11.12.20

• 30 founding investor signatories to Net Zero Asset Managers initiative will work in collaboration with clients to achieve target-based net zero goal by 2050 or sooner
• Other asset managers encouraged to join initiative, to demonstrate sector leadership and commitment to sustainable future

Asset managers representing over $9 trillion of assets under management (AUM) today announced the launch of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. This is a leading group of global asset managers that commit to support the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. They also commit to support investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Delivery of the commitment also includes prioritising the achievement of real economy emissions reductions within the sectors and companies in which the asset managers invest.

As part of the initiative, asset manager signatories have committed to:

• Work in partnership with asset owner clients on decarbonisation goals, consistent with an ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner across all assets under management;
• Set an interim target for the proportion of assets to be managed in line with the attainment of net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner; and
• Review their interim target at least every five years, with a view to ratcheting up the proportion of AUM covered until 100% of assets are included.

The commitment in turn recognises “an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions and for asset managers to play our part to help deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensure a just transition.”

Drawn from across the world, the initial 30 Net Zero Asset Managers signatories are: a.s.r. Asset Management, Anaxis Asset Management, Arisaig Partners, Asset Management One, ATLAS Infrastructure, AXA Investment Managers, BMO Global Asset Management¹, Calvert Research and Management, CCLA Investment Management, Clean Energy Ventures, DWS, FAMA Investimentos, Fidelity International, Generation Investment Management LLP, Gulf International Bank Asset Management, Handelsbanken Fonder AB, IFM Investors, Inherent Group LP, Kempen Capital Management, Legal & General Investment Management, M&G plc, New Forests Pty Ltc, Nordea Asset Management, Robeco, Sarasin & Partners LLP, Schroders, Swedbank Robur, UBS Asset Management, Wellington Management and WHEB.

Further commitments from other leading names in the sector are expected over coming months.