NN Investment Partners (NN IP) has received the top score for its Strategy & Governance approach to responsible investing and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration.

The A+ score was awarded by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), marking NN IP’s progress from an A score in 2016. NN IP has been a signatory of the United Nations-supported PRI since 2008, and has been active in responsible investing since 1999.

Adrie Heinsbroek, Head of the Responsible Investment Team at NN Investment Partners, stated “We are proud to have been rewarded an A+ score for the Strategy & Governance module of responsible investing and ESG integration. This score underlines the strategic importance of responsible investing and ESG integration within NN IP, and the level of attention we devote to it. It is also a clear signal to our clients that we achieve our goals regarding our investment processes and that responsible investing is guaranteed at NN IP.”

NN IP received an A score for the Direct and Active Ownership modules, which is equal to its score in 2016. As a result, NN IP ranks among the top 50% of all asset managers that have signed the PRI in this category as well. In the sub-category Equity Investments, NN IP receives an A+ score for the robustness of its screening methods and the process of ESG integration into its analysis of listed equity investments.

Adrie Heinsbroek continued “We obviously want to keep moving forward, for example by using company-specific ESG factors alongside general policy-based ESG factors. For our analysis, this means that, in addition to the risk reduction of environmental policy programs, we also take into account the contribution to the profitability of products and services with environmental benefits. We obviously strive for the highest score in all asset classes and we want to offer our clients full access to our capabilities and expertise.”

PRI is the world’s largest international network with more than 1,500 investors working together to promote responsible investing. The network is supported by the United Nations and was established in 2005. It uses six core principles, most importantly the integration of ESG factors into the investment process.