Essex Pension Fund recognises both our responsibility to be a trusted investor and the range of potential long-term risks associated with climate change.
As such we have prioritised these important considerations when reviewing our investment strategy and, following on from a full stakeholder consultation last year, have developed our ‘Responsible Investment (RI) Policy’ based on a set of RI investment beliefs which includes climate change.
The Fund’s direct investment in fossil fuels is decreasing and as of 30 September 2020, it was 0.04% of the Fund compared to 0.22% as of 30 September 2015.
Similarly, we are dedicated to investing in reforestation and renewable energy, with the Fund’s investments in sustainable timber and renewable energy increased from 4.1% as of 30 June 2019 to 5.1% as of 31 March 2020.
The Fund’s Investment Steering Committee (ISC) sees this as the start of our journey and recognises both the long-term risks associated with climate change and the importance of engaging with companies it is invested in and is keen to work collaboratively with others towards achieving our ultimate goal of reaching net zero.
The ISC is also committed to demonstrating they are responsible investors and have committed to becoming a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code and are currently reviewing each of the Investment Managers in turn to ensure that the mandates align with the Fund’s RI policy.
If you would like more information about our investment strategy and RI policy, please review our Investment Strategy Statement.
I hope this reassures you that Essex Pension Fund takes it responsibilities seriously and that its planned approach to RI will ensure a better tomorrow for all our members.
