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Focus topics

Focus topics

We strive to contribute to a society in which people can live healthy lives, companies do their business responsibly, and the earth remains liveable for future generations. We have therefore chosen four themes for our investments that are closely related to our vision, Sustainable Living. Together., and have established policies for each theme. Click on a theme to read about where we want to make a difference. 

Human rights and labour standards

Because respect for people and communities forms the foundation for our investment strategy, we aim to invest only in companies that respect human rights. This entails: 

  • compliance with internationally recognised fundamental human rights
  • respect for land and water rights and good living conditions for local communities 
  • equal opportunities, treatment and appreciation
  • protection of children's rights

In addition, we aim to invest only in companies that respect labour standards. Work is about more than just income; it gives people security and a sense of self esteem. We therefore expect companies in which we invest to: 

  • comply with international labour standards as described in the ILO conventions
  • provide employees with a living wage

Biodiversity: investing in a healthy planet

We want our investments to contribute to ecosystem conservation and restoration. Accordingly, we expect companies in which we invest to prevent:

  • the degradation of biodiversity in highly fragile ecosystems, and 
  • serious soil contamination or irresponsible management of agricultural land  

Health: access to medicine and healthy food

Because health is one of our key themes, we set high standards for the companies in which we invest: 

  • pharmaceutical companies must have a strategy that enhances access to medicines globally 
  • food companies must contribute to affordable, healthy nutrition

Climate: working together towards net zero carbon emissions

Climate is a significant theme in our strategy. We use engagement to encourage companies to pursue a sustainable direction, and we invest in climate solutions while excluding the highest polluting activities. We support the Dutch Financial Sector’s Climate Commitment. 

For companies

We aim for a 68% reduction in the carbon footprint by 2030 (compared to the market benchmark 2020) and to reduce it to net zero by 2040. Our approach involves tangible measures such as a strict fossil fuel exclusion policy and investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

For real estate

We aim for all of our properties to have at least energy label A by no later than 2030, as well as striving to achieve a 55% reduction in our carbon footprint by 2030 (compared to 1990) and net zero by 2050. We will do this by means of concrete measures such as installing solar panels, better insulation, energy-efficient lighting and heat pumps. This is our step-by-step approach to building future-proof real estate. 

For mortgages

we aim for a 33% reduction in the carbon footprint by 2030 (compared to 2022) and to reduce it to net zero by 2050. This will involve measures such as providing mortgage loans with lower interest rates to make homes more sustainable and offering additional services such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels.