On the go: LifeSight, Willis Towers Watson’s defined contribution master trust, has announced it is committing to the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all of its default investment strategies by 2050, while targeting at least a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.
LifeSight, with more than £10bn of assets under management, is also launching a climate-focused fund this month, which it said will exclude fossil fuel companies, and concentrate on investing in companies with lower carbon footprints, those transitioning their emissions to be Paris-aligned, and those with strategies to address climate and other environmental challenges.
The new fund will also focus on environmental issues such as waste, pollution, water use and biodiversity, in addition to emissions.
Furthermore, LifeSight has also teamed up with an engagement overlay provider to offer additional stewardship services for the assets within the master trust’s default investment funds.
This will include daily engagement on a variety of environmental, social and governance issues such as climate change, human rights, and responsible supply chains.
Commenting on the announcement, Fiona Matthews, managing director of LifeSight, said: “A key part of LifeSight’s sustainable investment policy is related to climate change. We recognise that climate change is an urgent global challenge and a transition to a net-zero economy will help protect environmental and socioeconomic stability.”
Craig Baker, global chief investment officer at Willis Towers Watson, added: “Being strategically ahead of a net-zero transition will, in our opinion, significantly improve risk-adjusted returns.
“The actions already implemented in LifeSight’s defaults are consistent with this multi-year journey to net-zero.”
