Sustainable Investing Glossary

Net Zero Carbon pledge and initiative

The Net Zero Carbon pledge is one in which Robeco along with other asset managers has pledged that all its assets under management will be carbon neutral by 2050. This forms part of a commitment to the global Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, a group of international asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius; and to supporting investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.

Founded in London in 2020, the initiative currently has 30 signatories with USD 9 trillion in assets under management. Asset managers in the alliance will partner with clients to work on decarbonization and set interim targets on the proportion of assets to be managed in line with net zero emissions by 2050. Such targets will be reviewed every five years at least, increasing the proportion until 100% of asset under management is reached.

The initiative recognizes that there is ‘an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions and for asset managers to play [their] part to help deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensure a just transition.’ Other asset managers are being encouraged to join the alliance and commit to a sustainable future.