Reflecting and Leading Net Zero Asset Managers

By Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO of AIGCC and IGCC and NZAM Chair 

As we approach COP29, which (roughly) coincides with the fourth anniversary of the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative, it’s an excellent moment to reflect on progress and reaffirm the individual commitments of NZAM signatories to accelerating the transition to a net zero global economy. 

NZAM was launched to mobilise and support asset managers in taking ambitious action, helping them set interim targets and track their progress aligning investments with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius – the climate scenario with the greatest net economic benefit. 

Now, with more than 325 signatories to the initiative, we will continue to focus on supporting investors to deliver on their fiduciary obligations to manage the financial risks and opportunities associated with climate and to enhance long-term value for their beneficiaries.  

LAYING FOUNDATIONS

NZAM was born out of a recognition that climate change poses a systemic risk to investors that no individual investor can address alone. Through their stewardship and asset allocation, asset managers can contribute to the steering of global capital towards sustainable, innovative, and resilient investments, and a net zero economy.

However, governments living up to their own commitments under the Paris Agreement is crucial to NZAM signatories meeting their own targets and avoiding the climate-related financial risks to their portfolios. The UN’s annual climate conferences (COPs) have always been catalysts for increasing action. We hope this year’s conference will be the same, prompting policymakers to again raise their own ambition, fostering an environment where the investment industry can play its part taking the opportunities of a net zero future. Through the 2024 Global Investor Statement to Governments on the Climate Crisis, more than 600 investors, including over 100 NZAM signatories, will call on government leaders to implement policies that will unlock the private capital flows needed for a just transition to a climate-resilient, nature-positive, net zero economy.

MEASURING PROGESS

The latest data from 2023-2024 preliminary reporting, based on responses from 170 asset managers, shows how NZAM signatories have been working to implement their net zero commitments.

Where signatories have been putting their climate focus.

In the past 12 months, signatories have been taking a range of actions to implement their individual net zero commitments. More than 80% have been engaging with investees on climate as a material issue and creating internal systems to integrate climate considerations into their investment processes.

Where signatories have been seeing outcomes.

Signatories indicate that they are seeing material progress as a result of their efforts: 73% reported contributing to increased net zero ambition and action of their investees, and 46% said their actions contributed to real-economy emission reductions by portfolio companies. 47% of signatories reported advancements in facilitating investments in climate solutions. Importantly, 26% of respondents reported progress in more than two of these areas.

The headwinds to climate progress.
Despite these advancements, challenges still hinder signatories’ progress, namely data availability (reported by 58%), methodology development for specific asset classes or strategies (49%), client awareness (38%), and the mispricing of risk (28%).

While signatories may work around these challenges as best they can to reach their targets, the data shows that their work exists in a broader context. It shows the need for continued climate innovation, education, and collaboration within the financial sector and broader economic system, and the recalibration of market incentives in line with a net zero global economy to overcome these obstacles.

LOOKING AHEAD

NZAM continues to grow, and the signatory base continues to make progress setting targets and progressing towards them.

In the year ahead, the Network Partners who run the initiative will look for opportunities to maintain that growth, continuing to reach and support more investors. Existing signatories can continue to rely upon the initiative to provide the best, most usable frameworks and processes for declaring climate objectives and showing their ongoing commitments.

As we live through, or see, more frequent physical damage, disruption and the massive costs to economies and communities from climate change, there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions. NZAM’s goals of catalysing mainstream adoption of net zero commitments, and aligning capital to the ambitious, and necessary, climate goals remain as compelling as ever.

Net Zero Asset Managers initiative publishes report on signatories’ target disclosures as the initiative grows to over 325 signatories

  • As of 31 January 2024, the total number of asset managers that have set individual initial targets increased to 264. 
  • Most targets focus on real economy decarbonisation. Decarbonisation targets are the predominant target type (62.5%), followed by alignment targets (53%), and engagement targets (35%). 
  • 98% have set interim targets for/before 2030, with 26% targeting as early as 2025. 

Tuesday 23 July 2024: The Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative has released its latest Target Disclosures Report, which highlights the increase in voluntary, individual net zero commitments and targets from the asset management industry over time.

The full report – Net Zero Asset Managers Target Disclosures Report 2024– can be accessed here.
All target disclosures can be found here.

Since the last target disclosures announcement, more than 30 asset managers have joined the initiative and over 90 have disclosed targets. As of 31 January 2024, 264 signatories have set and disclosed targets to guide their individual net zero investment practices. 

The report highlights the significant growth of the initiative since its inception in December 2020. Currently, more than 325 asset managers, representing over USD 57.5 trillion in assets under management, have made individual commitments, consistent with their fiduciary duties to clients and beneficiaries.

The report gives new insights into the geographical makeup of the initiative’s signatory base and details the target-setting methodologies used. It offers an overview of the types of targets and combinations utilised, providing signatories with valuable benchmarking opportunities and insight into industry-wide trends. 

Key highlights include: 

  • Target types: Reflecting signatories’ collective ambition of mitigating financial risk through real economy decarbonisation, decarbonisation targets emerged as the predominant  target type (62.5%). 53% of signatories with target disclosures have set alignment targets, and 35% have set engagement targets.
  • Target years: NZAM signatories are taking the imperative to address climate risk in the short term as well as long term, with 98% having set interim targets for or before 2030, and over a quarter (26%) having a first target of next year, in 2025.
  • Methodological approaches: 51% of disclosing signatories use Paris Aligned Investment Initiative’s Net Zero Investment Framework; 22% use Science Based Targets initiative for Financial Institutions; 14% use the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance Target Setting Protocol, 12% use a combination of the above methodologies, and 10% chose to use their own unique methodology. 
  • Asset classes: Listed equities and corporate fixed income have the highest inclusion rates. 
  • Geographical breakdown: The initiative reflects a global commitment with the signatories being headquartered in over 35 countries. Europe leads in representation, with over 200 signatories, followed by North America with over 70, and Asia with over 20. Oceania follows with 17 signatories, whilst South America and Africa have seven and one signatory, respectively. 

Members of the NZAM Steering Committee: 

Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO of Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) and Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), said: “Today’s Target Disclosures Report demonstrates the growing commitment asset managers have made towards the goal of net zero. The increase in asset managers setting and disclosing targets highlights our industry’s proactive stance on mitigating the financial risk associated with climate change.
“This momentum must continue in the Asia-Pacific. We now need to see more granular and ambitious interim targets that work towards real economy decarbonisation goals.
“Investors who have set and disclosed their targets are at a competitive advantage, showing their ability to manage the risks and opportunities in the global transition to a net zero economy.” 

Mindy Lubber, CEO and President of Ceres, said: “This latest target disclosures report highlights the meaningful progress of asset managers in addressing risks and opportunities as they transition to a net zero future. It’s encouraging to see asset managers worldwide setting ambitious net zero emissions targets and implementing concrete transition plan strategies to address climate risks and seize investment opportunities across their portfolios.” 

Stephanie Pfeifer, CEO of IIGCC, said: “The report provides further evidence of investors taking action to address the financial risks and opportunities associated with arguably the major trend of our time – the decarbonisation of the global economy. While there are commitments and examples of progress from hundreds of investors globally, its notable that Europe has the highest representation with over 200 signatories – this suggests a more conducive policy and regulatory environment, particularly in the UK and across the EU.”

ENDS


About Net Zero Asset Managers

 The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM) is an investor-led initiative. Through NZAM, more than 325 independent asset managers responsible for over USD 57.5 trillion in assets under management have committed, consistent with their fiduciary duty to their clients and beneficiaries, 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; and to support investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. 

Media contact

For more information or further comment, contact media@netzeroassetmanagers.org

The Net Zero Investment Framework in action: Evenlode Investment

Originally published by IIGCC

How does the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) support investors? We spoke to Sawan Kumar, Bethan Rose, and Rebekah Nash from Evenlode Investment to explore how they’ve used NZIF to evolve the asset manager’s net zero strategy.


The four Net Zero Investment Framework targets are:

  1. Portfolio coverage target
  2. Portfolio decarbonisation reference target
  3. Engagement threshold target
  4. Allocation to climate solutions target

Early into our conversation, it’s clear that Evenlode Investment is a close-knit team. The Oxfordshire-based asset manager has around 40 employees managing more than USD 6 billion in assets under management (AUM), with plans to scale in the coming years.

Evenlode joined the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative in June 2021, committing to reach net zero by 2050 or sooner across 100% of its investments. And like the majority of investors who have made a net zero commitment, the team decided to use the Net Zero Investment Framework.

