Willis Towers Watson: LifeSight commits to net zero emissions by 2050 latest, with a 50% reduction by 2030

1 July 2021

LifeSight, Willis Towers Watson’s defined contribution master trust, announced today that it is targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all its Defaults by 2050 at the latest, with at least a 50% reduction by 2030.

LifeSight was the first master trust to embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) into its Default investment strategies. Its commitment to net zero covers all its Defaults, which represent the vast majority of its total assets under management, currently over £10bn.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable investing, LifeSight has also made a range of other enhancements on behalf of members over the last 12 months. These include a new Climate Focused Fund launching in July, following feedback from member surveys which demonstrated a clear demand for this approach.

The Climate Focused Fund will have a low carbon footprint, exclude fossil fuels** and emphasise investment in companies with lower carbon footprints, those transitioning their emissions to be Paris aligned and those providing solutions to climate and other environmental challenges. It will also take a broader lens to environmental issues, such as waste, pollution, water use and biodiversity, in addition to emissions.

LifeSight has also partnered with a market leading engagement overlay provider to deliver additional stewardship services for the assets within LifeSight’s Defaults. This will include daily engagement on a variety of ESG issues such as climate change, human rights and responsible supply chains.

Source: Willis Towers Watson