DWS only German asset manager joining founding signatory group on “Net Zero Emissions Goal” initiative

The “Net Zero Emissions Goal” initiative sees asset managers commit to decarbonise investment portfolios and accelerate their contribution to achieving net zero emissions and limiting climate change to 1.5°C.

Asset managers representing approximately US $9 trillion of assets under management (AUM) today announced the launch of the “Net Zero Emissions Goal” initiative. DWS is amongst leading group of 30 global asset managers that commit to support the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. The founding signatory group also commits to support investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Delivery of the commitment also includes prioritising the achievement of real economy emissions reductions within the sectors and companies in which the asset managers invest.

Asoka Wöhrmann, CEO of DWS says: "We are at the precipice of the era of sustainability. The fight against climate change is the social and economic imperative of our time. Anyone who opposes it, will lose. As a fiduciary asset manager, it is our mission to pave the way to a carbon-free economy. Our membership in the "Net Zero Emission Goal" initiative of the IIGCC underlines our commitment to this goal. On behalf of our clients, we will ensure that companies take sustainability seriously. And if those companies that need to catch up do not make tangible progress, we will exclude them from our investment universe."

As part of the initiative, all asset manager signatories have committed to:

  1. Work in partnership with asset owner clients on decarbonisation goals, consistent with an ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner across all assets under management;
  2. Set an interim target for the proportion of assets to be managed in line with the attainment of net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner; and
  3. Review their interim target at least every five years, with a view to ratcheting up the proportion of AUM covered until 100% of assets are included. 

“We are excited to be part of this prestigious group of early movers and believers in the value of sustainable investing. As the Group Sustainability Officer for DWS I can ensure that we will make our comprehensive range of expertise fully available to our clients and to the IIGCC initiative to contribute to this fundamental goal. Action and transparency are key to achieve the change needed. This is what we also fully commit to”, adds Desiree Fixler, GSO for DWS.

Drawn from across the world, the initial 30 asset managers are: a.s.r. Asset Management, Anaxis Asset Management, Arisaig Partners, Asset Management One, ATLAS Infrastructure Partners, AXA Investment Managers, BMO Global Asset Management2, Calvert Research and Management, CCLA Investment Management, Clean Energy Ventures, DWS, FAMA Investimentos, Fidelity International, Generation Investment Management LLP, Gulf International Bank Asset Management, Handelsbanken Fonder AB, IFM Investors, Inherent Group LP, Kempen Capital Management, Legal & General Investment Management, M&G plc, New Forests Pty Ltc, Nordea Asset Management, Robeco, Sarasin & Partners LLP, Schroders, Swedbank Robur, UBS Asset Management, Wellington Management and WHEB. Further commitments from other leading names in the sector are expected over coming months.

The launch of the “Net Zero Emission Goal” initiative comes ahead of a key ‘Climate Ambition Summit 2020’ event on 12th December, co-hosted by United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson.

For further information please contact

Adib Sisani
+49 69 / 910 61960
adib.sisani@dws.com

Claus Gruber
+49 69 / 910 14381
Claus.gruber@dws.com


About DWS Group
DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with EUR 759bn of assets under management (as of 30 September 2020). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.

We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management – as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus – complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,400 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors – entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients’ future.

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