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Toronto-based Mackenzie Investments has launched its second investment team focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, the firm said in a release on Thursday.

Mackenzie Betterworld will offer sustainable investing opportunities by leading with ESG analysis; focusing on diversified, large-cap equities portfolios; and using independent ESG research based on a proprietary process, the release said.

That process helps identify companies with growth potential that are aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, it said. Betterworld will be led by veteran portfolio manager Andrew Simpson.

Mackenzie announced the launch of the Betterworld team’s first two funds: Mackenzie Betterworld Global Equity Fund and Mackenzie Betterworld Canadian Equity Fund.

The funds invest predominantly in global and Canadian equities that haveĀ “progressive corporate practices and best-in-class ESG,” the release said.

Mackenzie Financial Corp. also acquired environmental investment firm Greenchip Financial Corp. at the end of last year.