Last year, many alternative asset managers worked harder than ever to ensure that their investment approach was equipped to meet one of the defining challenges of our time.  Sustainability – although not a new theme for most firms – was close to the top of the agenda.  While legal and compliance teams struggled to keep up with new and emerging sustainability regulation, senior-decision makers re-focused on the opportunity.  Increasing investor demand for investment funds that are part of the solution to societal problems – and a growing aversion to those that do not actively avoid harm – requires a strategic response.  But the active ownership model that is an integral part of private capital's heritage means alternative asset managers are very well-placed to respond.