How do you determine your sustainability profile?
Your assets as leverage for sustainable change
Suppose you want your assets to not generate returns and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable world as well. It is important to you that your money does not contribute to environmental pollution, child labour or corruption, but helps to bring about positive change. In that case, sustainable or ESG investing based on a personal ESG profile is the next logical step.
At ABN AMRO MeesPierson, we believe that sustainable investing is not a hype, but a necessary, forward-looking approach. That is why we help our clients translate their vision into a clear investment strategy, supported by our knowledge of ESG risks, criteria and opportunities.
What is ESG?
ESG stands for environmental, social and governance criteria. These three areas together determine how a business manages the sustainability risks that could have a negative impact on the company's value.
- Environmental: how does a company manage energy, waste, carbon emissions and natural resources?
- Social: does the company offer safe working conditions, equal opportunities and respect for human rights?
- Governance: how transparent and honest is the company's management framework?
ESG investing means you look beyond just the financials. You invest in companies that perform well in these three areas, making them better prepared for the future and contributing to a more balanced world.
How is your sustainability profile created?
ABN AMRO puts together your sustainability profile based on a series of specific questions. During a meeting with your Private Banker, we will discuss:
- How important sustainability is to you in your investment strategy.
For example: "Do you think it's important that your investments contribute to climate action or social equality?" - Your views on certain issues, such as fossil fuels, human rights, biodiversity and corporate governance transparency.
- What consequences you want to avoid:
For example, do you not avoid investing in companies involved in weapons, tobacco or environmental damage? - Whether you want to actively contribute to improvements:
Do you want to support companies that innovate sustainably or pursue the UN Sustainable Development Goals? - To what extent you are prepared to allow sustainability criteria to affect your choices, even if this means restrictions in your investment universe.
We translate the answers to these questions into a personal sustainability profile, which guides your portfolio. Once the investments are in place, you will receive regular reports on your ESG score, carbon emissions and sustainable performance.
ABN AMRO's five sustainability profiles
Basic
You opt for a safe, neutral basis. This profile excludes companies that are on sanctions lists or involved in controversial weapons. There is no active focus on sustainability, but there is a basic 'engagement' with companies on themes such as climate or gender diversity.
ESG
You want to focus your investments on the environment, society and governance, without making any radical choices. Companies are screened based on ESG sustainability risks and minimum sustainability criteria. Investments with serious sustainability risks are excluded.
ESG+
You go one step further. In addition to all the criteria of the sustainability profile, more sectors are excluded, such as tobacco, fossil fuels and weapons production. Your portfolio consists largely of investments with high ESG scores and clearly avoids anything that does not match your values.
Impact
You want your investments to make a real difference. This profile only invests in companies and projects that can be demonstrated to contribute to environmental objectives or social progress without harming anything else. Examples include green bonds, sustainable energy and microfinance.
Taxonomie
You prefer investments that comply with the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities. Although these are currently still limited, this profile provides a framework for future investments in activities that meet strict, science-based criteria for environmental impact.
Ready to define your profile?
A sustainability profile is a signpost rather than a label. It helps you to make choices that fit your beliefs and vision for the future. Our experts are ready to explore this journey with you. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation exploratory conversation.
To read the full overview and our approach in more detail, see our sustainability profiles brochure.
Would you like to talk about your wishes and goals?
Not yet a client at ABN AMRO MeesPierson?
Why not meet us to discuss your Private Banking options, without any obligation? Schedule a call-back appointment, or contact us directly (on weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM).
