Vanguard ActiveLife Climate Aware 40-50% Equity Fund

SRI Style:

Sustainability Tilt

SDR Labelling:

Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Product:

OEIC

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Mixed Asset

Launch Date:

08/12/2021

Last Amended:

Oct 2024

Dialshifter ():

Fund Size:

£100.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£42100.00m

Total Responsible Ownership Assets:

£1376000.00m

Total Assets Under Management:

£7292100.00m

ISIN:

GB00BMCQRZ38, GB00BMCQRX14

Objectives:

The Vanguard SustainableLife 40-50% Equity Funds (the “Fund”) seeks to provide an increase in the value of investments over the long-term (more than 5 years) together with some money paid out from those investments as income.

 

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

The Vanguard SustainableLife 40-50% Equity Fundseeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of shares of companies (between 40-50% of the portfolio, with an expected allocation of 45%) and bonds (between 50-60% of the portfolio, with an expected allocation of 55%) selected in accordance with the Sustainability Policy.

 

Primary fund last amended:

Oct 2024

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability focus

Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Environmental - General
Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy

Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.

Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Require net zero action plan from all/most companies

Find funds that require all, or almost all, of the companies it invests in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - meaning that the companies they invest in have worked out how they will, over time, reduce their total carbon (and other greenhouse gas) emissions to nil.

TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)

Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage TCFD alignment for banks & insurance companies

Find fund managers that encourage the banks and insurance companies they invest in to publish climate change related financial information - as set out by the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (with the aim of helping investors measure and respond to climate risk).

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

ESG factors included in Assessment of Value (AoV) report

Environmental, social and governance issues are part of this fund’s reporting of their ‘value’ to clients. AoV reporting is a statutory requirement. Including ESG factors in its calculation is not.

Asset Size
Over 50% large cap companies

Find funds that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.

Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets

Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.

Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets

Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)

Invest in supranationals

International entities or bodies with agreed remits that are broadly similar to those that may otherwise be undertaken by individual governments eg the UN

Impact Methodologies
Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Limited / few ethical exclusions

Find funds with few exclusions - typically for example exclude tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.

Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector

Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.

Focus on ESG risk mitigation

A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Use stock / securities lending

This fund uses, or can use, specialist strategies to aid performance which involve ‘lending’ fund assets to others at specific points in time.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Diversity, equality & inclusion engagement policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that encourage the companies they invest in to have strong diversity, race, gender and other equality policies across all assets held, not simply screened or themed SRI/ESG funds. (ie Asset Management company wide).

Vulnerable client policy on website (AFM company wide)

Asset manager has information on their website that explains how they treat 'vulnerable clients' (as set out in FCA regulation)

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
PRI A+ rated (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'

UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Encourage responsible corporate taxation (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage more responsible corporate taxation.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues

Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Engaging to encourage more sustainable ‘diversifiers’ (e.g. derivatives)

Funds may use assets that are not directly aligned with sustainability objectives in order to help manage investment risk. Engaging for more sustainable options will aid alignment with fund objectives.

Engaging on the responsible use of AI

Working to address sustainability, ESG and related concerns around artificial intelligence.

Company Wide Exclusions
Do not invest in companies with fossil fuel reserves

Asset management company excludes companies with fossil fuel reserves across all assets/funds

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon transition plan published (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have a company wide carbon transition plan - meaning that they have plotted a path to how they will move away from activities that produce or use carbon based energy sources (that emit greenhouse gases) towards clean, alternative, renewable energy sources.

Carbon offsetting – do NOT offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions by reducing their emissions. Calculations and scope vary.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information available on request

Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Dialshifter statement

Find fund management companies that have supplied Dialshifter information. See Dialshifter tab within record for more information.

Comments

Please note:

  • Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide) - for business operations

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

Among other sustainability criteria, each Vanguard SustainableLife fund has a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The funds aim to invest 60% of their shares and corporate bonds in companies with net-zero science-based targets by 2030, rising to 90% by 2040 and 100% by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The funds also screen out certain types of companies, including those involved in the production, distribution, retail sale or supply of tobacco-related products, those involved with thermal coal extraction or power generation, or those involved with controversial weapons. The fund managers engage with portfolio companies too, to ensure their continued alignment with the funds’ objectives, and expect these companies to follow good governance practices before investing in them.

