Responsible Investment
ESG & Sustainability
◆Environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance are not add-ons at Wilberforce Group — they are core to how we select investments, operate businesses, and create lasting value.
Our Commitment
ESG at the Core of Our Investment Thesis
◆We believe that businesses which integrate environmental responsibility, social impact, and sound governance into their operating model outperform over the long term and contribute to stronger communities.
Environmental
Minimising our environmental footprint across operations and portfolio investments. Embedding climate risk assessment in investment decisions. Targeting green-certified assets in our real estate division.
Social
Creating employment, direct farmer partnerships, supporting entrepreneurship, advancing financial inclusion, and investing in the communities where we operate across Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Governance
Independent board oversight, transparent financial reporting, strong ethics policies, and alignment with JSE listing standards and international governance best practice.
Environmental
Environmental Responsibility
◆Wilberforce Group Limited acknowledges that climate change poses systemic risks to business and communities. We are committed to managing our environmental impact and embedding climate considerations into our investment framework.
Climate & Carbon
We are in the process of establishing a baseline carbon footprint across Group operations and investee companies. Our target is to publish a climate-aligned transition plan by 2026, in preparation for expanded environmental disclosure required under potential JSE listing obligations.
Real Estate Division
All new development projects and significant capital expenditure undertaken by our Real Estate & Infrastructure division are evaluated against green building principles, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable materials sourcing. We target a minimum LEED or equivalent certification for all major new developments.
Logistics & Trade
Our Logistics & Trade division actively evaluates route optimisation, fleet electrification, and supplier environmental standards to reduce the supply chain carbon intensity of our portfolio companies.
Sustainable Procurement
We require all significant suppliers to demonstrate compliance with applicable environmental regulations and encourage adoption of sustainable procurement practices throughout our value chain.
Environmental Commitments
- Carbon footprint baseline established by Q4 2026
- Climate transition plan published by 2027
- Green building standards on all new RE developments
- Renewable energy procurement targets for portfolio companies
- Annual environmental performance reporting from 2026
- Zero single-use plastics across WGL office operations by 2026
Governance
Governance Standards
◆The “G” in ESG is where Wilberforce Group is perhaps strongest. Sound governance is the foundation of everything we do.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption
Our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct sets out binding standards for all directors, officers, and employees. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bribery, corruption, facilitation payments, and any form of unethical conduct, reinforced by our Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Policy. All employees undergo annual ethics training.
Whistleblower Protection
Our Whistleblower & Protected Disclosure Policy provides confidential channels for reporting ethical concerns, with full protection for good-faith reporters against retaliation. Reports are reviewed by the Audit Committee independent of management.
Transparency and Reporting
We are committed to annual ESG reporting aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and, in preparation for a potential JSE listing, to the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB). Our first formal ESG Report will be published for the financial year ending December 2026.
Supplier Standards
We expect all material suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which requires compliance with applicable labour laws, anti-corruption standards, environmental regulations, and human rights principles.
Governance Commitments
- GRI-aligned ESG Report published annually
- ISSB standards adoption (target: IPO year)
- Annual ethics training for all personnel
- Independent whistleblower channel maintained
- Supplier Code of Conduct enforced
- Board diversity and independence targets met
Our Impact
ESG Metrics
◆Key performance indicators tracking our ESG commitments. Targets will be updated annually in our ESG Report.
Business Divisions
Across key economic sectors
Farmer Partners
St. Elizabeth, Year 5 target (100 at launch)
Direct Jobs at Launch
Year 1 headcount plan, growing with scale
Board Diversity Target
Female representation (target)
Governance Policies Documented
9 of 12 key policies drafted; remainder in preparation
Net Profit to Community
Annual commitment
Global Standards
UN Sustainable Development Goals
◆Wilberforce Group aligns its investment thesis and community activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are most material to our operations.
No Poverty
Financial inclusion products and entrepreneurship programmes that create economic opportunity for under-served communities.
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Creating quality employment across portfolio companies with Living Wage commitments and career development pathways.
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Technology & Innovation and Logistics & Trade divisions drive digital transformation and infrastructure development.
Reduced Inequalities
Access to capital, mentorship, and networks for entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds across Jamaica.
Sustainable Cities & Communities
Green building standards and community-focused real estate development in Jamaica’s urban and peri-urban areas.
Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration with NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners to amplify impact.
ESG Reporting
Our ESG Report
◆Wilberforce Group Limited publishes an annual ESG Report aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. Our first formal ESG Report covers the financial year ending December 2026 and is available upon request to investors, analysts, and stakeholders.
For specific ESG data requests, analyst questionnaires, or sustainability ratings submissions, please contact esg@wilberforcegroupja.com
Social Impact
Social Responsibility
◆We believe that a company’s success must be measured not only in financial returns, but in the tangible positive impact it creates for the people and communities it serves.
WGL Entrepreneurship Academy (Planned)
A planned flagship social programme, the WGL Entrepreneurship Academy will provide structured business skills training and mentorship, with priority intake for the farmers partnering with WGL Farm-to-Shelf in St. Elizabeth. Each planned cohort will cover a 12-week curriculum in business planning, financial management, and marketing. Graduates will gain priority consideration for a WGL Farm-to-Shelf farmer partnership or, once launched, referral through our Financial Services division.
Financial Inclusion
Once registered under the Micro Credit Act and launched, our Financial Services division will focus on referring under-served and under-banked business owners — including farmers and micro-enterprises — to partner banks for financing, helping bridge the access-to-capital gap that constrains growth in Jamaican SMEs and smallholder agriculture.
Employment Creation
WGL commits to a Living Wage policy from its first hire: every employee of WGL and its wholly owned subsidiaries will earn above the national minimum wage at a rate that reflects the true cost of living. The Company's Year 1 headcount plan already reflects this commitment across all 35 planned roles, including dedicated Farm Partnerships and Food Safety & Quality Assurance positions supporting WGL Farm-to-Shelf.
Diversity & Inclusion
Wilberforce Group is committed to building diverse, inclusive teams. Our diversity policy targets gender balance at the Board level (minimum 30% female representation) and progressive diversity across management. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and exclusion at all levels of the organisation.
Social Commitments