We direct our investments towards addressing the global challenges of our time: combating climate change, adapting to environmental impacts, and mitigating biodiversity loss. Varma's responsible investment review offers a comprehensive overview of our commitment to responsible investing. It outlines our objectives and achievements related to this area in 2024.
"Last year, we focused on taking into account and assessing the risks posed by climate change and promoting biodiversity in investment activities. Through long-term work, we have increased the share of climate-friendly investments in our investment portfolio to over 39 per cent," says Vesa Syrjäläinen, Development Manager for Responsible Investment.
Review of Responsible Investment 2024
The review is published in this format for the first time. The traditional Annual and Sustainability Report will no longer be published. Responsible investment is also discussed in Varma's Sustainability Statement, which was published in February as part of the Report of the Board of Directors 2024.
Responsibility is an essential part of Varma's strategy and investment activities. In addition to return expectations, Varma's investment decisions assess aspects related to the responsibility and sustainability of the investees, such as environmental impacts, social and social issues, and good governance.
Active ownership is a key way to make a difference
In the review, we also describe how we implement active ownership in our investments. Varma actively participates in the General Meetings of the companies it owns and holds positions on several Nomination Boards responsible for electing the company's Board of Directors.
"Our goal is to provide comprehensive and transparent information about our principles and practices concerning responsible investment. We also explain the processes we follow if an investee does not meet our sustainability standards,” Syrjäläinen says.