Process:

Among other sustainability criteria, each Vanguard SustainableLife fund has a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The funds aim to invest 60% of their shares and corporate bonds in companies with net-zero science-based targets by 2030, rising to 90% by 2040 and 100% by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The funds also screen out certain types of companies, including those involved in the production, distribution, retail sale or supply of tobacco-related products, those involved with thermal coal extraction or power generation, or those involved with controversial weapons. And the fund managers engage with portfolio companies too, to ensure their continued alignment with the funds’ objectives, and expect these companies to follow good governance practices before investing in them.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

There are close to 100 employees who consider ESG as part of their responsibilities. This includes employees in Investment Stewardship who consider ESG issues as part of their daily responsibilities, as well as employees who consider ESG issues as part of their broader role.


Our credit analysts develop independent risk assessments and investment opinions for each fixed income issuer. They seek to understand the investment implications of ESG risks and determine whether market pricing adequately reflects these risks.


Similarly, investment stewardship sector analysts use ESG data and research to inform our active ownership practices, including engagement. In our engagements, we advocate for effective oversight of ESG practices that consistently support the creation of long-term value for investors.


Representatives from all these groups also sit on our cross-divisional responsible investment team. In recent years, additional staff members were hired to support our approach to analysing ESG risks in our funds.


The Fixed Income Group (FIG) credit research analysts make use of both internal and external sources for ESG information.


Internal resources


For our active fixed income assets, the team evaluates financial and credit trends across sectors, as well as for individual issuers in which Vanguard invests (or expects to invest). Credit analysts perform an objective, thorough and independent analysis of an issuer’s overall creditworthiness for those securities. This research process may include:

  • Analysis of the issuer’s recent and historical financial statements
  • Sensitivity testing on projected cash flows
  • Discussions with management and/or rating agency analysts
  • Site visits
  • Road show presentations


These resources are inputs to independent analyses conducted by our team of credit research analysts, which are tailored to each investment opportunity. Our approach carefully considers the investment implications of ESG risk factors along with other risk factors to ensure thorough due diligence is done both prior to initial investment and on an ongoing basis. FIG incorporates the views of our credit analysts within the issuer selection process.


In addition, credit analysts in FIG use an ESG risk assessment process to flag issuers with material ESG risks. Analysts are responsible for identifying, recording, and monitoring the issuer’s ESG risk and progress toward addressing related issues. This process is overseen by our ESG committee, composed of six members of the global fixed income credit research team. This committee complements our investment decision-making process, including the assessment of ESG risks among other risk assessments conducted by our team of fixed income analysts. The committee is responsible for evaluating external ESG data and research resources used in our investment processes.

Team members are also responsible for the continuous improvement in the integration of ESG concepts and department operating procedures.


External resources


Our dedicated research team will use information provided by various sources, including the rating agencies (i.e. Moody’s & S&P), Bloomberg, Sustainalytics sell-side research, and issuers. These resources are inputs to independent analyses conducted by our team of credit research analysts, which are tailored to each investment opportunity. Our approach carefully considers the investment implications of ESG risk factors along with other risk factors to ensure thorough due diligence is done both prior to initial investment and on an ongoing basis.
Participation in industry initiatives


Vanguard is involved in the following initiatives (year in brackets denotes when we joined or became a signatory):

  •  Commonsense Corporate Governance Principles (2016)
    Vanguard is a founding member of this initiative. Former Vanguard CEO, Bill McNabb, participated in preparing the Commonsense Principles of Corporate Governance position paper. ?
  • Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (2016)
    Vanguard serves on The Investor Advisory Group.
  • Investor Stewardship Group (2017)
    Vanguard is a founding member. We actively promote the framework and engage with companies on its substance.
  • 30% Club (2017)
    In May 2017, Vanguard joined the 30% Club, a global organisation that advocates for greater representation of women in boardrooms and leadership roles.
  • Principles for Responsible Investment (2014)
    Vanguard is a signatory and fully committed to the adoption of the principles.
  • International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) (2019)
    ICGN is an investor-led organisation with a mission to promote effective standards of corporate governance and investor stewardship to advance efficient markets and sustainable economies worldwide.
  • CDP Global (2018)
    CDP Climate Change, signatory
    CDP Forests, signatory
    CDP Water, signatory
  • Council of Institutional Investors (CII) (2017)
    CII is a non-profit, non-partisan association of corporate, public and union employee benefit funds and endowments with a focused policy mission: to be the leading voice for effective corporate governance practices for US companies and strong shareowner rights and protections.
  • CECP (CEO Force for Good) Strategic Investor Initiative
    Co-chaired by Vanguard's former CEO, Bill McNabb, it encourages companies to share their long-term strategic stories and focus more of their disclosure and reporting on sustainable long-term value creation.
  • Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) sponsored by the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism (2018)
    EPIC was an 18-month long collaborative initiative which brought together professionals from 31 companies, asset managers and asset owners, who worked together to identify and create new metrics in order to demonstrate and measure long-term value in financial markets. Vanguard served as chair of the Existing Initiatives working group.
  • Business Roundtable’s Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation (2019)
    Vanguard is a signatory.
  • Energy Transition and Care for Our Common Home participant statement (2019)
    The Vatican’s participant statement on climate risk disclosures calls on companies to be transparent about climate-related matters and disclose them to investors. Vanguard is a signatory.
  • Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM) (2021)
    Founded in December 2020, the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is a group of global asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions, in line with global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and to support investing aligned with net zero emissions, both by 2050 or sooner.
    Vanguard is also supportive of local governance or stewardship codes, such as:
  • The UK Stewardship Code  
  • Hong Kong Principles for Responsible Ownership
  • Japan’s Corporate Governance Code

