AP1 divests from fossil fuels

Första AP-fonden, has decided to no longer invest in fossil fuels. The decision is a result of the funds work to identify and analyse climate-related financial risks in the economy, and in the fund’s investment portfolio. The fund’s assessment concluded that the transition towards a low-carbon economy, less dependent on fossil fuels, represents a substantial uncertainty for companies involved in coal, oil and natural gas activities, and continued investments related to these activities can increase the financial risk exposure of the fund. The decision to divest from fossil fuels is one measure in order to manage the fund’s climate risk exposure. In addition, the fund has also decided to develop measurable targets and a roadmap towards achieving a carbon neutral portfolio by 2050.

Urban Hansson Brusewitz, Chairman of Första AP-fonden, comments:

”Our assignment is to manage the fund’s assets in an exemplary way through responsible investments and achieve high returns for the long term, while supporting sustainable developments without compromising the fund’s targeted investment returns. An integral part of this ambition is to manage our climate-related financial risk exposure and align it with the overall risk level of the fund. Divesting from fossil fuels is an efficient way for the fund to manage the financial risk associated with a transition in line with the Paris agreement. Further, we have decided to develop a roadmap and measurable targets towards reaching a carbon neutral portfolio by 2050.”

The fund has for some time been working on identifying and assessing the impact of climate change, and the transition to a low-carbon economy, on the fund’s investment portfolio. A transition in line with the Paris agreement is expected to result in comprehensive measures to support a shift to an economy less dependent on fossil fuels. Evolving regulatory actions, increased taxation and emerging new technologies is expected to contribute to a reduction of global carbon emissions. In addition, a shift in demand from households and corporations away from carbon intensive products may also increase over time. The fund’s assessment conclude that the transition to a low-carbon economy, less dependent on fossil fuels, represents a substantial uncertainty for companies engaged in coal, oil and natural gas, and that exposure to these companies can imply a higher climate-related financial risk for the fund.

Managing the fund’s exposure to climate-related risks has been a prioritised focus area for some time, and has resulted in a steady reduction of the risk exposure. At the end of 2018, a decision was taken to no longer invest in companies involved in thermal coal and oil sands. The Board of Directors’ decision in December 2019, to divest from all fossil fuels, is a natural step in aligning the climate-related financial risk to the overall risk level of the fund. In parallel, the fund will promote investments in companies that are actively contributing to the transition and will be part of a profitable and sustainable economy over the long-term.

Urban Hansson Brusewitz concludes:

”We will of course continue our important work as an active owner influencing companies. As a responsible investor, an important contribution in the climate issue is to make clear requirements on portfolio companies and our investment managers to accelerate their agenda for managing the climate risk exposure.”

Contact:

Sara Christensen, Head of Communications Första AP-fonden, phone +46 (0)70-968 12 50, sara.christensen@ap1.se

Första AP-fonden

Första AP-fonden (AP1) is one of five pension funds in the Swedish national income pension system (the AP Funds). AP1 has assets under management of SEK 366 billion (31 December 2019) in a portfolio consisting of listed equities, fixed income securities, currency, real estate, hedge funds, private equity funds, infrastructure and high yield. Investments are made worldwide. AP1 is a long-term investor and an active, engaged owner. As an owner the Fund imposes stringent demands in the areas of Environment, Social and Governance. www.ap1.se