“Upon reviewing NZIF, it appeared to be the most suitable option for us and aligned well with our investment process,” said Sawan Kumar, Evenlode’s Head of Stewardship. He explained that as an equity-only investor with a simple investment process across three funds, NZIF’s open-source approach and focus on engagement was a good match.

Pictured (L-R): Sawan Kumar, Bethan Rose, Rebekah Nash

Establishing a baseline

Early on, the team agreed to work towards a portfolio coverage target that covered 100% of material assets under management. But first, they had to establish a baseline.

“Using SBTi [Science Based Targets initiative] data we established a baseline in the 20-25% range,” Bethan Rose, Evenlode’s Sustainable Investment Analyst told us. This meant that around 24% of assets under management in material sectors could already be considered to be aligning, aligned, or achieving net zero under NZIF’s alignment maturity scale.

From there, the team considered the target – what should they expect to see from companies? This involved working closely with Evenlode’s fund managers, who were supportive of a target that was an ‘adequate challenge but also achievable.’

Bethan outlined the consensus: “A net zero target and supporting underlying targets of 50% of AUM in material sectors to be aligning, aligned or achieving net zero by 2025, and 100% by 2030.” This is coupled with a decarbonisation target of 50% by 2030 to meet NZAM requirements.

NZIF encourages asset managers and asset owners to start with publicly available company data when assessing asset alignment, often benchmarked by Climate Action 100+ or the Transition Pathway Initiative, to build the most accurate picture possible.

“We had to be very careful when setting our baseline,” Sawan added, “from there, we felt we were at a point where a lot of companies were close to achieving the next categorisation. This gave us enough comfort to set the target.”

“An adequate challenge but also achievable.”

Once agreed, each target was incorporated into the Evenlode internal workflow system, known as EDDIE, which serves as an internal depository of all investment research and engagements.

“We do our own emissions analysis using CDP data, targeting our engagement towards the highest emitters,” explained Sawan, referring to NZIF’s portfolio engagement target: “All that data has been integrated into EDDIE. Whenever a manager invests in a holding, the modelling tool indicates the change in the fund’s emission intensity.”

Assessing Scope 3

Evenlode is one of a few asset managers that has included Scope 3 emissions in its portfolio decarbonisation reference target, aiming for a 51.6% reduction in emissions per £10k invested across scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2030.

The decision to use emissions intensity, rather than absolute emissions, reflects the firm’s AUM growth trajectory.

Asked how they managed it, Bethan explained that the team had already been conducting carbon emissions analysis before setting the target. The number of companies sharing Scope 3 data was also increasing every year.

“Lots of companies are disclosing emissions in their value chain and for those that aren’t we can use estimates – we should be making an effort in trying to calculate the data, instead of saying the data isn’t good enough,” she said.

Around three-quarters of Evenlode-held companies now report 90% or more of their Scope 3, and for the remainder, the team use CDP data modelling combined with their own analysis.

Importantly the Evenlode ethos is to get the ball rolling: “The Scope 3 emission estimates don’t need to be 100% accurate,” Sawan confirmed, “as long as we’re happy with our methodology – it is a model and an estimation.”

“We should be making an effort in trying to calculate the data, instead of saying the data isn’t good enough.”

Meaningful climate solutions

Notably absent from an otherwise comprehensive set of targets is a proportion of AUM committed to climate solutions, which is sometimes the most challenging target for investors. The team have been considering the target, but want to create something that is as ‘impactful as it can be.’

Rebekah Nash, Evenlode Governance Analyst, pointed to the asset manager’s employee-funded Foundation. Each year, 20% of company profits are voluntarily donated and divided 3:1 between an innovation and charities fund.

The innovation fund supports start-ups in sectors including sustainability, science, and education, while the charities fund donates to a mix of global and local charities covering everything from climate to healthcare: “We want to contribute to global causes as well as the local community,” Rebekah said.

If this model was expanded to include climate solutions work, Evenlode could count it towards a climate solutions target if all funding came from its assets under management. IIGCC’s new guidance on climate solutions helps investors to better understand this target and how they can adapt it to their strategies.

Despite all this progress in a short period of time, the team remain realistic about the challenge of moving from commitment to implementation given their investing strategy and asset profile.

And the big question – has this comprehensive approach to net zero helped to win clients? “It’s hard to say,” Sawan laughs, before stressing that setting a commitment is about much more than that:

“We look at ESG as a way to manage long-term risk – we would like to think if we’re managing it appropriately that leads to better performance and opportunities.”

The Net Zero Investment Framework in action: AXA Investment Managers

Originally published by IIGCC 

How does the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) help investors? We spoke to Clémence Humeau of AXA Investment Managers to explore how they have used NZIF to move from commitment to implementation, setting all four targets and stretching ambition along the way. 


The four Net Zero Investment Framework targets: 

  1. Portfolio decarbonisation reference target
  2. Portfolio coverage target
  3. Engagement threshold target
  4. Allocation to climate solutions target

AXA IM was one of 70 investors who contributed to the development of The Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF), which launched in March 2021. A little more than three years later it has become the most popular transition plan and target-setting methodology for investors who have set a net zero commitment today. 

Of those, AXA IM’s targets are among the most developed – it’s one of 10 IIGCC asset managers using NZIF to have set all four targets. Clémence Humeau, AXA IM’s Head of Sustainability Coordination and Governance caught up with us to outline how they have used the guidance so far. 

Clémence Humeau, Head of Sustainability Coordination and Governance, AXA IM

The first target 

Like most investors, AXA IM found that the process of moving from commitment to target setting took some time, especially in the early days. They first considered portfolio decarbonisation: 

“We started our first target in October 2021, mostly focused on carbon intensity reduction”, Clémence explained: “Then, we reviewed and worked with our teams, exploring how the commitment could be ambitious, but also practicable and credible.” 

“The combination of all targets is the spirit of NZIF and the best way to achieve real world change.” 

As understanding developed, the team decided to take a more holistic approach. Rather than looking at one target individually, they restarted and set out to establish all four targets from the beginning, considering how each NZIF target can complement another. 

“We wanted this to lead to actual change within teams. From there, we felt that combining all dimensions of all targets was the right way to go,” Clémence said: “We had to develop a methodology to combine quantitative and qualitative input – a vector for managers alongside financial information.” 

Many asset owners committed to net zero also use NZIF, creating a ‘shared language’ between owners and managers which helps both parties to understand and support one another’s requirements. This includes a common approach to asset assessment using NZIF’s alignment maturity scale, which helps investors assess an asset’s pathway to net zero. The framework also offers flexibility in data selection criteria to support these assessments. 

This, together with its compatibility with other guidance, helps investors to build the most accurate picture possible. It also helps to explain why NZIF is endorsed by global investor net zero initiatives including the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, of which AXA IM is a founding signatory. 

“The combination of all targets is the spirit of NZIF and the best way to achieve real world change, and within AXA AM, integrate those commitments as broadly as possible,” Clémence said. 

Engagement opportunity 

An iterative approach is fundamental to the framework, which added two new components for private equity and infrastructure in 2023. It also emphasises investor engagement with companies to support a ‘bottom-up’ approach to emissions reductions – engaging with high-emitting assets – and a ‘top-down’ approach, such as strategic asset allocation. 

“Combining [the portfolio coverage target] with the engagement target, with NZIF, means being able to rely on individual and collaborative engagement,” Clémence explained, highlighting the opportunity for regular reviews of company voting policy and the importance of escalation. IIGCC’s net zero voting guidance aims to support investors in this space. 

Of the four, which is the most challenging target? 

Climate solutions, Clémence nods, though in her view it is also a particularly important one. The challenge is due in part to changing market conditions, as well as a lack of decision-making power for asset managers over fund strategy. That responsibility remains with its clients. 

AXA IM currently has 6% of its assets under management to be allocated to climate solutions by 2025 and will continue to review their approach over time. 

Raising ambition 

During the target-setting process, the team were able to significantly increase its percentage of assets under management to be managed in line with net zero, raising ambition from 15% to 65%. This was prompted in part by senior management, who wanted to go further and remain a leader in the field. 

“When setting our first target in 2021 we were flying blind – [IIGCC] workshops help you to share ideas.” 

The introduction of Article 29 de la Loi Énergie Climat in France also played a part. The policy aims to improve disclosures on climate and biodiversity approaches, and also requires financial market participants to progressively implement decarbonisation targets across the assets they manage – regulation which helped AXA IM to clarify the eligibility of assets. They used short-term support from consultants to help with the initial, resource-intensive demands. 

