The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative grows to 87 investors managing $37 trillion, with the world’s three largest asset managers now committing to the net zero goal.
- Ahead of Earth Day and Leaders Summit on Climate, the initiative announces it now includes BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Global Advisors
- Asset managers promise to work with clients to reach net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and set 2030 emissions reduction targets
Austin, Texas (April 20, 2021) – More of the world’s largest asset managers announced today that they are joining the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, a clear sign that the global movement for a net-zero emissions economy is growing stronger and more determined. The 14 new signatories, which collectively manage nearly $5 trillion in assets and includes the world’s third-largest asset manager, State Street Global Advisors, join 73 other signatories in committing to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner and to set interim targets for 2030.
Launched in December 2020 with 30 signatories, the global initiative has now grown to include 87 signatories with nearly $37 trillion in assets under management, representing nearly 40% of the total assets under management across the globe. The number of signatories has nearly tripled and the total assets under management have quadrupled since the launch. The new signatories include: Alquity Investment Management, BankInvest, Colony Capital, Coutts Asset Management, EcoFin, Insight Investment, Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, Ridgewood Infrastructure, Russell Investments, Sage Advisory, State Street Global Advisors, Trillium Asset Management, Valo Ventures, and Vert Asset Management.
With State Street Global Advisors announcing its commitment today, the three largest asset managers in the world are now signatories to the initiative. BlackRock and Vanguard announced their participation in March 2021.
Cyrus Taraporevala, President and Chief Executive Officer, State Street Global Advisors, said: “Climate change poses one of the most serious risks to long-term investors and we are pleased to join this important initiative. We are especially keen to leverage our position as one of the world’s largest asset managers to raise awareness of the systemic risks associated with climate change, and to help all stakeholders navigate the difficult choices we face as we effectively manage the transition risks. The goal of net-zero-carbon emissions by 2050 is consistent with our commitment to drive long-term value on behalf of our clients.”
The formal announcement will be made today at a special event hosted by Ceres with the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry showcasing how private sector finance leaders are key to driving the net-zero transition. The U.S. administration is mobilizing world leaders on April 22-23 for the Leaders Summit on Climate to galvanize efforts by major economies to scale action on the climate crisis.
John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, said: “The largest financial players in the world recognize energy transition represents a vast commercial opportunity as well as a planetary imperative. As countries around the world move to decarbonize, the large sums these institutions are dedicating to climate finance also reflect a growing understanding of how critical a low-carbon global economy is to their business models. Ultimately, their commitment of capital and assets, as well as adherence to high standards and reporting, will accelerate the transition to this new economy, create a massive number of new jobs, and increase our collective ability to tackle the climate crisis.”
The asset managers commit to set interim targets for 2030, consistent with a fair share of the 50% global reduction in emissions identified as a requirement in the IPCC special report to limit increase in global temperatures to no more than 1.5-degrees Celsius. They will be asked to submit an interim target, within a year of joining the initiative, for the proportion of assets to be managed in line with reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Signatories will also commit to transparent and rigorous accountability. They will annually report progress against the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, including implementing a climate action plan and ensuring their plans are based on a robust methodology, consistent with the Race to Zero campaign criteria, and action is being taken in line with the commitments.
Abdallah Nauphal, Chief Executive Officer at Insight Investment, said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and we have been encouraged to see governments and businesses grapple with its far-reaching implications by introducing meaningful policy and initiatives ahead of COP26 later this year. We are committed to helping our clients manage the risks of climate change and to transition their portfolios in a manner that can also deliver financial and liability objectives.”
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 Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). In turn, the initiative is endorsed by The Investor Agenda, of which the investor networks are all founding partners, along with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).
Mindy Lubber, Ceres CEO and President, said: “The accelerating growth of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative signals a great awakening in the finance sector. The largest financial leaders in the world are increasingly embracing the inescapable reality that climate change is a systemic risk. We know investments impact climate change just as climate change impacts investments. That’s why we welcome this new wave of commitments from the largest asset managers in the world — all of whom are joining this ambitious movement of real action in the U.S. and around the globe.”
The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Race to Zero campaign.
The initiative has an advisory group drawn from representatives from signatory asset managers. Members include: Takeo Omori, Asset Management One; Corinna Orbach, DWS; Edward Mason, Generation; Chris Newton, IFM Investors; Catherine Ogden, LGIM; and Wendy Cromwell, Wellington Management. The advisory group provides recommendations to the initiative’s Steering Committee with regard to governance and operations and serves as champions for its work.
Additional quotes from new signatories:
Paul Robinson, Founder, Alquity Investment Management, said: “At Alquity, we have always believed that how we deploy our capital shapes our societies. Asset managers are a critical component in ensuring the reversal of climate change – nothing happens without capital, therefore the decisions we make will be determinant in the survival of the planet as we know it. We need all asset managers to ensure that our capital is aligned with reversing the impacts of climate change. It is possible for us, and the businesses we invest in, to use our skills, innovation and determination to build a sustainable future. We also believe this transition must be just and fair, creating a more equitable and sustainable economy for all.”
Lars Bo Bertram CEO of BankInvest, said: “Reallocating our capital in a responsible and sustainable direction can make a huge difference in creating a better world. Done carefully, it can even improve both short and long term financial return – so why hesitate? Combining our efforts, asset managers play a crucial role in driving the needed progress and identifying investment opportunities to support the transition to a sustainable future. BankInvest is eager to deliver on this commitment to the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and to help our clients in getting their investments on a net-zero pathway.”
Peter Flavel, CEO, Coutts & Co, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face and it represents a serious material risk for our clients, society and planet. We recognize the important role the asset management industry plays in addressing climate change and are proud to join the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative to accelerate industry action on climate. We have already incorporated climate into our Purpose and are committed to further embed our net zero ambitions into our asset allocation decisions and stewardship activity.”
