Brunel Pension Partnership, a UK pension fund manager with assets of 30 billion pounds, announced today the launch of its Sustainable Equities Fund. The pension scheme announced the appointment of three investment managers, Ownership Capital, RBC Global Asset Management, and Nordea Asset Management to manage the fund.

David Cox, Head of Listed Markets at Brunel, said:

“The Sustainable Equities Fund gives our clients access to both the equity risk and sustainability focus they requested. The three managers we appointed share a broad investing style and a prioritisation of sustainability, yet their approaches are also different enough to provide clients with the diversification they were looking for.”

According to Brunel, the fund was created following demand from clients for a listed equity portfolio in which ESG considerations are at the forefront of the investment process, and where the managers positively pursue companies that will provide a benefit to society.

Sean Johns, Funds Investment Officer for Brunel client Cornwall, said:

“The Cornwall Pension Fund aspires to be at the forefront of responsible investment best practice, and investing in companies and assets that contribute to the long-term sustainable success of the global economy and society is key to this. This cutting-edge product offers us a new way of meeting this aspiration.”

Brunel stated that in its search for investment managers it received 70 expressions of interest, from which 15 managers were invited to tender. The group was later shortlisted to 8 managers for investment due diligence meetings, and finally to three managers to form a blended solution. According to the pension scheme, the selected managers integrate ESG metrics throughout their whole investment process including decision making, stewardship, policies and strategies.

Omar Cordes, CEO & Co-Founder, Ownership Capital, said:

“Ownership Capital is delighted to offer its engaged sustainable equity strategy to Brunel, a global leader in responsible investing. We look forward to partnering with Brunel to deliver stronger long-term investment returns at lower risk for clients by catalysing progress in corporate sustainability through active engagement.”

Habib Subjally, Head of Global Equity, RBC Global Asset Management (UK), said:

“Brunel Pension Partnership has a deep commitment to Responsible Investing and we consider them to be thought leaders and innovators in this area. We are delighted, therefore, that, following a rigorous selection process, we have been appointed as one of the managers of the Sustainable Equities Fund.

We look forward to partnering with Brunel to generate strong and sustainable investment performance, whilst simultaneously having a positive impact on the companies in which we invest for the benefit of society as a whole.”

Nils Bolmstrand, CEO, Nordea Asset Management, said:

“From one sustainable investment leader to another, we commend Brunel for its vision, leadership and innovation in Sustainable Investing. We are delighted, following a rigorous and engaging due diligence selection process, to have been appointed by the Brunel Pension Partnership. Nordea has been at the forefront of investing in companies that are changing the world for the better and transitioning to a more sustainable society. We are at a crucial period for a global response to climate and environmental challenges, and we look forward to working with Brunel in pursuing a more sustainable world.”