High scores for Robeco in 2017 UN PRI assessment
The UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) have awarded Robeco excellent scores. Robeco obtained the highest possible score for the sustainability of its strategy and governance. ESG integration and active ownership in equity, fixed income and private equity strategies also received excellent scores, with four A+ and two A ratings.
Speed read
- Highest score (A+) for Strategy & Governance
- Excellent ratings for ESG integration and active ownership
- One of the first in the world to conduct an internal audit on the process
Carola van Lamoen, Head of Active Ownership: Sustainability Investing is and will remain an important strategic pillar for Robeco, so I’m very happy with these excellent UN PRI assessment results, especially with the A+ for the most important module, Strategy & Governance. I’m convinced that constantly improving our SI approach and collaborating closely with RobecoSAM will enable us to remain a global leader in Sustainability Investing.”
Internal audit on assessment report
This year, for the first time, Robeco conducted an internal audit on the assessment report, underlining Robeco’s thorough approach towards the assessment. Robeco is one of the very first asset managers in the world to have done this. As clients and other stakeholders are increasingly scrutinizing the sustainability investing approaches of asset managers, there is a growing demand for accountability and verification. This is an important step in that direction.
An overview of the categories in which Robeco was assessed and the 2017 scores can be found below.
Figure 1 | Summary scorecard Robeco
What is the UN PRI assessment framework?
In line with Principle 6, PRI signatories such as Robeco must "report on their activities and progress towards implementing the Principles". This reporting should be done per asset class. Signatories are scored for each UN PRI principle and the scores are measured against those of other investment managers that have signed the UN PRI.
The UN PRI principles
- We will incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into our investment analysis and decision-making processes.
- We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
- We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
- We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
- We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
- We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
About the UN PRI Initiative
The United Nations-supported PRI initiative is an international network of investors working together to put the six Principles for Responsible Investment into practice. Its goal is to understand the implications of sustainability for investors and support signatories in incorporating these issues into their investment decision-making and ownership practices. In implementing the principles, signatories contribute to the development of a more sustainable global financial system. Robeco was one of the first signatories in 2006.