Marc Ganzi, CEO, Digital Colony and President & CEO, Colony Capital, said: “At Colony Capital and Digital Colony, responsible investing is in our DNA. We know that we have to tackle the climate crisis with the same vigor and tenacity that we approach our ownership of some of the leading digital infrastructure businesses in the world. That’s why we have a goal of achieving net zero emissions across the Firm and our portfolio companies by 2030. The Net Zero Asset Manager’s initiative is completely consistent with our corporate objectives and we are pleased to announce our commitment.”
Brent Newcomb, President of Ecofin, said: “The world is awakening to the new reality that we must transition from linear to circular economies, meaning we cannot use the planet’s resources as if they are endless. As a sustainable investment firm, Ecofin is excited to make our commitment to a net zero future. We join other leaders in the sustainable finance community as we collectively chart a necessary and unyielding path to address this global crisis. The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative will bring together shareholder activism, corporate responsibility and the power of finance to mark a significant milestone in our ongoing sustainability revolution.”
David Scaysbrook, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, said: “Quinbrook is pleased to join such a powerful collective that can bring about impactful and accelerated change. Our firm was established for the very purpose of tackling the ‘net zero’ challenge we all face so it’s only fitting that we make this pledge to continue to expand our impact and play our part.”
Ross Posner, Managing Partner, Ridgewood Infrastructure, said: “Ridgewood Infrastructure is proud to be among the group of leading asset managers working towards, and formally committing to achieving the goal of, net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
Michelle Seitz, Chairman and CEO of Russell Investments, said: “At Russell Investments, responsible investing is a core component of our investment approach. Climate change, along with the risk it poses to the value of our investors’ portfolios, is a challenge that our industry needs to tackle. And the time to act is now. As fiduciaries and responsible stewards of our clients’ capital, we’re fully committed to collaborating with investment managers, peers, and policymakers on this journey to net zero.”
Bob Smith, President and CIO of Sage Advisory, said: “What we do in the next decade to limit emissions will be critical to the future, which is why every country, sector, industry, and each one of us must work together to find ways to cut the carbon we produce. Sage is committed to this initiative and looks forward to partnering with other like-minded organizations in our effort to achieve global net zero emissions.”
Matt Patsky, CEO, Trillium Asset Management, said: “With this commitment, we are adding our voice to an important initiative which recognizes that the world is out of time. We believe that investing in companies that are mired in outdated ways of thinking, ignoring both climate risks and the opportunities of transition, exposes portfolios to unnecessary, material risks. And, as long-term, sustainability-oriented investors, we recognize that investor capital, such as we are entrusted to invest on behalf of our clients, needs to reward companies making the transition from the old world to the new, and avoid those that aren’t. Our climate demands it, and our clients deserve it.”
Scott Tierney, managing partner, Valo, said: “Innovators and investors aligned together are our best strategy to achieve net zero.”
Samuel Adams, CEO, Vert Asset Management, said: “Climate change is the challenge of our time so reducing emissions should be the goal of all stakeholders. Investors have an important role in influencing companies to commit to net zero pathways. We join the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative to amplify the investor voice around our common purpose of accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy.”
Additional quotes from founding partner network CEOs:
Rebecca Mikula-Wright, Executive Director of the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change, said: “As we head towards COP26 every new commitment counts, and we expect to see more of these pledges and the actions that will follow from asset managers active in Asia. The response in financial markets to climate risk must continue to accelerate if we are to meet our shared Paris Agreement goals, and commitments made under the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative can go a long way to accelerating this change.”
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of CDP, said: “As a founding partner of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, CDP is delighted to see it continue to gather strong momentum and support. For more than 20 years, CDP has empowered the global asset management community with the tools to drive environmental transparency and action. As a sector that plays a critical role in the transition to a net zero carbon economy, CDP is encouraged by the growing number of asset managers committing to decarbonize their portfolios, including the three largest asset managers in the world. We look forward to seeing this translate into science-based emissions reduction targets, investment activity that is aligned with the Paris Agreement and near-term accountability and reporting.”
Emma Herd, Chief Executive Officer of the Investor Group on Climate Change, said: “The continued growth of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is a reflection of the rapid shift occurring in capital markets towards the net zero emissions transition. In particular, we welcome Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners as one of the latest signatories to the initiative and look forward to more commitments emerging from Australia and New Zealand in coming months.”
Fiona Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of PRI, said: “It’s encouraging to see the momentum for net-zero commitments from the asset management sector and it’s critical that this momentum continues as we approach COP26 and beyond. Asset managers who manage money on behalf of their clients have an essential role to play as we transition to a zero carbon economy. To be successful, however, asset managers need to ensure that they are equipped with the skills, talent, tools and knowledge required. Leadership and innovation, working in partnership with clients, increased ambition, cultural alignment and accountability are essential if we are to succeed and reach net-zero by 2050.”
Notes to Editor
For the full details of the Net Zero Asset Managers commitment and a Q&A, please click here and here.
About the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative
The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is a group of international 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 initiative is managed globally by six founding partners: Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC), CDP, Ceres, Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The initiative is also endorsed by The Investor Agenda, of which the investor networks are all founding partners. For further information, please visit www.netzeroassetmanagers.org.
About Sage Advisory
Sage is an independent investment management firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, that serves the institutional and private client marketplace with traditional fixed income asset management, ESG-integrated portfolios, global tactical ETF strategies and liability-driven investment solutions. As of June 2020, Sage manages and advises over $14 billion in client assets. For more information, visit www.sageadvisory.com.