Determined to embed this ambition across the organisation, AXA IM also updated its company-wide remuneration policy, linking deferred compensation with net zero targets. This sent a clear message to the wider organisation and empowered the sustainable investing team. 

Admittedly, not every investor has the resources at AXA IM’s disposal, but Clémence has some cost-effective advice for anyone taking their first steps with NZIF: 

“Attend IIGCC’s workshops! They are a good starting point,” she smiled: “When setting our first target in 2021 we were flying blind – the workshops help you to share ideas.” 

Looking ahead, AXA IM are optimistic, but realistic, about the implementation challenges to come: “We have top management support, but what’s also important is transparency and conversations internally, to address challenges along the way. Targets are the easy part.” 

The net zero investment framework will continue to evolve with its users to support that journey.

Net Zero Investment Framework for Private Equity in action: Investindustrial

Originally published by IIGCC 

Pictured: Jennifer Flood, Dr Serge Younes, Claire Sullivan and Nicole Sledgh from Investindustrial.

How can the Net Zero Investment Framework help private equity investors to decarbonise their portfolios and create value? These are two sides of the same coin, argues Dr Serge Younes of Investindustrial. 

When Serge was invited to a series of discussions on a new private equity component for the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) he was met with the fundamental question: how can we ‘foolproof’ the guidance for private equity? 

“We put our beta tester hats on,” the Head of Sustainability for Investindustrial said: “Bringing together Limited Partners (LPs) and General Partners (GPs), of different sizes and from different continents to structure the component and reporting, helped to make it credible and actionable.” 

The mission was to give managers very clear expectations and a process for aligning their portfolios to net zero. 

Led by Misa Andriamihaja, IIGCC’s Private Equity Lead, this investor-led approach produced a resource which has been welcomed by the industry since publication in May 2023. It focuses on aligning ambition across LPs and GPs, with the decarbonisation of portfolio companies as the overarching goal. 

“It gives you urgency” 

Investindustrial’s sustainability credentials were already well established. The European-based group, which specialises in mid-market industrial, services and healthcare companies, first measured its carbon data in 2007 and first made public its portfolio carbon data in 2016. 

It became a signatory of the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative in 2021 and has since set science-based targets, earning widespread recognition on climate action in private markets. This includes B Corp certification as well as several industry ESG awards over the past 10 years. It was also one of the first private equity investors to use NZIF as part of its reporting in 2023. 

“NZIF gave us a timeframe element which is really clear,” Serge explained: “It gives you that urgency. From when we acquire a company we have, say, two years, within which it needs to be at a certain net zero alignment stage. That really focuses the attention on what needs to be done to achieve that.” 

The guidance suggests a four-stage assessment of a portfolio company’s alignment with net zero, which considers various stages alongside fund vintage milestones. Investor progress is measured through four clear targets which vary by scenario, including whether the investor is a GP, LP, or by asset class and fund type. 

Serge explained that this time-bound focus, together with how NZIF can be used alongside other existing guidance, such as The Science Based Targets initiative (SBT) for PE and the Private Markets Decarbonisation Roadmap, helps PE managers demonstrate a decarbonisation path to investors: 

“[Using NZIF] Any firm can go and explain to its stakeholders what it is doing and where it is going. It’s not your own definition – here you have a clear set of data for comparison.” 

Value creation 

Aligning investment strategies with net zero is part of risk management, but Serge points out that senior leaders at Investindustrial take more notice of the benefits doing so adds to the value creation process: “You also start to measure the business opportunity and the competitive advantage for each portfolio company.” 

“Sustainability should be part of the discussion and action plan in relation to risk, governance, in growing the top line and improving the bottom.”

He listed several examples, including a portfolio company where close attention to the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) reduced costs significantly over the holding period as the regulated carbon price increased. 

In another case, a portfolio company was invited to tender by its biggest customer, a large multinational which was asking for unreasonable price reductions. During the tender process, it became clear that the portfolio company was the only vendor with a credible climate transition plan – a mandatory requirement for the contract. Suddenly, it was the portfolio company with the negotiating power. 

Serge believes that these competitive advantages are especially relevant in private equity. PE investors often have longer holding periods and majority control, allowing them to support their portfolio companies in implementing long-term sustainability and decarbonisation programmes. Focusing on these benefits is the advice he would give to other firms considering decarbonisation: 

“You don’t have to make a climate commitment now, but there are steps you can take. Understand your portfolio, make it part of your internal process,” he said: “Sustainability should be part of the discussion and action plan in relation to risk, governance, in growing the top line and improving the bottom line. These are core to the private equity value creation model.” 

A missed trick 

Reflecting on the guidance, Serge is certain that NZIF can be a shortcut for new adopters in the industry: “Our journey started in 2007, with a comprehensive decarbonisation plan which has been ongoing now since 2016. What took us close to 10 years shouldn’t take other firms the same length of time. We have shared what we have learnt through NZIF so other firms that are later adopters can benefit from this.” 

“Behind new ‘green’ companies, with higher valuations and uncertain futures, there are many established companies primed for a pivot.”

He also highlighted a particular area of interest where some European-based LPs are looking to increase their allocation to net zero-focused funds: 

“I think there’s a missed trick in the transformation of industries – I call it grey to green,” he said, explaining that behind the new ‘green’ companies, with higher valuations and uncertain futures, there are many established companies primed for a pivot: 

“There are great opportunities if you look at infrastructure, industrial manufacturing and their value chains. Companies that have competence but have not been able to enter into sectors such as solar panels, wind farms and EV components, as examples, may now be extremely well positioned to service these high-growth sectors. It would be a missed opportunity not to allocate capital to those businesses.” 

Translating sustainability requirements into the language of opportunity and risk is core to Serge’s ethos. Now, it is hoped that the Net Zero Investment Framework Component for Private Equity will drive more progress towards net zero and competitive advantage for those that use it. 

Download the NZIF’s Component for the Private Equity Industry here.

The long road to net zero: a look inside the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative

As the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change unfolds, many investors will be paying close attention to clear policy signals that pave the way for the finance sector to strengthen its role in enabling the net zero transition amid challenging external headwinds.

Since last year’s COP27, signatories of the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative have actively contributed to global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by continuing to deliver against their voluntary net zero commitments.

NZAM signatories made their individual commitments with the expectation that governments will follow through on their own pledges to ensure the objectives of the Paris Agreement are met. With all eyes on Dubai, it is critical that all efforts are made to create a policy environment which is not only supportive and matches the ambition of investors who have set targets, but enables them to deliver on their net zero commitments.

Energising global finance toward net zero

Since its launch in December 2020, the NZAM initiative has grown to include over 315 asset managers, collectively responsible for more than $57 trillion in AUM. Within just three years, NZAM has become a vital platform for asset managers looking to publicly set and disclose their net zero targets in a comprehensive and consistent manner.

The voluntary initiative represents signatories from all regions of the world and more than half of all professionally managed AUM globally.[1] Over 244 signatories have now disclosed their targets and 193 have reported their progress via the PRI and CDP reporting frameworks. This is in line with the requirement for signatories to disclose targets within one year of becoming a signatory and begin reporting in the first reporting cycle following their initial disclosure.

Integrating climate responsibility into investment practices: a fiduciary duty

Climate change presents material financial risks and opportunities to portfolios of all sizes. Swiss Re[2] predicts a reduction in global GDP ranging from at least 10% up to 18% by mid-century, under a scenario where global average temperatures rise between 2.6 and 3.2°C above pre-industrial levels. Among others, economists from the World Economic Forum,[3] the Network for Greening the Financial System,[4] and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change[5] have voiced deep concerns for the stability of the global economy, predicting substantial economic losses if global emissions persist on their current trajectory.

In this context, signatories have a fiduciary duty to their clients and beneficiaries to preserve the long-term financial value of assets. This involves protecting these assets from the physical and transition risks associated with climate change, thereby ensuring the stability and sustainability of their portfolios.

Broadening methodological horizons to facilitate investor target expansion

Actively managing climate-related financial risks and opportunities is a complex process, and will take time and dedicated research. With net zero frameworks being relatively nascent, there is not yet guidance for all asset classes and investment strategies.

