Dutch insurers: What it means to be sustainable  

One of the key focuses of Aegon is action related to combatting climate change. The primary tool for Aegon is transitioning to a net-zero carbon economy. As a member of the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, Aegon’s general account investment portfolio is set to be fully switched to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with 25% of the change to be achieved by 2025. Aegon’s direct business operations have been carbon neutral since 2019. Apart from being a member of the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, the insurer also made other commitments, such as reporting in line with the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures, being a member of the Carbon Disclosure Project and being a signatory to the Paris Pledge for Action.

Aegon aims to behave as a responsible business and seeks to have a positive impact on society and the environment - Aegon Investor Relations

The insurer is committed to investing responsibly, helping companies it invests in diminish their environmental impact. ESG issues are reflected in insurers' responsible investment principles. IR Policy was first published in 2017 and since then has been regularly updated (the latest update was in March 2022 to exclude investments in Russian and Belorussian companies). These principles include not only climate change, but also such areas as biodiversity (such threats as pollution, land and ocean overexploitation, loss of natural habitats), human rights (refraining from investment in the government debt of countries which are in systematic violation of human rights), labour rights (promoting a productive, safe, healthy and harassment-free environment), health (exclusion of investment in tobacco companies), corporate governance (taxes, corruption, transparency, executive remuneration), weapons (exclusion of not all but certain types of controversial weapons which cause disproportionate impact on civil population), financial institutions (encourage other financial institutions to develop ESG and RI policies) and animal welfare (ensuring sustainable conditions where animals are free from physical and mental distress).

While responsible investment policy is directly applicable only to the assets over which Aegon has full ownership, the Dutch insurer says it also looks to act as a steward of assets of joint venture companies seeking to encourage the application of RI principles.

Responsible investment principles are at the core of NN’s sustainability efforts. ESG factors are deeply embedded in the investment process.

At NN we believe that… we can contribute to a healthy economy as well as a stable society - NN Investor Relations

The insurer set up a Responsible Investment Framework to steer its investment policy and even has an RI Committee which is chaired by the CIO of the group. The goal of the committee is to make sure NN stays as close as possible to the Paris agreement goals.

Its seven RI principles are the following:

• ESG is a part of investment analysis
• Voting rights in the companies NN invests in are made active and considered
• Encouraging other companies to adopt ESG practices
• Work with policymakers to create a more sustainable financial system
• Use investment restrictions
• Seek investment opportunities that could help solve sustainability challenges
• Offer transparency of RI activities through public disclosure

Achmea describes itself as a socially responsible business with sustainability being its key priority. Achmea supports ESG and has signed up to the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) which provides for a framework to deal with the changing social and ecological risk environment.

We want to contribute to a healthy, safe and future-proof society, looking beyond today - Achmea Investor Relations

The insurer highlights the ageing population, the rising cost of healthcare, rapidly declining biodiversity, economic inequalities, and climate change as the main areas where it is looking to help implement changes. Through the principles of RI, all companies that the Dutch insurer engages with are expected to be aligned with Achmea’s sustainability ambitions. Human rights are at the core of Achmea’s policy as well as that of its partners. Achmea has also already set up a Green Finance Framework (based on Green Bond and Green Loan Principles). Proceeds from the issuance of green instruments are to be used to finance green loans and investment in the area of energy-efficient residential buildings in the Netherlands and energy-efficient commercial buildings in the Netherlands and internationally.

a.s.r. states that sustainable value creation for all stakeholders is key. It focuses on customers, employees, society and investors. Three main sustainability themes for a.s.r. are financial self-reliance and inclusiveness, vitality and sustainable employment, climate change and energy transition. Of the UN’s sustainable development goals, a.s.r. selected six to focus on:

• no poverty
• decent work and economic growth
• good health and well being
• affordable and clean energy
• climate action
• life on land

a.s.r. also applies RI policies to its investment portfolio.

The sustainable solutions a.s.r. offers take into account the interests of people, environment, society and future generations - a.s.r. Investor Relations

By 2024 the insurer aims to have made €4.5bn of impact investments, targeting clean energy, clean tech, health, social enterprises, and infrastructure projects. By the end of 2021, such investments amounted to €2.5bn. a.s.r. aims to achieve net zero emissions in its investment portfolio by 2050 (in line with Aegon’s goals), with a 65% reduction made by 2030.

ESG is also at the heart of a.s.r. activities as an insurance provider. This is embedded it its sustainable insurance policy, underwriting policy and product policy. The process of product development takes into account both the interests of the customer and society. As such, a.s.r. became the first Dutch insurer to protect against floods. It also developed products to support entrepreneurs after sickness and provided starter mortgages with a 40-year duration.

Athora is focused on long-term value creation, therefore corporate social responsibility is part of its business strategy.

The choices we make today determine the world of tomorrow - Athora Investor Relations

The insurer selected three sustainable developments outlined by the UN:

• decent work and economic growth. Athora has efficient and sustainable business operations, with a focus on such aspects as financial strength, human rights, inclusion and diversity, anti-corruption and bribery as well as sustainable employability.
• responsible consumption and production. Athora doesn’t seek fast money, but looks for long-term value creation for its customers. The insurer develops easy-to-understand products and works together with the clients on preventive measures.
• climate action. Athora recognises climate change as a major threat and keeps that in mind when developing new products and services. The insurer also seeks to limit the impact of its own actions.

As an investor, Athora applies Fundamental Investment Principles (RI Principles). It invests in companies and countries that operate in line with the sustainability framework, and the rest are excluded from the insurer’s portfolio.