Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  April 23, 2021

Russell Investments Will Manage a Net-Zero Global Portfolio by 2050

Russell Investments announced a commitment to ensuring net zero emissions within its global investment portfolios by 2050.

The investment firm plans on setting a similar goal for its own business operations in the future, and has joined the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative to commit to working with its clients on their individual climate goals. The firm currently manages $326.9 billion in assets and has $2.5 trillion in assets under advisement. 

“Russell Investments is focused on constructing investment portfolios that generate long-term sustainable value, and climate change will likely have a material impact on investment outcomes in the coming years,” Chairman and CEO Michelle Seitz said in a statement. “We don’t take this pledge lightly. We will work to evolve our investment approach and take the necessary steps to achieve this net-zero goal while continuing to deliver on our fiduciary obligations to clients.”

The company plans to add new roles focused on sustainable investing and will establish a global task force to establish a net-zero emissions path for its clients. The task force will work with other firms in the initiative to further develop best practice industry frameworks.

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative has been endorsed by the Investor Agenda and its founding partners include the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC), Ceres, and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).