For example, methodologies for the analysis of financed emissions have matured more rapidly in public equity and corporate fixed income compared to sovereign bonds. This is one reason why many signatories include less than 100% of their assets in scope when setting initial targets – this is to be expected and will decrease over time as guidance evolves.[6]

However, progress is being made and just in the last year, guidance for a broader range of asset classes has been released. The Network Partners that deliver NZAM are working hard to support signatories by developing additional investor guidance for the three methodologies endorsed by the initiative. This is exemplified by the impending release of the expanded Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) 2.0 in 2024. Currently utilised by over half of signatories, this updated framework will integrate a wider range of asset classes and thematic investment strategies and enable investors to set their individual targets over a greater proportion of their portfolios.

The need for an enabling policy environment

Investors embarking on the journey to net zero cannot navigate the transition alone. The continued progress of the investment community in managing climate-related risk and opportunity depends on action by policymakers and regulators.

In accordance with NZAM Commitment 9, signatories are actively engaged in policy advocacy, pushing for a supportive policy environment that aligns with the goal of achieving global net zero emissions by mid-century. However, many still lack dedicated teams or the capacity to engage in extensive policy advocacy activities. This underscores the need for greater dialogue between investors, governments and other key actors to work towards creating an enabling policy environment that facilitates investors deploying significant capital at the pace and scale required to support governments’ growing responsibilities on climate.

Looking ahead

The journey towards a net zero future is a multi-faceted, multi-decade endeavour. It is a shared responsibility and requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including investors, companies, policymakers, and regulators.

The work undertaken by investors will play a central role in steering the industry towards comprehensively accounting for the risk-adjusted implications of climate change in their portfolios. However, this transformative change won’t occur overnight and cannot unfold in isolation. The policy landscape must align with and support these sustained efforts.

The upcoming NZAM Progress Report, slated for publication early next year, will provide a more comprehensive overview, drawing on the initiative’s 2023 reporting season. It will delve deeper into the achievements of signatories, their impact on the financial industry, and ongoing efforts to address the economic implications of the climate crisis.

 

[1] Based on 2022 data. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/the-tide-has-changed-for-asset-managers

[2] https://www.swissre.com/institute/research/topics-and-risk-dialogues/climate-and-natural-catastrophe-risk/expertise-publication-economics-of-climate-change.html

[3] https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Risks_Report_2023.pdf

[4] https://www.ngfs.net/sites/default/files/medias/documents/conceptual-note-on-short-term-climate-scenarios.pdf

[5] https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_LongerReport.pdf

[6] Signatories commit to “Review our interim target at least every five years, with a view to ratcheting up the proportion of AUM covered until 100% of assets are included”. NZAM Commitment Statement.

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries reclassified as ‘high impact’ in Net Zero Investment Framework

Originally published by IIGCC

We explain what this reclassification means for investors using the net zero investment framework (NZIF) – the most widely used net zero framework for investors – to develop net zero targets and transition plans.  

In October 2023 the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (AFF) sector was reclassified as ‘high impact’ under NZIF, joining other high impact industries chosen because of the substantial greenhouse gas emissions created during their operations, or when their product is used. Examples of other high impact sectors include mining and oil and gas.

The criteria for a high impact company to be considered ‘aligned’ under the alignment maturity scale as outlined in NZIF – or on track to hit their net zero targets – is more stringent than for those in lower impact sectors. Most notably, high impact companies must possess a well-defined decarbonisation plan and allocate capital in accordance with it. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries companies will now also have to satisfy this additional alignment criteria.

The reclassification of the AFF sector will not affect net zero targets, but it will influence the actions that investors take to achieve their targets.

Dr Adrian Fenton, IIGCC’s Senior Investor Strategies Programme Manager, said: ‘The reclassification of the AFF sector as high impact will require investors who want to achieve their net zero targets to intensify their engagement with portfolio companies associated with the sector.’

Land and Sea

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), emissions linked to ‘Agriculture, Forestry, and other Land Use’ account for approximately a quarter of anthropogenic global greenhouse gas emissions – those caused by human activity.

This occurs mainly through tropical forest deforestation, with agriculture accounting for between 10 and 12% of global emissions from 2000 and 2010, according to the IPCC. Land use and land use change accounted for a further 9 to 11%. Importantly, many of the suggested options for mitigating emissions also come from this space, perhaps most significantly through avoided deforestation.  

In the water, fisheries contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. Fishing boats that trawl the ocean floor release ‘as much carbon dioxide as the entire aviation sector’, according to one study from 2021. Destroying marine ecosystems not only decreases the capacity of oceans to absorb carbon, it also releases carbon stored in marine organic matter. Shrimp farms leading to mangrove deforestation is another concerning trend as mangroves offering a vital carbon-storing or sequestration opportunity. 

Protect carbon stocks 

While NZIF mainly focuses on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the AFF sector, experts increasingly recognise that to effectively reduce these emissions, biodiversity and local livelihoods must also be supported.   

‘Biodiverse ecosystems tend to absorb more carbon and are more resilient to impacts such as droughts, fires, and extreme weather events’, explained Norah Berk, IIGCC’s Senior Programme Manager for Nature: ‘With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of disturbances, supporting biodiverse ecosystems is crucial to protect carbon stocks and maintain the carbon absorption capabilities of ecosystems.’

One way investors can engage with companies in the sector is through Nature Action 100, a new global investor engagement initiative launched and co-led by IIGCC and Ceres which aims to drive greater corporate ambition and action to reverse nature and biodiversity loss. More than 200 investors representing $25 trillion in assets have signed on to engage with a list of 100 focus companies as part of the initiative. 

Over a third of the Nature Action 100 companies are within the AFF sector and many of the remaining companies depend on this sector for major inputs into their products, offering investors an opportunity to engage proactively with the sector to deliver real world emissions reductions.

Participating investors called on companies to complete six key actions, which if achieved, should help lower nature loss and associated greenhouse gas emissions.  

The reclassification of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries as a high impact sector within NZIF will encourage investors to redirect their attention towards the transition risks associated with Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. To address such risks, increased engagement with companies to scale practices that foster resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods will be required. The hope is that initiatives like Nature Action 100 can support this requirement. 

Net Zero Asset Managers initiative announces initial targets for 86 investors as total number of asset managers committing to net zero increases to 291

  • Less than two years since the initiative launched, the latest disclosures take the total number of asset managers that have set initial targets to 169.
  • The initiative continues to grow, with 21 managers joining the initiative since May 2022, bringing the total to 291, representing more than USD 66 trillion in AUM.
  • New signatories include Northern Trust AM and AllianceBernstein.

86 asset managers – the largest group to date – have disclosed their initial targets for the proportion of assets managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner. All targets are now available on the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM) website and follow May’s target disclosure report.

The latest targets mean that, collectively, approximately USD 21.8 trillion – out of a possible USD 55.3 trillion managed by the asset managers who have set targets to date – is now committed to be managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner.

A starting point only

The initial targets are only a starting point and represent what asset managers can feasibly commit to today.

Collectively signatories have now committed on average 39% of assets to net zero by 2050, with all NZAM signatories committing to ratchet up their assets committed to net zero with a view to reaching 100%. Achieving this, however, is dependent on numerous factors including the mandates agreed with clients, clients’ and managers’ regulatory environments, supportive policy environments and the development of target setting methodologies for all asset classes.

For the latter, most targets set to date cover listed equity and fixed income due to available target setting methodologies for both asset classes, whereas fewer cover other asset classes, such as private equity and infrastructure, due to the nascency of supporting target setting methodologies. NZAM’s intention is that as methodologies develop to cover more asset classes, as illustrated by the ongoing development and broadening of the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF), additional asset classes will be incorporated into targets.

Approaches to target setting

Across the 169 initial targets submitted to date, 87 use the Paris Aligned Investment Initiative Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF), 39 use the Science Based Targets initiative for Financial Institutions (SBTi), 9 use the UN-convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance Target Setting Protocol (TSP), 23 use a combination and 11 use own/other methodology.

Network Partners

Stephanie Pfeifer, CEO, IIGCC, said: “In less than two years the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative has managed to significantly raise the scale of ambition towards net zero across the global asset management industry. Building on the initiative’s positive start, the focus must now be on supporting managers to increase their targets and turning commitments into action with an emphasis on supporting real world emission reductions – without this, the likelihood of limiting temperature rises to no more than 1.5 degrees becomes more distant.”

Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO, the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) and the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), said: “As more investors join these initiatives, set their initial targets, and get access to the tools and networks that support their work, they get themselves on a faster trajectory to managing down the risks of climate change, and positioning themselves to invest wisely in the transition.”

“Global investor collaboration has been critical to progress towards net zero, and a holistic approach of engaging with policy makers and business is essential for the clean energy transition to accelerate and to scale the investment required by 2030, only 85 months away.”

