Pictet Global Environmental Opportunities Fund

SRI Style:

Environmental Style

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label

Product:

SICAV/Offshore

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Equity

Launch Date:

01/10/2014

Last Amended:

May 2023

Dialshifter ():

Fund Size:

£6348.00m

(as at: 31/07/2023)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£49415.00m

Total Responsible Ownership Assets:

£174795.00m

Total Assets Under Management:

£224615.00m

ISIN:

LU0503632878, LU2095931734

Objectives:

To increase the value of your investment while seeking to achieve a positive environmental and social impact

 

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

Awaiting update from manager (August 2024)

 

Our Global Environmental Opportunities strategy targets capital appreciation by investing in companies who seek to solve environmental challenges through innovation, technology and intelligent use of natural resources. We invest in companies that make a substantial active contribution to solving environmental challenges by providing solutions to others, rather than companies only focusing on minimizing the environmental impact of their own operations.

 

Primary fund last amended:

May 2023

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability focus

Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Find funds that have documented policies or thematic investment approaches relating to investment in more sustainable, greener transport methods. These will typically set out a preference for companies that run, enable or support more sustainable methods of transport. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

Find funds that use the UN Global Compact to inform or help direct where they can or cannot invest and will typically not invest in companies with significant breaches (low standards) - although strategies vary. (The UNGC covers a wide range of issues - search 'UNGC'). See https://unglobalcompact.org/

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus

Find funds that specifically aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Report against sustainability objectives

Find funds that publicly report their performance against specifically named sustainability objectives (in addition to reporting their financial performance)

Circular economy theme

Fund has a theme or investment strand focused on the shift to a circular economy (where products are reused and recycled not incinerated or dumped). See eg https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Environmental damage and pollution policy

Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Resource efficiency policy or theme

Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Nature & Biodiversity
Nature / biodiversity protection policy

Fund has a nature or biodiversity policy which sets out their expectations of investee assets - typically meaning the fund will not invest in assets with poor standards. See fund information.

Responsible palm oil policy

Fund has a responsible palm oil policy which is likely to focus on the producers of palm oil and deforestation issues with a view to informing investment decisions (and / or engagement) to support and encourage high standards.

Genetic engineering exclusion

Fund avoids assets / companies directly involved in genetic engineering

Water stewardship policy

Fund has a policy which sets out their expectations for how investee assets should manage water

Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy

Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.

Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion – indirect involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with indirect involvement in fossil fuel exploration. For example they would be expected to exclude banks and insurance companies that are effectively enabling new coal, oil and or gas reserves to be discovered and in due course extracted through the provision of necessary finance or services.

Social / Employment
Social policy

Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.

Labour standards policy

Find funds that have a labour standards policy - which can be expected to mean that the fund will invest in / favour companies that have higher standards in this area - although fund strategies can vary significantly (as with all policy areas). See eg https://www.ilo.org/international-labour-standards

Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Diversity, equality & inclusion Policy (fund level)

Find individual funds that have a written diversity policy – where the fund manager will aim to select companies with a carefully considered, sound approach to diversity. This should ideally cover a range of issues including gender, ethnicity, disability, beliefs, sexual orientation, etc.

Mining exclusion

All mining companies excluded

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Child labour exclusion

Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.

Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy

Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Responsible supply chain policy or theme

Find funds that have policies or a theme that relates to the responsible management of supply chains. These may relate to employment issues, notably people employed by their suppliers, as well as the sourcing of materials and products. See fund literature for further information.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Green infrastructure focus

Fund focuses on (ie directs a significant proportion of its investment towards) green infrastructure, eg the clean energy supply chain. See fund details.

Banking & Financials
Banking exclusion

Will not invest in any banks.

Exclude banks that finance fossil fuels extraction

The fund avoids banks that finance fossil fuels extraction (coal, oil, gas)

Financial institutions exclusion

Exclude all companies in the banking, insurance, finance and related sectors.

Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments

Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

UN sanctions exclusion

Exclude companies that are subject to United Nations sanctions. See eg https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Fund Governance
Employ external (fund) oversight or advisory committee

Find funds that have an external committee that helps steer or advise fund managers on SRI policy or strategy related issues. These people may be paid for their time but are not employees of the fund manager.

ESG integration strategy

Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Invests >50% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings 5-25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total 5-25% of assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings >25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total over 25% of fund assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')

Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Measures positive impacts

Funds that aim to measure the positive real world environmental and / or social benefits that are associated with their investment strategy. Funds that aim to deliver positive impacts and measure those impacts may be referred to as 'impact funds' - although impact measurement is not restricted to impact funds. Strategies vary. See fund information.

Described as an ‘impact investment fund’

Funds that are specifically marketed as ‘Impact investments funds' will work to deliver both financial performance and specific, measurable positive, real world social and/or environmental benefits. Strategies vary.

Positive environmental impact theme

Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Positive social impact theme

Find funds that specifically state that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Negative selection bias

Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.

Strictly screened ethical fund

Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.

ESG weighted / tilt

Find funds that invest more heavily in those that have higher ESG ratings/standards or scores and less heavily in companies with lower ESG ratings. Where this is central to a fund's strategy you should expect it to invest in most sectors. Strategies vary.

Significant harm exclusion

Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.

Assets mapped to SDGs

Find funds that have 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.

Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria

Find funds that make significant use of internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) as part of their investment selection process alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.

Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria

Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.

Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector

Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.

Norms focus

Find funds that use internationally agreed standards, conventions and 'norms' to help direct where the fund can and cannot invest (e.g. the UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Development Goals). Read fund literature for further information.

Focus on ESG risk mitigation

A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Unscreened Assets & Cash
All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment funds’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Labels & Accreditations
RSMR rated

Find funds that are rated by research agency 'Rayner Spencer Mills Research' (awarded 'RSMR Rated' status). Read fund literature or contact RSMR for further information.

SFDR Article 9 fund / product (EU)

Finds funds classified under Article 9 of the EU’s SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirements). Article 9 of the SFDR applies to financial products that have sustainable investment 'objectives' - including emissions reduction objectives. (These may currently be referred to as 'impact' funds or aiming to deliver clear, specific positive outcomes.) These rules do not currently apply in the UK so fund managers may leave this field blank.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Sustainable property strategy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that take sustainability criteria into account when selecting and/or managing all of their property / real estate investments.

Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide)

The leadership team of this asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Offer structured intermediary training on sustainable investment

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

Fund EcoMarket partner

Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.

UN Principles of Responsible Banking framework signatory-co wide

This asset manager has signed up to the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) program which aims to encourage more responsible banking practices – focused on environmental and social issues.

TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues

Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Fossil fuel exclusion policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in fossil fuel companies (e.g. coal, oil and gas) across all of their funds. (and/ or other assets.)

Coal exclusion policy (group wide coal mining exclusion policy)

This asset manager excludes direct investment in the coal mining industry. Managers ability to do this may depend on the geographic regions in which they invest.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM company wide)

Fund management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.

Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Committed to SBTi / Science Based Targets Initiative

See https://sciencebasedtargets.org/

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Sustainability transition plan publicly available (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are to become a sustainable business - without significant negative environmental or social impacts.

Paris Alignment plan publicly available (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has published a plan that explains how they will align to the climate change commitments made at the Paris Climate Talks, COP21.

Net Zero transition plan publicly available (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are going to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The investment theme defines our long-term strategic orientation and sustainability objectives.

Investment themes are identified based on our megatrend framework.

The strategy aims to capture investment opportunities across all areas of the global industry, whilst making a positive contribution towards a more sustainable world. The strategy focuses on the following areas:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Pollution control
  • Water supply & technology
  • Waste management & recycling
  • Sustainable agriculture & forestry
  • Dematerialized economy

 

The companies’ business models must have a low environmental impact, as well as driving & benefitting from development of environmental solutions. We only select companies that make a substantial ‘active’ contribution to solving environmental challenges. This is measured by the strategic importance of environmentally related products and services within the company and by the quality and amount of R&D spent in the environmental domain.

