£46bn Northern pension pledges sustainable investment

The £46 billion Northern Local Government Pension Scheme (NLGPS) has become a Make My Money Matter (MMMM) “pledge partner” as part of its commitment to sustainable investment.

NLGPS’ collaboration with MMMM is part of the pension pool’s ambition to invest 100% of assets in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change — and help its members understand the importance of knowing where their pensions are invested.

“MMMM shares NGLPS’ view that pension assets can be invested to create a sustainable, better future without compromising on returns,” said MMMM.

“This includes meeting the Paris Agreement to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and exploring the feasibility of a 2030 target in line with the IPCC’s 1.5-degree pathway.

“By raising awareness and engaging members with their pensions, MMMM seeks to align the investment of trillions of pounds in assets with building a better world.

“NLGPS’ partnership with MMMM is part of a much wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment strategy, incorporating numerous initiatives which comprise its approach to climate change.”

Film director Richard Curtis, a co-founder of Make My Money Matter said: “It’s exciting to see the Northern LGPS, one of Britain’s largest public pension funds working to tackle the climate emergency, commit to partnering with Make My Money Matter to push this vital agenda forward.

“Combined with Nest, Aviva, BT and South Yorkshire, that’s £152bn saving to create a future we all want to retire into.

“We’re facing an existential challenge – it’s time for all UK pension funds to make money matter and commit to halving their emissions by 2030 and going Net Zero by 2050.”

NLGPS Chair Ged Cooney said: “Collaboration is critical in driving positive change.

“NLGPS’ partnership with Make My Money Matter confirms our commitment to sustainable investment.

“We are confident through our work with other likeminded investors and organisations, that a just transition to a zero-carbon economy is completely achievable.”