Mindy Lubber, CEO and President, Ceres, said: “Asset managers from all over the globe have pledged to support aligning their investments and portfolios with a net zero future and joined the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative because they know that transitioning the economy away from carbon intensive operations and production of goods is underway and the only trajectory for a thriving, sustainable economy. The progress these asset managers have made in transitioning their own portfolios provides some assurance that capital flows are gradually shifting to where they need to be.”

David Atkin, CEO, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), said: “This latest round of targets, released by NZAM signatories, is a welcome indicator of the ongoing shift to a global net zero financial system. We know that there is still work to be done to assist NZAM signatories in overcoming the systemic barriers to net zero, and we look forward to continuing our important work to this end. But these targets should be welcomed, as a strong indicator of investor ambition, and as a baseline for future progress.”

ENDS

Media contacts

For more information or further comment contact:

Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC): Tammie Kang, Communications Manager – tammie.kang@aigcc.net

Ceres: Barbara Grady, Communications Manager – grady@ceres.org

Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC): Fergus Pitt, Director of Media and Communications – fergus.pitt@igcc.org.au

Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC): Ross Gillam, Head of Media Relations – rgillam@IIGCC.org

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI): Joseph Cockerline, Communications Specialist – joseph.cockerline@unpri.org

About the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is an international group of asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C; and to supporting investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative launched in December 2020 and aims to galvanise the asset management industry to commit to a goal of net zero emissions. The initiative is endorsed by Investor Agenda and governed by six investor networks – also referred to as the ‘Network Partners’. The Steering Committee of the Network Partners’ CEOs is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the initiative, which includes ensuring that relevant support is provided to signatories to enable best practice implementation of the commitment. The initiative is open to any asset manager globally that is also a member of one of the Network Partner networks. For more information on the initiative please contact us.

https://www.netzeroassetmanagers.org/

NZAM update – November 2022 initial target disclosure

Since the launch of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative in December 2020 with an initial group of 30 signatories, and building on the considerable momentum of the initiative so far, more than 291 signatories, representing over USD 66 trillion in AUM, have joined and committed to align their portfolios with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner. This includes 21 new signatories who have joined since the last target disclosure update in May 2022.

Since the last target disclosures report, the network partners have developed the NZAM website to enable signatory targets to be accessed online via individual pages. This will make it easier to review initial and resubmitted targets and facilitate the network partners in updating progress on an ongoing basis when signatories submit initial and updated targets, as required by the ten-point commitment statement.

NZAM is one of the investor-focused financial sector alliances of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) that brings together leading net zero initiatives across the financial system, to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions by 2050. It is also a formal partner of the UNFCCC’s Race to Zero campaign.

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is delivered by six investor networks. For more on how the initiative operates, see here.

Since COP26, the Steering Committee has met 5 times and the Advisory Group has met 2 times, focusing on how to ensure effective implementation of the initiative, and to ensure credible action by signatories in relation to their net zero commitments. The initiative also held 2 biannual meetings of all signatories which have focused on supporting them in setting and implementing targets, and for more longstanding signatories, compliance with annual reporting requirements.

Target disclosures

Almost two years on from the initiative’s launch and following publication of a second set of asset managers’ initial targets in May 2022, a further 86 asset managers have now disclosed their initial targets for the proportion of assets manged in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner.

All signatory’s targets, including new and previously submitted ones, are now available on the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative website.

The latest disclosures take the total number of asset managers setting initial targets to 169. 21 additional signatories have joined the initiative since May 2022, bringing the bringing the total to 291, representing more than USD 66 trillion in AUM.

The latest targets mean that, collectively, approximately USD 21.8 trillion – out of a possible USD 55.3 trillion managed by the asset managers who have set targets to date – is now committed to be managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner. This represents around 39% of total assets.

We have also seen 63 managers commit more than 75% of their assets and 97 exceed 50%.

29 targets are currently still being reviewed by the initiative. 13 targets are non-complaint as they were not submitted ahead of the 6 July and 15 October deadline to publish the latest target disclosures on 9 November, to coincide with Finance Day at COP27. Network partners will assess these when they are ready and signatory profiles will be updated on the website once this is complete.

Those unable to commit 100% at present, due to business model or methodology challenges, have provided information on plans to increase their proportions of assets to be managed in line with net zero, and subject to interim targets, in the near term. This is consistent with the expectations of the initiative that percentage of AUM will increase over time to reach 100%.

Target setting methodologies

All disclosing signatories provide information on the interim targets that have been set in relation to the proportion of assets managed in line with net zero, including the science-based scenarios used to determine these targets. The overwhelming majority have used one, or a combination, of three endorsed target setting methodologies:

  • Paris Aligned Investment Initiative’s Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) – 87 signatories
  • Science Based Targets initiative for Financial Institutions (SBTi) – 39
  • Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance Target Setting Protocol (TSP) – 9
  • Combination – 23
  • Own/other methodology – 11

For more on target setting approaches, see here.

Where asset managers have not used an endorsed methodology, or a methodology has not been used in full, the network partners will continue to engage and support signatories to ensure effective and science-based implementation of targets and strategies going forward. For signatories indicating use of the SBTi methodology, it is noted that the process for target setting is as follows:

  • Committing to a Science Based Target via a letter of intent (optional)
  • Developing a target in line with SBTi criteria
  • Presenting target to SBTi for official validation (within 2 years of committing)
  • Communicating this validation to stakeholders
  • Reporting progress against these targets annually

Asset managers disclosing targets to the NZAM are not specifically required to have committed or have targets validated by SBTi at the point of this disclosure. In addition to information on targets, and in light of the network partners’ expectation that signatories have science-based policies on investment in coal and other fossil fuels, asset managers were invited to disclose information on their policies. Signatories that do not have broad policies in place were able to indicate how they were planning to consider this issue.

Further detail of each asset manager’s specific proportion and targets is set out on individual signatory pages on the NZAM website, available here. The network partners have published the key elements of the information provided by each signatory, in relation to the initial proportion of assets to be managed in line with net zero and interim targets set in relation to those assets. This information is based on information self-reported by the signatories, and there is therefore variation in the way it has been prepared. However, while network partners validate methodology usage, publication does not imply network partner verification of information provided or targets set. All asset managers are expected to provide further information on their compliance with all elements of the commitment, including setting out a climate action plan, as part of the annual disclosure and reporting process.

For more on transparency and accountability, see here.

For consistency and aggregation, all asset manager’s proportion of AUM was requested to be disclosed in USD. The network partners used the figures as provided by the asset manager.

Key themes highlighted

During the target disclosure and review process for the May 2022 progress report, a number of prominent themes were identified by asset managers. Analysis of target disclosures for this November 2022 update reinforces that asset managers are operating against a similar backdrop of challenges, which has implications for the action asset managers are currently able to take and influences the approaches taken to setting targets.

Collectively signatories have now committed on average 39% of assets to net zero by 2050, with all NZAM signatories committing to ratchet up their assets committed to net zero with a view to reaching 100%. Achieving this, however, is dependent on numerous factors including the mandates agreed with clients, clients’ and managers’ regulatory environments, supportive policy environments and the development of target setting methodologies for all asset classes.

1) The geopolitical backdrop

These targets are being set against an ongoing challenging geopolitical backdrop. The war in Ukraine is entering its ninth month, following Russia’s brutal invasion in February 2022. The current energy crisis has increased short-term demand for fossil fuels and had a drastic impact on the cost-of-living for many individuals. The politicisation of ESG issues more broadly persists, which we recognise add a layer of complexity to the target setting process.

There continues to be increased variation in the regulatory and policy environments that managers are operating in. This affects their ability to shift existing funds towards net zero alignment and can impact the level of client demand for such a shift. There are a number of cases where, due to policy changes or engagement with clients, asset managers have been able to commit a significantly higher proportion of assets than would have been possible even a few months ago. But equally, there are some who are operating in less supportive regulatory environments and are working to overcome some of the current constraints. For organisations that operate globally, they must balance a range of jurisdictional requirements when setting targets and implementing their net zero commitments.

2) Approaches to target setting

Given the wide variety of business models, geographic footprints and asset class mixes amongst the asset management community – which is reflected within the NZAM signatory base – we expect to see variation in the approach to target setting and what is achievable in terms of the initial proportion of assets managed in line with net zero.

