Environment

It starts with us

Our operations have a relatively small environmental impact, compared to other sectors, but we still minimise it where we can. Through our environmental management system, we focus on reducing our biggest impacts first. This means reducing business flights and the energy used in our buildings.

In our buildings we’ve already done a lot to reduce our impact but we want to do more. And while air travel is sometimes a necessity as a global company, we also need to take responsibility for the environmental impact of this travel and do what we can do to reduce it.

In 2018 we set a new baseline for our operational greenhouse gas emissions after a period of structural change. We also set new long-term targets.

We are supportive of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, encourage companies to report aligned to the guidance and published our own first report of our approach across our operations and investments.

Investing with purpose

Our Climate change – our approach for investments document sets out the role we play in financing the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the adaptation to climate change impacts through our products and investment decisions.

More on the Aberdeen Standard Investments site

Through the substantial real estate assets we manage, we have a significant opportunity to drive sustainability benefits for wider society. We have set out a number of climate-related targets:

It starts with us

Over-consumption of non-renewable resources and generation of waste adds to the environmental crisis.

In our operations, we have targets for removing single-use plastics and being a zero-waste to landfill business, and are focused on minimising our use of non-renewable resources. In the UK our procured cut-sheet paper is 100% sustainably sourced and we are taking this approach globally.

Investing with purpose

We have a number of articles on waste and consumption issues for investors to consider.

• Plastic, plastic everywhere — including in our drinks
• Coca-Cola Icecek
• Deforestation leaves investors exposed

It starts with us

We are also facing unprecedented species extinction rates. Not only are the species themselves at risk, so is everything connected to them, which includes us.

Operationally, we focus on educating our people through biodiversity information sessions, and working with charities and partners on projects which benefit nature and habitats.

Investing with purpose

Through our investments we aim to ensure that we are going beyond just minimising harm, by looking at benefits that will enhance the local environment and community – including enhancing biodiversity – through our real estate impact dial.

More about our investment approach