DPAM commits to Net Zero Asset Managers initiative
- DPAM has performed a thorough feasibility study to measure how to maximise its commitment to Net Zero
- To become full signatory of the NZAM Initiative, DPAM will commit to several key goals
- CDP will evaluate and validate the DPAM targets within 12 months after the firm’s commitment
Brussels, 20 April 2022 – As an active asset manager and a sustainable actor, investor and partner, DPAM has decided, after careful consideration, to join the Net-Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) Initiative. This requires asset managers to commit to support investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Prior to tackling this significant undertaking, DPAM has performed a thorough feasibility study to measure how it could maximise the degree of its commitment without compromising the core tenets of its strategies. Confident about the results of this study, DPAM decided to join the NZAM Initiative and align its methodology with the approaches endorsed by the Network Partners[1]. This includes more specifically the Science-Based Targets Initiative for Financial Institutions, which provide companies with a clearly defined pathway for reducing their emissions[2].
To become part of the NZAM Initiative, DPAM will commit to several key goals:
- Working in partnership with asset owner clients on ‘Net Zero by 2050’ decarbonisation goals
- Setting an interim target for the proportion of assets to be managed in line with the attainment of net zero emissions
- Reviewing these interim targets at least every five years to eventually cover 100% of AuM
To fulfil these commitments, DPAM will abide by the ten-point action plan[3] of NZAM.
As DPAM is a member of CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the latter will oversee DPAM’s target validation process within one year after the firm’s commitment and will be done in close collaboration. DPAM will disclose detailed information and scope within the 12 months of joining the initiative.
Peter De Coensel, CEO DPAM, explains:
"By integrating climate change risks and opportunities in its investments decision process, DPAM has continuously assessed the impact of climate change on its investments and considered the impact of its investments on climate change. So-called climate-related transition risks are continuously increasing. Hence, assessing our investees’ readiness via Net Zero commitments has become key in the investment case. As an investor, it is now time to take the next, natural step and commit to NZAM."
1 Network Partners of the NZAM initiative include AIGCC, CDP, Ceres, IIGCC, IGCC, PRI.
2Source: Companies taking action - Science Based Targets
3Source: Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative, 2020