Franklin Templeton, ClearBridge Investments, Brandywine Global and Martin Currie Join Industry-Leading Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative
Firm is committed to approach net zero goals in a spirit of authentic engagement and partnership with clients and stakeholders
July 7, 2021 /3BL Media/ - The Franklin Templeton Investment groups and three of their affiliated specialist investment managers ClearBridge Investments, Brandywine Global and Martin Currie have joined the industry-leading Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.
Launched in December 2020, Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative is an international group of asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and to supporting investing aligned with aims for net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Delivery of the commitment also includes prioritizing the achievement of real economy emissions reductions within the sectors and companies in which the asset managers invest. As of today, the number of signatories consist of 128 investors.
Commitment to Net Zero
As part of the initiative, asset manager signatories have made nine commitments, including to:
- Set interim targets for 2030, for assets to be managed in line with the net zero goal, consistent with a fair share of the 50% global reduction in CO2 identified as a requirement in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on global warming of 1.5°C;
- Take account of Scope 1 and 2 emissions and, to the extent possible, material Scope 3 emissions in investment portfolios;
- Implement a stewardship and engagement strategy, with a clear escalation and voting policy, that is consistent with the ambition for all assets under management to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner; and
- Create investment products aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 and facilitate increased investment in climate solutions.
Franklin Templeton’s Stewardship and Sustainability Council and the Global Sustainability Strategy Team have identified climate change as a key strategic priority for the firm and will be implementing this important agenda for change throughout the organization, in collaboration with the internal stakeholders and clients.
About Franklin Templeton
Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 70 years of investment experience and approximately $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of May 31, 2021. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
