Commitments to net zero

Downing, as a member of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), alongside other investment managers, banks, asset owners and other financial institutions, has warned that the government’s recent rhetoric risks stopping the finance sector from making the transformative investments needed to reach net zero and grow the economy.

The industry has warned that without long-term clarity from government, the £50-60bn per year of investment needed to reach net zero won’t happen.

The warning comes in the form of a letter sent to the Prime Minister, signed by 36 financial institutions who are members of the UKSIF and represent £1.5 trillion in assets under management.

Downing's Head of Responsible Investment, Roger Lewis, commented: "As the financial and geopolitical realities of decarbonisation start to hit, these 'Dear World Leader...' letters will become increasingly important. Holding governments accountable and policy advocacy for net zero commitments is vital for financial services given asset managers’ role as providers of equity and debt capital in actually achieving these commitments by mid-century.”

As a responsible investor, we invest for return while caring about the world we live in. Since we were established in 1986, we have invested in innovative companies and managed assets that positively impact society - whether that’s caring for the elderly, improving healthcare, building homes or producing clean energy.

Read more about this on the UKSIF website