As an asset manager
As a major investor, sustainability considerations in general and climate change considerations in particular are an integral part of Swiss Life’s investment strategy, processes and investment product development. It is important to manage the assets entrusted to Swiss Life in a manner that takes into account transition or physical risks due to climate change and seizes opportunities that come with the transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, Swiss Life aims to offer its clients a range of investment products and services related to energy efficiency and the environment, taking into account the individual needs and preferences of its clients.
In the context of the Proprietary Insurance Asset Management (PAM) portfolio – securities, real estate and infrastructure – Swiss Life’s ambition is to make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development, as set out in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
As part of its responsible investment approach, Swiss Life already implements climate-related measures, such as:
- We have systematically integrated ESG topics into our risk and investment management.
- We pursue new bond investments in companies and countries with low overall carbon intensity.
- We regularly review the climate-related issues that can impact our investments.
- We ensure that parts of our new investments will be actively used to promote climate-friendly technologies, projects and initiatives and have established a green bond programme, which includes the aim to increase the share of investments in green bonds to CHF 2 billion by the end of 2023.
- We have adopted a thermal coal phase-out strategy for our proprietary bond portfolio by refraining from new bond investments in companies that derive more than 10% of revenues from mining, extracting and selling thermal coal to external parties.
- We consult third-party clients with regard to climate-related risks and opportunities.
Additionally, Swiss Life considers constructive engagement and active stewardship to be an integral part of its approach to responsible investment. In this context, Swiss Life actively seeks to work with companies and relevant stakeholders to address ESG and specific climate challenges while safeguarding clients’ financial interests. This encompasses active ownership and collaborative enhancements.
Further information can be found in section “Metrics and Targets” , in the Sustainability Report (section “Responsible Investing”) and in the Responsible Investment Report at www.swisslife-am.com/rireport.