a.s.r. recognized by VBDO for its comprehensive biodiversity strategy
Research by the Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (VBDO) into biodiversity, working conditions in the chain and diversity, shows that a.s.r. performs well on all these three themes. Of the 38 listed Dutch companies included in the survey, a.s.r. is the only insurer to score this high.
The Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (VBDO) again this year examined the policy of Dutch listed companies – this time there were 38 – on three sustainable themes. The themes of working conditions in the chain and diversity had already been included in the survey two years earlier. The theme of biodiversity was new.
Angélique Laskewitz, director of VBDO, says: ‘In the periods 2003-2005 and 2010-2013 we already looked at the extent to which biodiversity was on the agenda of the business community. Actually, we see that Dutch companies hardly paid any attention to it at the time, although many were, and still are, dependent on it in one or more respects. Preserving biodiversity is therefore extremely important, and decrease poses a real risk to them.’ as stated in the press release.
According to the research, a.s.r. scores within the category 'leading' on all three themes - the other two categories are 'learning' and 'lagging'. For the themes of diversity and biodiversity, a.s.r. is the only insurer that ranks among the top.
In the study, a.s.r. is praised for its comprehensive biodiversity strategy. For example, a.s.r. plays a leading role in discussions with food producers about the importance of the protein transition from animal to vegetable. a.s.r. has also committed itself to the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge: by 2024 at the latest, a.s.r. will have insight into the positive and negative impact of its investments on biodiversity and objectives have been formulated. As a partner of the Biodiversity Pledge, a.s.r. is putting the theme of biodiversity on the agenda of financial institutions.
Jack Julicher, CEO a.s.r. asset management: 'As a.s.r. we are pleased with the recognition we are receiving for our commitment to biodiversity. The qualification 'leading' is a confirmation that we are on the right track with our current efforts and strategy. In addition to climate change, we see the conservation and restoration of biodiversity as an important challenge and we recognize that the financial sector plays a crucial role in bringing about change. This kind of research contributes to keeping it on the agenda and stimulating attention for biodiversity.'
Main conclusions of the AGM engagement report 2022: Keep Up
• For 85% of Dutch companies conservation of biodiversity is seen as important;
• Financial institutions in particular are putting pressure on companies for improvement;
• Only 26% of the companies surveyed have concrete objectives for preserving biodiversity
Please find the original press release from VBDO: Biodiversity found to be important theme for Dutch listed companies
About VBDO
VBDO is the Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development. Since their founding in 1995, they are convinced that a more sustainable and responsible capital market leads to a healthier and more just world. As an independent association they are a passionate instigator, motivator and knowledge leader for responsible investment among financial institutions and sustainable business operations at listed companies. Their members consist of institutional and private investors, as well as a number of leading NGOs. They thus represent more than 80% of the capital invested by Dutch investors and are seen as an important and respected discussion partner for the media and politicians, among others.
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18 Apr 2024500 a.s.r. employees roll up their sleeves on first “Doenkracht Donderdag”Across the Netherlands, 500 a.s.r. employees will participate in activities on Thursday, April 18, during Doenkracht Donderdag (“Doenkracht Thursday”). On this day, employees will step away from their usual tasks and wholeheartedly engage in volunteer work across 6 of a.s.r.’s 7 business cities. a.s.r.’s social organisation, Doenkracht, collaborates with various organisations in and around these cities that can benefit from external help. This initiative marks the first time a.s.r. is organising such an event, drawing inspiration from Aegon Nederland, which previously introduced Vrijwilligerswerk Vrijdag (“Volunteering on Friday”). The commitment to community activities aligns with a.s.r.’s mission to empower individuals in the Netherlands to make informed financial decisions, fostering greater financial awareness, savvy, and resilience.
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16 Apr 2024a.s.r. to hold Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 29 May 2024Today, ASR Nederland N.V. (a.s.r.) is publishing the convocation and the accompanying documents for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) that is scheduled for Wednesday 29 May 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The AGM will be held on that day at the office of a.s.r. in Utrecht.
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15 Apr 2024The a.s.r. Vitality health programme is available to all pension, healthcare and income protection customers of a.s.r. and Loyalisa.s.r. Vitality will be available from 1 January 2025 to all customers with healthcare, income protection or pension insurance of a.s.r. or Loyalis, without paying a separate contribution for this. In this way, a.s.r. hopes to lower the threshold to participate in the programme.