To reflect this and provide flexibility to signatories, three target-setting methodologies endorsed by NZAM – the Paris Aligned Investment Initiative Net Zero Investment Framework, Science Based Target initiative for Financial Institutions and the UN-convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance Target Setting Protocol. All three methodologies include different options for target setting, or the possibility to set a combination of targets, allowing signatories to take either a ‘top-down’ emissions reduction approach or a ‘bottom-up’ portfolio coverage approach, or a combination of both.

A portfolio emissions reduction approach is an intuitive method of demonstrating alignment with a fair share of the 50% reduction of emissions required by 2050 but can encourage investors to sell high carbon assets rather than engaging to drive real world impact. Meanwhile, the portfolio coverage approach focuses on getting companies themselves onto a decarbonisation pathway which achieves real world reductions but can be more difficult to determine the portfolio emissions impact. This is why the initiative encourages the use of a combination of targets and actions to ensure real world impact while also being able to effectively track emission reductions. It has also built in some safeguards to ensure managers are engaging with companies across their entire AUM and focusing on both overall reductions and real-world impact.

3) Variations in business model and investment approach

It is important to remember that the money that asset managers invest is not their own – they are managing it on behalf of their clients and, depending on their individual business model, they could have thousands of different clients invested across hundreds of funds. Making changes to how these funds invest and what they invest in is often a complicated process that requires consultation with a number of stakeholders.

From an NZAM perspective, asset managers’ initial targets represent a starting point, often made up of the funds that can be most easily aligned with net zero. However, many have indicated that there are ongoing conversations with clients and other stakeholders which they expect to result in significant increases in the proportion of AUM managed in line with net zero in future. This is consistent with the terms of the NZAM commitment, which requires managers to review their target at least every five years and encourages them to do so more frequently where possible.

Where funds are actively managed, the fund manager has greater power to decide how the money is allocated and which companies to invest in. However, for passive investments or index funds it is more difficult. These investments typically track a benchmark and do not allow for active stock picking or deviation from the benchmark. It is possible for passive funds to implement additional criteria, but this cannot be done without changing the fund’s terms and conditions, which would need to be accepted by existing investors in the fund. While there are some net zero index funds that have been set up with additional criteria applied, this is a relatively recent development and there are far more funds that do not have an explicit net zero objective.

However, as long-term owners of the assets that they hold – at least for as long as the companies remain in the benchmark – index funds have an important responsibility when it comes to engaging with the companies they are invested in. Investment stewardship is a key mechanism for encouraging company management to better understand and address material climate risks and work towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. The challenge around aligning index funds more broadly will be an area of focus for network partners in the coming months, and one that they will working collaboratively across the sector to address.

4) Availability of methodologies and data

For many asset managers a key constraint identified is the absence of methodologies for accounting for specific asset classes or measuring alignment to net zero. Several managers noted that this was the case for derivatives, private equity, green bonds, sovereign bonds, covered bonds, structured products and cash, among others. There are a number of efforts in train, supported by the network partners and individual managers, to address these gaps in methodologies, which will allow a broader range of asset classes to be included in future.

Similarly, data quality and availability continue to be challenges. Many have noted that they only have included strategies, funds and geographies where data quality and availability was sufficient to underpin robust science-based target setting. However, they are continuing to make efforts to gather relevant data to enable setting of additional targets or broadening the scope of current targets going forward.

The initial targets are only a starting point and represent what asset managers can feasibly commit to today. For instance, most targets cover listed equity and fixed income thanks to available target setting methodologies for both asset classes, whereas fewer cover other asset classes, such as private equity and infrastructure, due to the nascency of supporting target setting methodologies. The intention is that as methodologies develop to cover more asset classes, as illustrated by the ongoing development and broadening of the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF), additional asset classes will be incorporated into targets.

Since launching, 4 managers have resubmitted higher targets (including 1 in this latest wave), highlighting how targets are not static and intended to move forwards over time. The initial targets are just that, a starting point.

Net Zero Asset Managers initiative publishes initial targets for 43 signatories as the number of asset managers committing to net zero grows to 273

  • Less than 18 months since the initiative launched, 83 asset managers have set initial targets, with 39% of their assets (USD 16 trillion) now committed to be managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner 
  • Most targets are from those who joined the initiative in March and April 2021, with some asset managers also disclosing early or updating their initial targets  
  • 53 asset managers have joined the initiative since November 2021, bringing the total to 273, representing more than USD 61.3 trillion in assets under management 
  • New signatories include T. Rowe Price, Credit Suisse Asset Management and Frontier Investment Management  

43 asset managers have disclosed their initial targets for the proportion of assets managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner, according to the latest Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative target disclosure report. This follows the inaugural NZAM report published in November 2021.   

The latest targets mean that, collectively, approximately USD 16 trillion – out of a possible USD 42 trillion managed by the asset managers who have set targets to date – is now committed to be managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner, and subject to targets consistent with a fair share of the 50% global emission reduction by 2030 identified as necessary in the IPCC special report on global warming of 1.5°C. This sum represents approximately 39% of those managers’ assets – up from 35% when the first set of targets were published at COP26.  

Some managers who had already set targets, including AXA Investment Managers and Wellington Management have demonstrated greater ambition by updating their initial targets from November 20211. Both AXA and Wellington have increased their targets for the proportion of assets managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner – from 15% to 65% and 10.6% to 32.4% respectively.  

Investor signatories 

Marco Morelli, Executive Chairman, AXA Investment Management, said: “Since our first submission in October, we have further intensified our efforts across the whole business to develop an approach which is robust and can be implemented in an effective manner by investment teams, meaning our revised figure now stands at 65% of total assets managed in line with net zero by 2050.” 

“Announcements and decisions made by policy-makers in different locations to encourage the financial sector to continue to play a leading role in the transition, for instance Article 29 of the Law Energy-Climate in France, gave us more comfort on some of our points of attention in relation to assets outside of what we first deemed as eligible. We also moved from a bottom-up approach at fund level to a top-down approach at asset class level, specifically in relation to third party assets. Going forward, our aim is to continue to grow the proportion of net zero-aligned AUM as reliable methodologies become available for all asset classes.” 

Edward Mason, Director, Generation Investment Management, said: “Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 on a 1.5C pathway across the global economy and the halving of global emissions this decade will require sustained action across all elements of the NZAM commitment by all signatories. We have unquestionably seen a positive start towards these monumental goals, but we are now into the hard work, year on year, of delivery.” 

Ben Way, Group Head, Macquarie Asset Management, said: “As we aspire to become a global leader in sustainable asset management, we know that action, supported by evidence, is the most important step. Initiatives like Net Zero Asset Managers play an important role in helping us track our progress against delivering on our ambition to manage and invest our portfolio in line with net zero emissions by 2040. We welcome the release of this progress report which highlights the positive progress we have made across our global portfolio since we became a signatory to the initiative just 12 months ago. Delivering on our net zero ambition is complex and influenced by many factors, however we remain focused on partnering with our investors, portfolio companies, regulators, peers, and a wide range of stakeholders to drive this mission critical work.”  

Wendy Cromwell, Vice Chair and head of sustainable investment at Wellington Management, said: “We are proud of our net zero commitment of $436 billion and the solid foundation we are building. We look forward to continuing to work with asset owners on their decarbonization goals, engaging with companies to assess preparedness for a low carbon transition, and serving on net zero related advisory boards and working groups to help enhance tools and methodologies. We plan to share periodic updates on our asset level commitment as our methodical client-by-client and strategy-by-strategy work continues.”  

Key themes 

Throughout the target disclosure and review process, several notable themes were highlighted by a number of asset managers as key drivers behind the targets presented and the approaches taken to setting them.  

One relates to the variation in business models owing to the difference in the number of clients across the different managers. While some have relatively few clients, other managers have thousands of different clients invested across hundreds of funds, which can make adjusting funds to align with net zero a lengthier process. However, many have indicated that there are ongoing conversations with clients and other stakeholders which they expect to result in significant increases in the proportion of AUM managed in line with net zero in future. 

Another key theme managers highlighted was the difference between setting targets for actively and passively managed investments. While active managers have greater power to decide how the money is allocated, alignment of index funds requires a different approach and could take longer to achieve. Addressing these challenges will be an area of focus for NZAM network partners in the coming months, and they will be working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the sector to address them.  

Other key themes noted include the differences in target-setting approaches – the three target setting methodologies endorsed by NZAM are the Paris Aligned Investment Initiative Net Zero Investment Framework, Science Based Target initiative for Financial Institutions and the UN-convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance Target Setting Protocol – and the importance of available methodologies across all asset classes, including derivatives, private equity, green bonds, sovereign bonds, covered bonds, structured products and cash. More information on the themes is available in the report 

As the importance of decarbonising the global economy has only increased – as highlighted by two recent IPCC reports – the momentum of the NZAM initiative has continued with 53 new signatories joining since November 2021. This takes the total to 273 representing more than USD 61.3 trillion in assets under management. 

