Storebrand included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Storebrand is one of the world's 10 percent most sustainable listed companies, ranked by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

"We are delighted to be among the top 10 percent most sustainable companies in the world, and hence included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. This is an important recognition of our long term, systematic work on sustainability and a great motivation to continuously improve and excel. The pivotal role of the financial industry in the transition to a sustainable society is ever more evident, which is reflected in new regulations and dialogue with customers other stakeholders," says Odd Arild Grefstad, CEO of Storebrand.

"Our customers shall be confident that we manage their savings in a sustainable manner, which benefits both society and our customers today, while safeguarding future generations. Therefore, it is particularly satisfying that we retain our place as one of the world's most sustainable companies in our industry. Through this, we get confirmation, both for ourselves and for our customers, that our sustainability work is moving in the right direction," says Grefstad.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is one of the most comprehensive and renowned ratings for corporate sustainability, often referred to as ESG. It is an important guideline for investors and other stakeholders in assessing companies' non-financial results.

"I am proud of all my colleagues who integrate sustainability in every part of our business, and continuously explore ways to excel," says Odd Arild Grefstad, CEO in Storebrand.

In line with the increasing focus on sustainability in society in general, and in the financial industry in particular, more and more companies are integrating sustainability into their strategies. There have never been more companies participating in the reporting leading up to the ranking. In recent years, Storebrand has worked to increase transparency around our sustainability efforts. Transparency contributes to the development of methods and frameworks through international cooperation, which stimulates collective progress in the industry. If we are to adapt and achieve global sustainability goals in the years to come, we need collective efforts.

"Our goal is to inspire other companies to improve their work with sustainability, and drive coordinated collective progress across the industry. We want to share our systematic work with sustainability-related risks and opportunities both as an investor, and in our own operations. Lately, our efforts to prevent deforestation and preserve nature have received great attention," says Karin Greve-Isdahl, Executive Vice President for sustainability.

Manjit Jus, Global Head of ESG Research, S&P Global says in a comment:

“We congratulate Storebrand for being included in the DJSI World. A DJSI distinction is a reflection of being a sustainability leader in your industry. The record number of companies participating in the 2021 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment is testament to the growing movement for ESG disclosure and transparency."

Storebrand integrates sustainability in core business - across investments, products and operations. Being one of the largest private asset managers in the Nordic region, gives a responsibility to move assets in a more sustainable direction. The strategy is to lead the way in sustainable value creation. Storebrand is committed to ensure that the investment portfolio shall be net zero by 2050, and have set intermediate climate targets for 2025. Storebrand aims to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions from investments in equities, bonds and real estate by 32 per cent by 2025, as well as increase investments in solution companies by 15 per cent in the same period.

Storebrand sets clear requirements for sustainable operations in business and for partners and suppliers. Since 2008, sustainability reporting has been an integral part of the annual report and certified by an independent party.

About the Dow Jones Sustainability Index

• Launched in 1999, the DJSI is the major standard for corporate sustainability.
• Over 5,100 of the world’s largest companies in both developed and emerging markets were invited to take part in SAM’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
• Participating companies now represent 45% of global market capitalization relative to the S&P Global BMI (Broad Market Index), up from 32% in 2020.