molpus uses performance metrics to monitor environmental compliance and progress.

Social

Going Above and Beyond What’s Required

Molpus complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. These laws include social laws, such as those covering civil rights, equal opportunities, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment measures, workers’ compensation, workers’ and communities’ right to know, prevailing wages, workers’ right to organize, and occupational health and safety. We rely on performance metrics to help guide and continuously improve performance in these areas.

Empowering Employees

Molpus gives employees a voice at the table when important decisions are made, and we encourage anonymous reporting of practices that run counter to our ESG principles. Molpus also recognizes and respects the rights of Indigenous peoples by collaborating with them.

Equal Opportunity for All

Molpus is an equal opportunity employer that is striving to build a more diverse and gender-balanced workforce. We treat everyone—employee, customer, vendor, and anyone with whom we do business—fairly and without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military service or veteran’s status, or any other factor protected by law. This policy is an integral part of who we are as a company, and it is continually evolving to ensure Molpus remains a leader on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Supporting Local Communities

Molpus has always used local sources and supported small businesses in our supply chain. Molpus has a long-standing buy-local procurement preference.

Helping Employees Help Others

Molpus employees live locally and are aware of the surrounding community’s needs and goals. Employees are encouraged to be actively involved in their community.

Governance

Ethics and Oversight

All Molpus employees, officers, directors, and agents conduct themselves ethically and in adherence to all relevant laws and regulations, and in line with our fiduciary duties to our clients. Molpus uses governance structures that provide appropriate levels of oversight in the areas of audit, risk management, and potential conflicts of interest, to align the interests of owners and management. A rigorous selection and vetting process ensures the board of directors and executive leadership is of the highest caliber. We also rely on performance metrics to help guide and continuously improve governance.

Employee Code of Conduct

At all times, place the interests of clients first while appropriately considering the environmental and social impacts such conduct may cause.
Conduct personal securities transactions in a manner that is consistent with the Molpus Code of Ethics policy to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an employee’s position of trust and responsibility.
Never take inappropriate advantage of positions.
Client information concerning the identity of security holdings and their financial circumstances must be kept confidential.

Contact Molpus Woodlands Group

For more information about Molpus Woodlands Group and our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), please contact us.