Network Partners 

Stephanie Pfeifer, CEO, IIGCC, said: “It is encouraging to see further commitments from the global asset management industry towards climate change and the decarbonisation of the global economy. While there is some way to go, that $16 trillion of assets are now committed to be managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050, is a more than positive start – although targets must of course still translate into action. I particularly welcome those who have been proactive and ratcheted-up their initial targets for in scope assets from those set only six months. I would encourage other managers with existing or yet to be set targets to be just as ambitious and proactive.”     

Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO, the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) and the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), said: “In the 18 months since NZAM launched, the world’s biggest asset managers have started the on journey of setting targets and getting their portfolios on track for net zero by 2050. This momentum must continue; climate is a risk that can’t be divested from, so investors will need to use their influence over capital flows, their influence on companies and their voice to policy-makers to speed up the transition to a net zero global economy.” 

Paul Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, CDP, said: “CDP is encouraged by the growing number of asset managers committing to decarbonize their portfolios, setting net-zero targets and increasing the proportion of their assets to be managed in line with those targets. However, the world is not yet on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and we are running out of time to do so. As a sector that plays a critical role in the just transition to a net-zero and nature positive world, we look forward to seeing increasingly ambitious targets from asset managers, which translate into action and accountability.”   

Mindy Lubber, CEO and President, Ceres, said: “We applaud the asset managers who have set targets for a majority of their assets to align with the global goal of limiting temperature rise to no more than 1.5 degrees. We are most encouraged by the steady growth in the number of asset managers setting targets and increasing the percentage of their assets covered by those targets. The world is on a dangerous precipice regarding climate change risk, and all investors need to think about long-term returns and strategies for growth instead of short-term gains or quick and fleeting profits. The viability of the global economy and health of the planet and its people significantly depend on achieving a 50% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”    

David Atkin, CEO, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), said: David Atkin, CEO, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), said: “The targets announced today through NZAM are a clear statement of intent from investors. We know that climate risk is financial risk, and that strong, decisive action is needed to keep the possibility of limiting warming to no more than 1.5 degrees alive. These commitments by investors are a key step towards the realisation of a truly net zero financial system. We’ll continue to work with NZAM signatories and the sector at large to push for even more ambitious action, taken further and faster, to help deliver meaningful action on the road to net zero.” 

ENDS 

1 The NZAM commitment requires managers to review their target at least every five years and encourages them to do so more frequently where possible. 

Media contacts 

For more information or further comment contact: 

Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC): Tammie Kang, Communications Manager – tammie.kang@aigcc.net  

CDP: Sara Firouzyar, Senior Communications Manager – Sara.Firouzyar@cdp.net  

Ceres: Barbara Grady, Communications Manager – grady@ceres.org  

Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC): Fergus Pitt, Director of Media and Communications – fergus.pitt@igcc.org.au  

Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC): Ross Gillam, Head of Media Relations – rgillam@IIGCC.org  

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI): Joseph Cockerline, Communications Specialist – joseph.cockerline@unpri.org  

About the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative 

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is an international group of asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C; and to supporting investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative launched in December 2020 and aims to galvanise the asset management industry to commit to a goal of net zero emissions. The initiative is endorsed by Investor Agenda and governed by six investor networks – also referred to as the ‘Network Partners’. The Steering Committee of the Network Partners’ CEOs is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the initiative, which includes ensuring that relevant support is provided to signatories to enable best practice implementation of the commitment. The initiative is open to any asset manager globally that is also a member of one of the Network Partner networks. For more information on the initiative please contact us 

https://www.netzeroassetmanagers.org/  

Net Zero Asset Managers initiative adds 16 new signatories taking total AUM represented to USD 57.5 trillion

  • The 16 new signatories cover a broad geographic base including, the UK and continental Europe, Australasia and North America.

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative has added 16 new signatories taking the total number of signatories to 236 with USD 57.5 trillion total AUM represented. This follows a year of significant and real progress in 2021 for the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative having only launched in December 2020.

The 16 new signatories are: BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Ethos Services SA, Findlay Park Partners, INOKS Capital SA, Kiwi Wealth Investments Limited NZ, Lindsell Train Limited, Mandarine Gestion, Nutshell Asset Management Limited, OP Real Estate Asset Management Ltd., Redwood Grove Capital, Sustainable Development Capital LLP, UBP Asset Management (Europe), Unicorn Asset Management, Whitehelm Capital and V-Square Quantitative Management LLC

Full details of the steps the investors commit to in joining the initiative can be found here.

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is managed globally by six founding partner investor networks: Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC), CDP, Ceres, Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

Net Zero Asset Managers initiative signatories disclose interim targets, with over a third of assets managed in line with net zero

  • 43 asset managers share first interim targets for the proportion of assets managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050, and set shorter term targets for reducing emissions within their investments
  • Signatories disclose that 35% of their total assets under management, totalling USD 4.2 trillion out of a possible USD 11.9 trillion, is being managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050
  • A record 92 new asset managers representing USD 10.8 trillion in assets join initiative, bringing the total to 220 investors managing USD 57.4 trillion
  • Network partners managing the initiative set out expectations on fossil fuel investment, asking signatories to adopt robust and science-based policies aligned with a 1.5°C scenario

43 investors have disclosed their first interim targets for the proportion of assets managed in line with achieving net zero by 2050, according to a new progress report released today. The asset managers have committed USD 4.2 trillion out of a possible USD 11.9 trillion, meaning that 35% of their total assets under management is in line with net zero.

As signatories to the initiative, asset managers also commit to set interim targets consistent with afair share of the 50% global reduction in greenhouse gas emissionsby 2030, with 15 setting shorterterm targets for 2025. Investors must disclose their initial interim target within a year of joining the initiative and review on a regular basis with a view to increasing the proportion of assets until 100% are included. If this initial target were reflected across all current signatories, more than USD 20 trillion managed would be in line with net zero and subject to 2030 targets by the end of 2022.

“Aviva Investors warmly welcomes the release of this Progress Report of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. With the release of the IPCC’s sixth Assessment Report, we now know that everyone needs to do all that they can to tackle this crisis, shift the trajectory of emissions and align financial flows with 1.5°C. To do this successfully we need to harness markets to deliver a smooth and just transition. Asset management is an important part of that, and the growth of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and the wider finance sector committed to GFANZ provides both hope and an example of leadership for others to follow.” said Steve Waygood, Chief Responsible Investment Officer, Aviva Investors.

“For many years we have invested in our own capabilities to help us measure and manage climate risks and to push companies to transition. We welcome the transparency and accountability that externally validated methodologies such as the Science Based Targets initiative demand, and as founding signatories to the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, we recognise the essential role that collective action by our industry plays at this defining moment.” said Andrew Howard, Global Head of Sustainable Investment, Schroders.

“The climate is the greatest challenge of our time and is being debated extensively. However, the debate must not be at the expense of action, and here initiatives such as Net Zero Asset Managers are an important key in driving development forward. I am very proud of Swedbank Robur’s disclosure, which shows that we have already made a major move and reduced carbon emissions by 50% since 2017, and that we are well on the way to our goal of securing our managed capital in line with the Paris Agreement as early as 2025. But we have to keep pushing, and our way forward will include an even stronger focus on investing in climate solutions and influencing our portfolio companies to set goals in line with the Paris Agreement.” said Liza Jonson, CEO, Swedbank Robur.

“Since our founding commitment, we have been working diligently to turn aspiration into accountable action. We are pleased to report our initial commitment of net-zero-aligned assets and are excited about the solid foundation we have built for further progress. We plan to continue to develop measurable net-zero implementation plans client by client, and investment strategy by investment strategy. As a large active manager we believe we have an important role to play in helping companies prepare for this significant economic transition.” said Jean Hynes, CEO, Wellington Management.

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative Progress Report comes as COP26 begins and at a critical time or increasing investor action on the climate crisis. In addition, a record 92 asset managers representing USD 10.8 trillion in assets are joining the initiative today, bringing the total to 220 investors managing USD 57.4 trillion. These latest numbers indicate that investors representing nearly 60% of the world’s total managed assets are now committed toward achieving the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.

New signatories include J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Metrics, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking, Nikko Asset Management, Nomura Asset Management, Rockefeller Asset Management and Vancity, significantly boosting the representation of Asian and US-based asset managers within the initiative.

