Responsible investing according to APG

APG’s pension asset management is about more than realizing financial gains. On the basis of our clients’ responsible investment policies, we have formulated the principles on which we also assess investments on environmental or social factors, such as child labor, trade union freedom and good corporate governance. We also use our influence to encourage companies to comply with international guidelines for corporate social responsibility and corporate governance. We integrate ESG factors throughout the portfolio and in all asset classes like equities, fixed income and real estate.

Social responsibility

We hold companies to account and use our voting rights at shareholders’ meetings where we can. In doing so we look at how a company deals with the consequences of its commercial activities for people and the environment. We also look at how a company is managed and how it deals with the rights of its shareholders. And we look for good sustainable investment opportunities, such as investments in clean and/or energy-saving technologies.
In this way we put the social responsibility of our clients into practice and thus contribute to their interest in the integrity of the financial markets.

Combining forces

In our effort to ensure good governance, we often cooperate with other investors. In this way we combine forces and thus increase the chances of success.
In addition to exerting direct influence through board members and companies, APG also incorporates responsible investing in the asset management itself. We constantly monitor how the companies in which we invest score on sustainability and corporate governance and whether they continue to act in accordance with the principles of the UN Global Compact.
APG publishes an annual report setting out its activities in the sphere of responsible investment, and a quarterly newsletter on investing in sustainability.