Æquo unveils its theory of change

With the ever-expanding environmental and social challenges—from the climate crisis and ecosystem degradation, to increasing inequalities—the need for a profound transformation of our economy has become more pressing with each passing day. In this context, the role of businesses and the power of investor influence have never been more critical.
A theory of change acts as a compass that guides us toward the impact we wish to achieve. Rather than just some simple theoretical exercise, Æquo’s theory of change helps us associate our daily actions with systemic changes we would like to see emerge, while it illustrates the power of dialogue and investors’ collective action as levers of transformation.
Today’s businesses find themselves in a paradoxical position: they are both the source of, and solution bearers to, the major challenges before us. As for investors, despite their considerable power to influence, they are still finding it difficult to get companies to change their practices, due to lack of resources, expertise or effective collaboration.
That’s exactly the kind of dynamic for which Æquo serves as a catalyst. “Our unique position at the heart of the ecosystem enables us to build bridges between the various players and amplify their collective impact,” explains Æquo CEO Isabelle Gagnon. “By bringing together investors’ voices and fostering collaboration among them, we’re able to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable corporate practices.”
To address these complex issues, we have developed a systematic approach, based on a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of change, in order to strategically guide our actions and measure their impact.
Our theory of change is rooted in four priority action topics: the transition to a low-carbon economy; ecosystem and biodiversity preservation; building a just, equitable and inclusive economy; and development of robust sustainability-oriented governance practices.
A strategic compass to amplify our collective impact
The strength of our theory of change lies in its collaborative, interconnected dimension: by creating bridges between various players in the financial ecosystem and encouraging their interaction, we maximize our collective ability to transform business practices towards greater sustainability.
This approach makes it possible to transition from a dynamic that focuses on individual priorities to a network of players working together to achieve shared objectives. It is based on a firm conviction: the transformation to a sustainable economy requires concerted, well-thought-out action by all stakeholders.
To learn more about how we are a catalyst for change, see this site’s Impact page.