Yesterday, Sun Life announced our goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for both our investments and operations, with interim targets to be announced in 2022.
Our Purpose of helping members achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives can’t be achieved without serious action to address climate change and support a transition to a lower-carbon future.
Our Clients remain at the centre of everything we do. That is why we’re committed to integrating climate strategies across our investment businesses and working collaboratively with our plan sponsors across sectors, stakeholders, and the industry at large through our transition to net zero.
We believe engagement is more powerful than divestment to ensure emissions reductions and to influence real change towards a low-carbon economy. Many people associate sustainable investing with the divestment of Energy companies. We don’t believe this is the optimal approach. These companies are critical to the Canadian economy and provide livelihoods to millions of people. We support encouraging these companies to transform their business models to align to a more climate-friendly world.
Currently, ten investment managers on the GRS core investment platform are signatories of the Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative. These managers include BlackRock, Fidelity International, Fiera, Franklin Templeton, Invesco, Lazard, MFS, Schroders, SLGI and State Street Global Advisors. These firms manage 76% of the GRS core platform (based on September 30, 2021, assets under management).
More information about our net-zero commitment can be found here. For additional details on our approach to sustainability, visit sunlife.com/sustainability.
Group Retirement Services – Driving sustainable outcomes for workplace plans
Launched in July 2021, our Sustainability Playbook offers insights and actions employers can take, no matter where your organization is on its sustainability journey. Learn more and leverage our expertise to help create more resilient and sustainable workplace plans.
In addition, in July 2020, we launched our proprietary Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) evaluation framework. This robust framework is an extension of our ongoing investment governance activities. It identifies managers and funds who we believe are ESG leaders. It also provides a way for us to formally engage investment managers to improve their ESG integration practices and active ownership.
If you have questions, please contact your Group Retirement Services representative.
