How we put sustainability into practice

Our comprehensive list of criteria for sustainable investments forms the basis of our sustainable investment strategy and applies to all investments.

Focus on the SDGs

We give equal consideration to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in both our exclusion and positive criteria. In this way, we promote sustainable development and responsible investing.

Positive Criteria

We give preference to companies and countries that actively advocate for a sustainable future and demonstrate outstanding sustainability practices.

Exclusion Criteria

We do not invest in companies or countries whose activities conflict with our sustainability principles. Our exclusion criteria generally apply to all investments. However, selection is not based on a rigid “all or nothing” principle: For funds, we assess on a case-by-case basis the extent to which individual holdings are affected—while ensuring that established tolerance thresholds are not exceeded.

Climate Strategy

Our climate strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and actively manage climate risks in our portfolios. We align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and are committed to transparent reporting.

When selecting our products, we place particular emphasis on sustainability and quality. Our structured approach ensures that, in addition to economic considerations, sustainability criteria are consistently integrated throughout the entire selection process. In our decision-making, we focus on implementing clearly defined strategies and maintaining continuous monitoring. This ensures that our selections meet responsible and forward-looking standards.

Sustainability Focus in Due Diligence

As part of a thorough due diligence process, we specifically focus on sustainability criteria such as environmental compatibility, social responsibility, and good corporate governance. Our three-step due diligence process integrates ESG criteria at every level.

Explicit Sustainability Strategies

We take explicit sustainability strategies into account, such as green bonds and low-carbon initiatives.

Quality Assurance & Monitoring

The products in which we invest are regularly reviewed for compliance with our criteria and evaluated using our proprietary scoring model, ^BONUS21+.

We uphold our high ESG standards through active management of sustainability within the portfolio. 

In our proprietary BONUS ESG Cockpit, this is implemented through the systematic incorporation of ESG at all levels of the investment process (ESG integration). 

This enables us to systematically consider ESG factors and present them transparently through:

• Analysis refers to the collection and evaluation of current sustainability metrics and their impacts.
• Management involves integrating sustainability into decision-making processes to improve sustainability performance.
• Monitoring refers to the continuous monitoring of the portfolio’s sustainability quality.
• Reporting involves transparent reporting and communication regarding sustainability quality and portfolio measures.

Sustainability management within the portfolio is carried out, among other things, using numerous metrics, such as those related to

• Controversies
• climate
• Impact

We uphold our high ESG standards through active management of sustainability within the portfolio. 

In our proprietary BONUS ESG Cockpit, this is implemented through the systematic incorporation of ESG at all levels of the investment process (ESG integration). 

This enables us to systematically consider ESG factors and present them transparently through:

• Analysis refers to the collection and evaluation of current sustainability metrics and their impacts.
• Management involves integrating sustainability into decision-making processes to improve sustainability performance.
• Monitoring refers to the continuous monitoring of the portfolio’s sustainability quality.
• Reporting involves transparent reporting and communication regarding sustainability quality and portfolio measures.

Sustainability management within the portfolio is carried out, among other things, using numerous metrics, such as those related to

• Controversies
• climate
• Impact

We create impact through impact investments and active stewardship (engagement).

Impact investments aim to generate positive social and environmental effects in addition to financial returns. 

The companies and projects in which we invest should have measurable positive impacts on society and the environment. For example, we invest in renewable energy and social housing projects. 

These investments are intended not only to generate financial returns but also to make a positive contribution toward solving global challenges.

For us, active stewardship means actively fulfilling our responsibility to bring about positive change. To this end, we have established an explicit voting and engagement policy.

Our activities include: 

• Collaborating with key stakeholders to address ESG challenges.
• Regular discussions with fund managers on key sustainability issues.
• Analyzing our fund managers’ voting behavior and their guidelines
• Our communication fosters transparency.

Our sustainable investment policy is regularly reviewed. 

• Each year, the pension fund’s (VG1) portfolio is reviewed by ÖGUT (Austrian Society for Environment and Technology) and has been awarded the highest rating for many years. 
• PRI also reviews our compliance with PRI standards on an annual basis. 

Click here to see our awards…