In order to be eligible in the portfolio, at least 20% of the activities of the firm must be related to products and services actively solving environmental challenges.

A dedicated Advisory Board helps the investment managers to track the evolution of the theme and to identify future trends in technology, public policy, and consumption patterns. The Board also helps defining new theme segments.

Board members are recognized experts in their respective domain; they often come from academia, NGOs or the private sector.

Process:

Our investment approach uses a unique scientific framework for the purpose of universe construction. The  framework – Planetary Boundaries – was first published in Nature magazine in 2009 (by Johan Rockström (Stockholm Resilience Centre)). It represents the state of the art in terms of the current scientific consensus regarding which environmental challenges matter most. The planetary boundaries framework identifies nine key environmental dimensions (water, climate change, biodiversity, landuse, nitrogen & phosphorous cycle, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, aerosol loading and chemical pollution) and specifies the respective thresholds that humanity shall not cross, lest it is to cause irreversible environmental damage with potentially catastrophic consequences. The area within the boundaries, where human activities can take place safely is called the ‘safe operating space’. We relate planetary boundaries and safe operating space to subindustries and to individual companies.

 

This allows us to understand how a company’s products and services, taken over their entire life cycle, impact on the nine key environmental dimensions. We can thus see whether a company’s activities lie within the safe operating space, and whether its business model is rather forfeited or favoured by stricter environmental constraints in the future. We only invest in companies within the safe operating space that provide at the same time make an ‘active’ contribution to solving environmental challenges.

 

We identify an initial universe of listed companies active in the environmental value chain. Out of 40’000 global companies, approx. 3’500 operate within the safe operating space as defined by the Planetary Boundaries framework.

 

Only companies with sufficient exposure to environmental solutions are eligible for investment. This includes areas such as energy efficiency, pollution control, water supply & technology, waste management & recycling, sustainable agriculture & forestry and the dematerialized economy. 400 of the firms operating within the safe operating space also make an active contribution to solving environmental challenges. These 400 companies are our investable universe.

 

We include companies in the investable universe only if at least 20% of the enterprise value (or sales, EBIT, EBITDA, or similar measures) is derived from theme-related activities (“purity” to the theme).

 

When defining the investment universe of Thematic strategies, we systematically exclude stocks that have negative impacts on the environment or society. If a company’s revenues generated by such activities are above the threshold, the company is excluded from the universe.

 

We also exclude companies in severe material breach of UN Global Compact Principles on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-bribery/corruption.

 

Exclusions are based on reliable sources gathered from reputable third-party research providers. Pictet AM retains full discretion over exclusions and always reserves the right to deviate from third party information on a case by case basis.

We monitor the exposure to all activities that might be perceived as controversial by some investors. We use Sustainalytics as our external data provider and enhance it with company disclosures and our own research.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Pictet Asset Management has a dedicated ESG Team which leads and co-ordinates implementation of our responsible investment policy, including ESG integration in investment processes, ownership practices, risk management and reporting tools. The ESG Team reports directly to Sébastien Eisinger, Managing Partner Pictet Group, Co-CEO Pictet Asset Management and Head of Investments.

Key responsibilities include:

Investments

  • Selection and due-diligence of external data providers in collaboration with investment teams and other B/Ls
  • Development of proprietary assessment methodologies (eg sector-specific “E&S Deep Dives”, sovereign issuers)
  • Integration of relevant ESG datasets in IT systems and definition of quality checks
  • Training and awareness raising of investment teams

Active Ownership

  • Definition of engagement strategy and proxy voting policy
  • Co-ordinate targeted engagements and participation in collaborative initiatives
  • Consensus building between investment teams on specific resolutions

Pictet Asset Management has been a signatory of the UNPRI since 2007. In addition, Pictet Asset Management actively participates in several investor initiatives aimed at sharing best practices between asset managers and owners and encouraging corporate disclosure on ESG issues. We are notably involved in the IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change), SSF (Swiss Sustainable Finance) and similar organisation in the UK, Germany and Spain.

