Our approach

As an institutional investor, we strive to play a leading role in responsible investment within the financial sector. For us, responsible investment is not an end in itself, but a means of creating long-term value for all stakeholders. By systematically applying ethical and sustainability criteria, we take our social responsibility seriously.

Three key objectives

Our investment approach is based on three key objectives:

1. Creating positive impact by investing in companies and projects that contribute to a more sustainable world; 
   
   
2. Encouraging change through dialogue with companies and policymakers to promote responsible behavior and sustainable entrepreneurship;
   
   
3. Reducing negative impact by excluding companies and countries that do not comply with the Responsible Investment Policy.

The focus themes

These objectives are supported by four focus themes that guide our investment policy: 

• Climate change & Energy transition
  
  
• Biodiversity & Natural Resources
  
  
• Health & Well-being
  
  
• Human Rights

With this integrated approach, we not only want to create sustainable value for our customers, but also contribute to a better world. Transparency, responsibility, and a long-term vision are at the core of this approach.

Science-based targets

a.s.r. has committed itself to climate targets based on climate science, in accordance with the guidelines of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This includes a specific ‘portfolio coverage target’ aimed at increasing the proportion of investments in companies (via listed equities, corporate bonds, and REITs – both direct investments and through funds and mandates) that have had their own climate targets validated by the SBTi.

Read about the limitations of this target