“This is a critical time to join forces to combat climate change and the consequences of global warming. We have a collective responsibility to work alongside issuers to deliver the net zero ambition for future generations. Eurizon firmly believes in sustainable and responsible investments and we are ready to play our part.” said Saverio Perissinotto, CEO, Eurizon Capital SGR.

“Addressing climate-related risks and opportunities is a critically important issue in the evolution of the asset management industry. Thoughtful government policy, investments in low-carbon technologies, and collaboration between the public and private sectors are all prerequisites to a transition to a low carbon world. Asset managers, together with our institutional and individual clients, also have an important role to play. We are pleased to have joined the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative as we seek to work with clients to deliver products and solutions that support their net zero ambitions.” said George Gatch, CEO, J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

“Metrics is determined to play a leading role in promoting and assisting with the transition to a low carbon economy. This presents an enormous opportunity and Metrics is committed to ensuring that we both lead by example and ensure our stakeholders have the means to participate in achieving a just and timely transition.” said Andrew Lockhart, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Metrics.

“We believe that addressing climate change is essential to achieving a sustainable society over the medium- to long-term and contributing to the expansion of customer assets through increasing the value of our investees. We, together with the asset management companies in our group, will promote efforts to mitigate climate change by making maximum use of approaches that we can take as investors, such as engagement and voting rights. Through participation in the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, we will strengthen collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders more than ever before, contribute to a smooth transition to a decarbonized society, and fulfil our fiduciary responsibility.” said Iwao Nagashima, President and CEO, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking.

“Sustainable investment is at the core of our business and we believe it is inherent to long-term value creation. We are excited to make a commitment to achieve global net zero emissions by 2050 and honored to be part of this growing group of global asset managers. While we acknowledge there are many hurdles and challenges, by collaborating with our clients, investee companies, and other initiative members we can accelerate progress to meet this ambitious goal.” said Hiroki Tsujimura, Global Head of Investment and CIO, Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd.

“Nomura Asset Management is proud to be part of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and we firmly believe that asset managers play a key role in changing the world and achieving a decarbonized and climate-resilient society. As one of the largest asset managers in APAC, we are advantageously positioned to create a positive impact through effective stewardship activities and leveraging our profound climate-related expertise in collaboration with stakeholders. With our interim target and goal as guides, I am confident we will be successful in accelerating this important transition and achieving global net zero emissions by 2050, if not sooner” said Hiroyasu Koike, President and CEO, Nomura Asset Management.

“We are proud to be joining this initiative, which is driving greater insights into the climate trajectory of our underlying holdings and contributing to robust shareholder engagements activity related to climate risk and GHG emissions,” said Casey Clark, Deputy CIO and Global Head of ESG Investments, Rockefeller Asset Management.

“The financial sector holds critical keys to reducing emissions across the economy, deciding what gets unded and where capital is directed. As a founding signatory of the Net Zero Banking Alliance, it was a natural decision for us to join the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and to foster collaboration to support the ongoing effort to limit warming to 1.5°C.” said Joe Reid, Vice President of Wealth Management and Impact Investing, Vancity.

Today, the network partners also published a set of expectations for investors in relation to fossil fuel investment, asking that signatories adopt robust and science-based policies which are aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 1.5°C scenario.

“It has been remarkable to see the level of commitment coming from the global asset management community when it comes to tackling climate change and decarbonising the global economy. We continue to see a significant number of investors making net zero commitments, but importantly are now also seeing action on those commitments as asset managers begin to share their targets. However, there is still work to do if we are to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. I look forward to seeing these targets put into action and would encourage the investors who will be disclosing over the coming months to match – or exceed – the ambition set out by the first wave of signatories.” said Stephanie Pfeifer, CEO, IIGCC.

“We welcome the asset managers who have stepped up and committed to reaching net zero emissions, helping the world address the climate crisis. The collaboration of global asset managers is a critical contribution as the world transitions to a decarbonised economy. We look forward to seeing strong action and increasing commitments from investors to achieve their targets.” said Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO, the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) and the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC).

“Asset managers play a critical role in achieving a 1.5°C future. It is encouraging to see leading investors commit to aligning their portfolios with net zero by setting interim targets. To address the climate crisis, we must see increasing ambition and action from global investors towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement through robust disclosure, setting science-based portfolio targets and aligning all investment activity with a 1.5°C scenario. It’s critical that asset managers work with their asset owner clients and engage with their investee companies urgently to decarbonize at scale and support the transition to a resilient economy. As this initiative grows, we anticipate increased ambition from investors reflected in an ever greater proportion of assets under management covered by mid-term targets.” said Paul Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, CDP.

“Investors increasingly grasp not only the risks posed by the climate crisis, but also the economic opportunities in the global transition to a net zero emissions economy. This first group of asset managers disclosing interim targets for aligning their investments with net zero emissions will help accelerate that transition. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, we need all asset managers and owners, governments, businesses and sectors of society to scale up climate action. At the start of COP26, I call on all investors worldwide to commit to setting a net zero target, including science-based interim targets, and to laying out comprehensive investor climate action plans,” said Mindy Lubber, CEO and President, Ceres.

“The most recent round of target setting by NZAM signatories is a welcome step forward in the mission to reach net zero. Of particular note should be firms’ commitment to net zero plans by 2025 or 2030. We know it is vital for investors to set near-term targets, ahead of 2050, in order to have a realistic chance of making the shift to net zero in time to keep global temperature rises below 1.5°C of warming. We now need to see pledges go deeper and further – with a higher proportion of assets aligned with net zero and further meaningful collective action on the topic, to ensure the industry is on track for 2050.” said Fiona Reynolds, CEO, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

 

– ENDS –

Notes to Editor

Full list of new signatories:

ACTIAM, Addenda Capital, Aegon Asset Management, Aker Horizons, Aktia Bank Plc, Alpha Trust, Angel Oak Capital, Apostle Funds Management, Acadian Asset Management, Arjuna Capital, Artemis Investment Management LLP, Baillie Gifford & Co, BBVA Asset Management, BentallGreenOak, Bin Yuan Capital, BNK Asset Management, BNP Paribas Asset Management, Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Limited, Brawn Capital, Bregal Investments LLP, Brewin Dolphin, Bridges Fund Management, Brown Advisory, Camco Clean Energy, CANDRIAM, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Community Capital Management LLC, CQS, Deka Investment GmbH, Deka Vermögensmanagement GmbH, Desjardins Global Asset Management, Dream Unlimited, DUGUUD, ESPIRIA, Ethical Partners, Eurizon Capital, EV Private Equity, Fideuram Asset Management Ireland, Fideuram Asset Management SGR, FSN Capital Partners, GMO, Great Lakes Advisors, Green Investment Partners, Greencoat Capital LLP, Grupo Bancolombia, Hannon Armstrong, Hg, Ibercaja AM, ICG, IG4CAPITAL, Impax Asset Management, Investindustrial, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, LaSalle Investment Management, Linzor Capital Partners, Local Pensions Partnership Investments Ltd, Mackenzie Investments, Maple-Brown Abbott, Metric Credit Partners Pty Limited, Metzler Asset Management, MidOcean Partners, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management (UK) Ltd., Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp, MU Investments, Munich Re Investment Partners, Muzinich & Co. Inc, NEI Investments, Neuberger Berman, Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. Nomura Asset Management. Oakham Wealth Management, OP Asset Management, OP Real Estate Asset Management Ltd, Orchard Street Investment Management, Pictet Group, PineBridge Investments, Polymer Capital Management, Quoniam Asset Management, Rathbone Brothers, Rockefeller Asset Management, Rothschild & Co Asset Management Europe, Salm-Salm & Partner GmbH, Savills Investment Management, SKY Harbor Capital Management, SLGI Asset Management Inc., Sprucegrove Investment Management, Stance Capital LLC, Stonepeak, Taaleri Plc, Union Asset Management Holding AG, Vancity Investment Management Ltd. (VCIM) and Veritas Asset Management.

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About the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is an international group of asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C; and to supporting investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative launched in December 2020 and aims to galvanise the asset management industry to commit to a goal of net zero emissions. The initiative is endorsed by Investor Agenda and governed by six investor networks – also referred to as the ‘Network Partners’. The Steering Committee of the Network Partners’ CEOs is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the initiative, which includes ensuring that relevant support is provided to signatories to enable best practice implementation of the commitment. The initiative is open to any asset manager globally that is also a member of one of the Network Partner networks. For more information on the initiative please contact us.