 

Pictet Group and / or Pictet Asset Management supports and actively participates in international and national initiatives, organisations and partnerships including the below (which indicates Pictet’s involvement, year joined and key areas of focus) :

  • FNG, SpainSIF: Member (2006) - Transparency on ESG
  • UNPRI: Signatory (2007) - Transparency on ESG
  • Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies (CIFS): Member, Research Partnership: Megatrends Research (2007) - Interdisciplinary academic disciplines
  • CDP: Member (2007) - Carbon
  • Swiss Climate Foundation: Corporate sponsor (2008) - Climate
  • Sustainable Finance Geneva (SFG): Institutional Partner (Pictet Group), President Strategy and Surveillance Committee (2008) - Promotion of sustainable finance
  • EFAMA (European Fund and Asset Management Association): Member of the Stewardship Market Integrity & ESG Investment Standing Committee (2010) - Fund and Asset Management
  • Climate Bond Initiative: Member of the Standards Board (2013) - Climate
  • IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change): Member of the Adaptation & Resilience Working Group (2013) - Climate
  • FTSE Environmental Markets: Member of the Advisory Committee (2013) - Environment
  • Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF): Founding member (2014) - Promotion of the integration of sustainability in the financial industry
  • JP Stewardship Code: Signatory (2014) - Stewardship standards
  • Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC): Research Partnership: Planetary Boundaries Framework (from 2014-ongoing), Mistra Biodiversity Finance programme (from 2022) (2014) - Core focus is to advance research in the frontier of biosphere-based sustainability science, applying a social ecological approach and resilience thinking
  • Investment Association: Member of the Sustainability and Responsible Investment Committee (2018) - Stewardship and Corporate governance
  • Climate Action 100+: Collaborative Engagement (2018) - Climate
  • Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI): Signatory (Pictet Group) (2018) - Delivery of nutritious, affordable foods.
  • Empower: Partnership (2019) - Youth at Risk
  • UNEP Finance Initiative: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2019) - Environment
  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): Signatory (2020) - Consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures
  • FAIRR: Member (2021) - Animal agriculture
  • ICGN (International Corporate Governance Network): Member (2021) - Governance
  • Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI): Signatory (Pictet Group) (2021) - Climate
  • Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2021) - Climate
  • ESG Data Convergence Project: Steering Committee member (Pictet Group) (2021) - ESG metrics
  • UN Principles on Responsible Banking: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2021) - Sustainable/responsible banking
  • UK Stewardship Code 2020: Signatory (2022) - Stewardship standards
  • Institute of International Finance (IIF): Research Partnership: Bonds that build back better (2022) - Green, transition, social, sustainability & sustainability-linked bonds
  • Responsible Investing Association (RIA): Member (2022) - Canada's industry association for responsible investment
  • Ceres Valuing Water Finance Initiative: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2022) - Water
  • Finance for Biodiversity Foundation: Member (Pictet Group); participants in the Impact Assessment and Engagement Working Groups. (2022) - Biodiversity
  • Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD): Member of TNFD Forum (Pictet Group) (2022) - Risk management and disclosure framework on nature-related issues
  • UN Global Compact: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2022) - Global sustainability principles

Source: Pictet Asset Management, [April 2023]

 

Other industry associations:

  • Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS): Member (Pictet Group), Member of the Distribution, Taxes Specialist Committees (1993) - Swiss Asset Management industry development
  • German Investment Funds Association (BVI): Member (2004) - German Asset Management industry development
  • International Capital Markets Association (ICMA): Member (xx) Securities market

 

Furthermore, Pictet, together with Swiss Sustainable Finance, was leading an initiative to put pressure on index providers to remove controversial weapon manufacturers from mainstream indices. The initiative, launched in August 2018, secured the backing of 174 signatories controlling over USD 9.7 trillion and including international asset owners and managers (as of January 2020). This initiative has now been closed due to inclusion of controversial weapons exposure disclosures in draft RTS and EU Benchmarking regulation.

