Sustainable equity investment pledge worth $1.8 billion made by a French public sector pension fund
In a significant move towards sustainable investing, the Caisse des Dépôts (CDC) has partnered with Nomura Asset Management to establish a €1.8 billion sustainable equity mandate. This mandate, which is part of the €15.48bn public sector pension fund Ircantec, is based in Angers, western France.
The mandate is designed to focus on investments that align with sustainability and climate goals, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into the equity portfolio. The aim is to identify sustainable investment opportunities that contribute to climate transition and support the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Nomura Asset Management's expertise in sustainable equity strategies will be leveraged, providing exposure to companies demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship and social responsibility within their industries. While specific details about the exact sectors targeted or the portfolio composition are not yet available, CDC's approach typically involves investments in companies facilitating the energy transition, innovation for sustainability, and those with robust governance frameworks.
The mandate is a tailored version of Nomura's existing Global Sustainable Equity Fund, customised to meet the needs of Ircantec. Notably, the mandate includes options for both an environmentally enhanced and a Sharia-compliant version.
Ircantec has pledged to reduce its emissions by 7% per annum, encompassing Scope 3 emissions, in alignment with the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. This mandate fits within CDC’s broader sustainable investment framework, which prioritizes contributions to biodiversity preservation, carbon neutrality, and social inclusion, aligning with evolving European ESG regulations and global climate commitments.
The mandate was launched in December 2024, marking a significant step forward in CDC's commitment to responsible investment and climate resilience. The partnership with Nomura Asset Management underscores the growing importance of sustainable investing in the global financial landscape.
[1] For more information on CDC's sustainable investment framework, please refer to their official website: https://www.caissedesdeports.fr/en/what-we-do/investments/sustainable-investments/
- The sustainable equity mandate, established by Caisse des Dépôts (CDC) and Nomura Asset Management, focuses on investments that align with sustainability and climate goals, with a primary focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
- In line with the Paris Agreement's objectives, the mandate aims to identify sustainable investment opportunities that contribute to climate transition, using Nomura Asset Management's expertise in sustainable equity strategies.
- The mandate, which is part of Ircantec's public sector pension fund, includes options for both an environmentally enhanced and a Sharia-compliant version, reflecting CDC's broader commitment to responsible investment and climate resilience in the context of evolving European ESG regulations and global climate commitments.
