The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative brings together 220 asset managers who have some USD 57 trillion in assets under management, or nearly 60% of the world’s total managed assets, and who are committed to supporting the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and driving net-zero-aligned investing.
Shifting to net zero will be the biggest economic transformation of our time and achieving this goal by mid-century requires an urgent acceleration of current efforts. The asset management industry plays a powerful role in driving this transformation.
To limit the rise in global temperatures to the internationally agreed goal of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, capital must increasingly be channelled towards economic activities undergoing deep decarbonisation or those offering innovative solutions to the climate crisis.
To harness the power of the asset management industry, the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative aims to mobilise action by asset managers who demonstrate leadership in driving the transition to net zero and who provide the necessary investment strategies.
The initiative also provides members with a valuable platform to share best practices, overcome barriers to aligning investments with net zero, as well as to increase transparency and accountability.
“Signing up to the Net Zero Asset Management initiative is the latest step in our commitment to contributing to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. It will guide us in setting targets to reduce the carbon footprint of our investment portfolios and favour investments that offer climate solutions.” Karine Jesiolowski, Head of Responsible Investment, Asset Management
We are also pleased to have joined the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) – one of the six “Network Partners” of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative – as we will benefit from their expertise to design our climate strategy, participate in collaborative engagement initiatives and benefit from the knowledge of its members, including other asset managers who have already embarked on this race to net zero.
Setting net-zero-aligned targets
As a signatory of the initiative, UBP Asset Management (Europe) has taken on a range of commitments to accelerate the transition to net zero and achieve emissions reductions in the real economy.
In 2022, UBP Asset Management (Europe) will publish decarbonisation targets for all its funds under management, including interim targets for 2030, in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
These targets will be reviewed at least every five years, with a view to ratcheting up the proportion of assets under management covered until 100% of them are included.
Over time, UBP Asset Management (Europe) will also scale up its engagement with clients on net-zero investing and aims to create investment products aligned with net-zero emissions by 2050 and facilitate increased investment in climate solutions.