 

SDR Labelling: Not eligible to use label

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

Pictet Global Environmental Opportunities Fund

Environmental Style Not eligible to use label SICAV/Offshore Global Equity 01/10/2014 May 2023

Objectives

To increase the value of your investment while seeking to achieve a positive environmental and social impact

 

Fund Size: £6348.00m

(as at: 31/07/2023)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £49415.00m

(as at: 31/07/2023)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £174795.00m

(as at: 31/07/2023)

Total Assets Under Management: £224615.00m

(as at: 31/07/2023)

ISIN: LU0503632878, LU2095931734

Contact Us: Contact us: lrichards@pictet.com

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

Awaiting update from manager (August 2024)

 

Our Global Environmental Opportunities strategy targets capital appreciation by investing in companies who seek to solve environmental challenges through innovation, technology and intelligent use of natural resources. We invest in companies that make a substantial active contribution to solving environmental challenges by providing solutions to others, rather than companies only focusing on minimizing the environmental impact of their own operations.

 

Primary fund last amended: May 2023

Information received directly from Fund Manager

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Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability focus

Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Find funds that have documented policies or thematic investment approaches relating to investment in more sustainable, greener transport methods. These will typically set out a preference for companies that run, enable or support more sustainable methods of transport. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

Find funds that use the UN Global Compact to inform or help direct where they can or cannot invest and will typically not invest in companies with significant breaches (low standards) - although strategies vary. (The UNGC covers a wide range of issues - search 'UNGC'). See https://unglobalcompact.org/

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus

Find funds that specifically aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Report against sustainability objectives

Find funds that publicly report their performance against specifically named sustainability objectives (in addition to reporting their financial performance)

Circular economy theme

Fund has a theme or investment strand focused on the shift to a circular economy (where products are reused and recycled not incinerated or dumped). See eg https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Environmental damage and pollution policy

Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Resource efficiency policy or theme

Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Nature & Biodiversity
Nature / biodiversity protection policy

Fund has a nature or biodiversity policy which sets out their expectations of investee assets - typically meaning the fund will not invest in assets with poor standards. See fund information.

Responsible palm oil policy

Fund has a responsible palm oil policy which is likely to focus on the producers of palm oil and deforestation issues with a view to informing investment decisions (and / or engagement) to support and encourage high standards.

Genetic engineering exclusion

Fund avoids assets / companies directly involved in genetic engineering

Water stewardship policy

Fund has a policy which sets out their expectations for how investee assets should manage water

Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy

Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.

Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion – indirect involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with indirect involvement in fossil fuel exploration. For example they would be expected to exclude banks and insurance companies that are effectively enabling new coal, oil and or gas reserves to be discovered and in due course extracted through the provision of necessary finance or services.

Social / Employment
Social policy

Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.

Labour standards policy

Find funds that have a labour standards policy - which can be expected to mean that the fund will invest in / favour companies that have higher standards in this area - although fund strategies can vary significantly (as with all policy areas). See eg https://www.ilo.org/international-labour-standards

Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Diversity, equality & inclusion Policy (fund level)

Find individual funds that have a written diversity policy – where the fund manager will aim to select companies with a carefully considered, sound approach to diversity. This should ideally cover a range of issues including gender, ethnicity, disability, beliefs, sexual orientation, etc.

Mining exclusion

All mining companies excluded

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Child labour exclusion

Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.

Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy

Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Responsible supply chain policy or theme

Find funds that have policies or a theme that relates to the responsible management of supply chains. These may relate to employment issues, notably people employed by their suppliers, as well as the sourcing of materials and products. See fund literature for further information.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Green infrastructure focus

Fund focuses on (ie directs a significant proportion of its investment towards) green infrastructure, eg the clean energy supply chain. See fund details.

Banking & Financials
Banking exclusion

Will not invest in any banks.

Exclude banks that finance fossil fuels extraction

The fund avoids banks that finance fossil fuels extraction (coal, oil, gas)

Financial institutions exclusion

Exclude all companies in the banking, insurance, finance and related sectors.

Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments

Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

UN sanctions exclusion

Exclude companies that are subject to United Nations sanctions. See eg https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Fund Governance
Employ external (fund) oversight or advisory committee

Find funds that have an external committee that helps steer or advise fund managers on SRI policy or strategy related issues. These people may be paid for their time but are not employees of the fund manager.

ESG integration strategy

Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Invests >50% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings 5-25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total 5-25% of assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings >25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total over 25% of fund assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')

Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Measures positive impacts

Funds that aim to measure the positive real world environmental and / or social benefits that are associated with their investment strategy. Funds that aim to deliver positive impacts and measure those impacts may be referred to as 'impact funds' - although impact measurement is not restricted to impact funds. Strategies vary. See fund information.

Described as an ‘impact investment fund’

Funds that are specifically marketed as ‘Impact investments funds' will work to deliver both financial performance and specific, measurable positive, real world social and/or environmental benefits. Strategies vary.

Positive environmental impact theme

Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Positive social impact theme

Find funds that specifically state that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Negative selection bias

Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.

Strictly screened ethical fund

Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.

ESG weighted / tilt

Find funds that invest more heavily in those that have higher ESG ratings/standards or scores and less heavily in companies with lower ESG ratings. Where this is central to a fund's strategy you should expect it to invest in most sectors. Strategies vary.

Significant harm exclusion

Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.

Assets mapped to SDGs

Find funds that have 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.

Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria

Find funds that make significant use of internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) as part of their investment selection process alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.

Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria

Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.

Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector

Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.

Norms focus

Find funds that use internationally agreed standards, conventions and 'norms' to help direct where the fund can and cannot invest (e.g. the UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Development Goals). Read fund literature for further information.

Focus on ESG risk mitigation

A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Unscreened Assets & Cash
All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment funds’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Labels & Accreditations
RSMR rated

Find funds that are rated by research agency 'Rayner Spencer Mills Research' (awarded 'RSMR Rated' status). Read fund literature or contact RSMR for further information.

SFDR Article 9 fund / product (EU)

Finds funds classified under Article 9 of the EU’s SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirements). Article 9 of the SFDR applies to financial products that have sustainable investment 'objectives' - including emissions reduction objectives. (These may currently be referred to as 'impact' funds or aiming to deliver clear, specific positive outcomes.) These rules do not currently apply in the UK so fund managers may leave this field blank.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Sustainable property strategy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that take sustainability criteria into account when selecting and/or managing all of their property / real estate investments.

Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide)

The leadership team of this asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Offer structured intermediary training on sustainable investment

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

Fund EcoMarket partner

Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.

UN Principles of Responsible Banking framework signatory-co wide

This asset manager has signed up to the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) program which aims to encourage more responsible banking practices – focused on environmental and social issues.

TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues

Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Fossil fuel exclusion policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in fossil fuel companies (e.g. coal, oil and gas) across all of their funds. (and/ or other assets.)

Coal exclusion policy (group wide coal mining exclusion policy)

This asset manager excludes direct investment in the coal mining industry. Managers ability to do this may depend on the geographic regions in which they invest.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM company wide)

Fund management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.

Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Committed to SBTi / Science Based Targets Initiative

See https://sciencebasedtargets.org/

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Sustainability transition plan publicly available (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are to become a sustainable business - without significant negative environmental or social impacts.

Paris Alignment plan publicly available (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has published a plan that explains how they will align to the climate change commitments made at the Paris Climate Talks, COP21.

Net Zero transition plan publicly available (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are going to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The investment theme defines our long-term strategic orientation and sustainability objectives.

Investment themes are identified based on our megatrend framework.

The strategy aims to capture investment opportunities across all areas of the global industry, whilst making a positive contribution towards a more sustainable world. The strategy focuses on the following areas:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Pollution control
  • Water supply & technology
  • Waste management & recycling
  • Sustainable agriculture & forestry
  • Dematerialized economy

 

The companies’ business models must have a low environmental impact, as well as driving & benefitting from development of environmental solutions. We only select companies that make a substantial ‘active’ contribution to solving environmental challenges. This is measured by the strategic importance of environmentally related products and services within the company and by the quality and amount of R&D spent in the environmental domain.

