20 September 2021
Head of Responsible Investment
Actuary
We are pleased to announce we have joined the Net Zero Investment Consultants Initiative (NZICI) which commits to supporting the goal of global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in alignment with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This is alongside eleven other investment consultants, with collective responsibility for USD 10 trillion of assets. The development of the NZICI has been led by the Investment Consultants Sustainability Working Groups (both within the UK and US) and is endorsed by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Climate change, as part of a broader responsible investment agenda, has been a key priority for us as we celebrate our centenary. At the start of 2021, we set out our vision of a net zero carbon future as part of a climate pledge, and we recently announced we've become carbon neutral. We're also working to halve our carbon footprint and offset our historic carbon emissions by 2025, as set out in our climate vision. Earlier this month we also became a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code.
Addressing the climate emergency is imperative. By joining our peers to launch this initiative, we are sending a clear message that the financial services industry has to play its part in driving emissions reduction.
The NZICI is another step on our journey and one that commits us to continuing to do more.
The NZICI recognises the pertinent role that investment consultants have as both educators and influencers and commits us to helping our clients take the right sort of actions. The aim of the NZICI is that net zero becomes a standard consideration in investment advice and we will continue working to achieve this across our client base.
The climate pledge we made at the start of 2021 was a milestone for us, recognising the progress that we had already made to ensure climate change was being addressed across our business, but also the sort of business we wanted to be. We’ve already spent time this year building knowledge and capability within our firm and our consultants, but we will continue to focus on integrating climate risk and net zero alignment into our advice. This is critical to ensure better futures for our clients and those they represent.
The NZICI sets out nine actions that investment consultants will take to support the goal of global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner.
These commitments relate to our investment advisory services, business operations, the wider financial community and reporting and accountability.
We pride ourselves on being thought leaders and are constantly discussing the many issues facing and shaping our industry. Sign up to find our current thinking on topical issues.
Opens in new window Subscribe