In order to be eligible in the portfolio, at least 20% of the activities of the firm must be related to products and services actively solving environmental challenges.

A dedicated Advisory Board helps the investment managers to track the evolution of the theme and to identify future trends in technology, public policy, and consumption patterns. The Board also helps defining new theme segments.

Board members are recognized experts in their respective domain; they often come from academia, NGOs or the private sector.

Process:

Our investment approach uses a unique scientific framework for the purpose of universe construction. The  framework – Planetary Boundaries – was first published in Nature magazine in 2009 (by Johan Rockström (Stockholm Resilience Centre)). It represents the state of the art in terms of the current scientific consensus regarding which environmental challenges matter most. The planetary boundaries framework identifies nine key environmental dimensions (water, climate change, biodiversity, landuse, nitrogen & phosphorous cycle, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, aerosol loading and chemical pollution) and specifies the respective thresholds that humanity shall not cross, lest it is to cause irreversible environmental damage with potentially catastrophic consequences. The area within the boundaries, where human activities can take place safely is called the ‘safe operating space’. We relate planetary boundaries and safe operating space to subindustries and to individual companies.

 

This allows us to understand how a company’s products and services, taken over their entire life cycle, impact on the nine key environmental dimensions. We can thus see whether a company’s activities lie within the safe operating space, and whether its business model is rather forfeited or favoured by stricter environmental constraints in the future. We only invest in companies within the safe operating space that provide at the same time make an ‘active’ contribution to solving environmental challenges.

 

We identify an initial universe of listed companies active in the environmental value chain. Out of 40’000 global companies, approx. 3’500 operate within the safe operating space as defined by the Planetary Boundaries framework.

 

Only companies with sufficient exposure to environmental solutions are eligible for investment. This includes areas such as energy efficiency, pollution control, water supply & technology, waste management & recycling, sustainable agriculture & forestry and the dematerialized economy. 400 of the firms operating within the safe operating space also make an active contribution to solving environmental challenges. These 400 companies are our investable universe.

 

We include companies in the investable universe only if at least 20% of the enterprise value (or sales, EBIT, EBITDA, or similar measures) is derived from theme-related activities (“purity” to the theme).

 

When defining the investment universe of Thematic strategies, we systematically exclude stocks that have negative impacts on the environment or society. If a company’s revenues generated by such activities are above the threshold, the company is excluded from the universe.

 

We also exclude companies in severe material breach of UN Global Compact Principles on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-bribery/corruption.

 

Exclusions are based on reliable sources gathered from reputable third-party research providers. Pictet AM retains full discretion over exclusions and always reserves the right to deviate from third party information on a case by case basis.

We monitor the exposure to all activities that might be perceived as controversial by some investors. We use Sustainalytics as our external data provider and enhance it with company disclosures and our own research.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Pictet Asset Management has a dedicated ESG Team which leads and co-ordinates implementation of our responsible investment policy, including ESG integration in investment processes, ownership practices, risk management and reporting tools. The ESG Team reports directly to Sébastien Eisinger, Managing Partner Pictet Group, Co-CEO Pictet Asset Management and Head of Investments.

Key responsibilities include:

Investments

  • Selection and due-diligence of external data providers in collaboration with investment teams and other B/Ls
  • Development of proprietary assessment methodologies (eg sector-specific “E&S Deep Dives”, sovereign issuers)
  • Integration of relevant ESG datasets in IT systems and definition of quality checks
  • Training and awareness raising of investment teams

Active Ownership

  • Definition of engagement strategy and proxy voting policy
  • Co-ordinate targeted engagements and participation in collaborative initiatives
  • Consensus building between investment teams on specific resolutions

Pictet Asset Management has been a signatory of the UNPRI since 2007. In addition, Pictet Asset Management actively participates in several investor initiatives aimed at sharing best practices between asset managers and owners and encouraging corporate disclosure on ESG issues. We are notably involved in the IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change), SSF (Swiss Sustainable Finance) and similar organisation in the UK, Germany and Spain.

 

Pictet Group and / or Pictet Asset Management supports and actively participates in international and national initiatives, organisations and partnerships including the below (which indicates Pictet’s involvement, year joined and key areas of focus) :

  • FNG, SpainSIF: Member (2006) - Transparency on ESG
  • UNPRI: Signatory (2007) - Transparency on ESG
  • Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies (CIFS): Member, Research Partnership: Megatrends Research (2007) - Interdisciplinary academic disciplines
  • CDP: Member (2007) - Carbon
  • Swiss Climate Foundation: Corporate sponsor (2008) - Climate
  • Sustainable Finance Geneva (SFG): Institutional Partner (Pictet Group), President Strategy and Surveillance Committee (2008) - Promotion of sustainable finance
  • EFAMA (European Fund and Asset Management Association): Member of the Stewardship Market Integrity & ESG Investment Standing Committee (2010) - Fund and Asset Management
  • Climate Bond Initiative: Member of the Standards Board (2013) - Climate
  • IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change): Member of the Adaptation & Resilience Working Group (2013) - Climate
  • FTSE Environmental Markets: Member of the Advisory Committee (2013) - Environment
  • Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF): Founding member (2014) - Promotion of the integration of sustainability in the financial industry
  • JP Stewardship Code: Signatory (2014) - Stewardship standards
  • Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC): Research Partnership: Planetary Boundaries Framework (from 2014-ongoing), Mistra Biodiversity Finance programme (from 2022) (2014) - Core focus is to advance research in the frontier of biosphere-based sustainability science, applying a social ecological approach and resilience thinking
  • Investment Association: Member of the Sustainability and Responsible Investment Committee (2018) - Stewardship and Corporate governance
  • Climate Action 100+: Collaborative Engagement (2018) - Climate
  • Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI): Signatory (Pictet Group) (2018) - Delivery of nutritious, affordable foods.
  • Empower: Partnership (2019) - Youth at Risk
  • UNEP Finance Initiative: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2019) - Environment
  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): Signatory (2020) - Consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures
  • FAIRR: Member (2021) - Animal agriculture
  • ICGN (International Corporate Governance Network): Member (2021) - Governance
  • Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI): Signatory (Pictet Group) (2021) - Climate
  • Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2021) - Climate
  • ESG Data Convergence Project: Steering Committee member (Pictet Group) (2021) - ESG metrics
  • UN Principles on Responsible Banking: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2021) - Sustainable/responsible banking
  • UK Stewardship Code 2020: Signatory (2022) - Stewardship standards
  • Institute of International Finance (IIF): Research Partnership: Bonds that build back better (2022) - Green, transition, social, sustainability & sustainability-linked bonds
  • Responsible Investing Association (RIA): Member (2022) - Canada's industry association for responsible investment
  • Ceres Valuing Water Finance Initiative: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2022) - Water
  • Finance for Biodiversity Foundation: Member (Pictet Group); participants in the Impact Assessment and Engagement Working Groups. (2022) - Biodiversity
  • Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD): Member of TNFD Forum (Pictet Group) (2022) - Risk management and disclosure framework on nature-related issues
  • UN Global Compact: Signatory (Pictet Group) (2022) - Global sustainability principles

Source: Pictet Asset Management, [April 2023]

 

Other industry associations:

  • Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS): Member (Pictet Group), Member of the Distribution, Taxes Specialist Committees (1993) - Swiss Asset Management industry development
  • German Investment Funds Association (BVI): Member (2004) - German Asset Management industry development
  • International Capital Markets Association (ICMA): Member (xx) Securities market

 

Furthermore, Pictet, together with Swiss Sustainable Finance, was leading an initiative to put pressure on index providers to remove controversial weapon manufacturers from mainstream indices. The initiative, launched in August 2018, secured the backing of 174 signatories controlling over USD 9.7 trillion and including international asset owners and managers (as of January 2020). This initiative has now been closed due to inclusion of controversial weapons exposure disclosures in draft RTS and EU Benchmarking regulation.

 

SDR Labelling: Not eligible to use label