 

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Important Information


Confidentiality


The information contained in this document, including attachments, is confidential information and property of Vanguard Asset Management, Limited, The Vanguard Group, Inc. and their affiliates. The information may not be divulged or communicated to any third parties without the prior written consent of Vanguard Asset Management, Limited, unless it is needed for the execution of the present document or when divulgation is required by law.


Investment Risk Information


The value of investments, and the income from them, may fall or rise and investors may get back less than they invested.
Some funds invest in emerging markets which can be more volatile than more established markets. As a result the value of your investment may rise or fall.
Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in well-established blue chip companies.
Funds investing in fixed interest securities carry the risk of default on repayment and erosion of the capital value of your investment and the level of income may fluctuate. Movements in interest rates are likely to affect the capital value of fixed interest securities. Corporate bonds may provide higher yields but as such may carry greater credit risk increasing the risk of default on repayment and erosion of the capital value of your investment. The level of income may fluctuate and movements in interest rates are likely to affect the capital value of bonds.
The funds may use derivatives in order to reduce risk or cost and/or generate extra income or growth. The use of derivatives could increase or reduce exposure to underlying assets and result in greater fluctuations of the funds’ net asset value. A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on the value of a financial asset (such as a share, bond, or currency) or a market index.
For further information on risks please see the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus on our website at https://global.vanguard.com.


Disclaimer


This document is directed at professional investors and should not be distributed to, or relied upon by retail investors.
This document is designed for use by, and is directed only at, persons resident in the UK.
The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation is against the law, or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation, or if the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so. The information in this document is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Potential investors are urged to consult their professional advisers on the implications of making an investment in, holding or disposing of units/shares of, and the receipt of distribution from any investment.
The Authorised Corporate Director for Vanguard Investments Funds ICVC is Vanguard Investments UK, Limited. Vanguard Asset Management, Limited is a distributor of Vanguard Investments Funds ICVC.
For further information on the funds’ investment policies, please refer to the Key Investor Information Document (“KIID”). The KIID for this fund is available, alongside the prospectus via Vanguard’s website https://global.vanguard.com/
SEDOL and SEDOL Masterfile® are registered trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group PLC. SEDOL Data has been provided from the London Stock Exchange's SEDOL Masterfile®
Issued by Vanguard Asset Management, Limited which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.
© 2022 Vanguard Asset Management, Limited. All rights reserved.

 

Dialshifter

Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…

Please refer to our website:

https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/who-we-are/we-care-about/sustainability.html

 

SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

Vanguard ActiveLife Climate Aware 40-50% Equity Fund

Sustainability Tilt Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics OEIC Global Mixed Asset 08/12/2021 Oct 2024

Objectives

The Vanguard SustainableLife 40-50% Equity Funds (the “Fund”) seeks to provide an increase in the value of investments over the long-term (more than 5 years) together with some money paid out from those investments as income.

 

Fund Size: £100.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £42100.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £1376000.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Assets Under Management: £7292100.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

ISIN: GB00BMCQRZ38, GB00BMCQRX14

Contact Us: UK_internals@vanguard.com

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

The Vanguard SustainableLife 40-50% Equity Fundseeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of shares of companies (between 40-50% of the portfolio, with an expected allocation of 45%) and bonds (between 50-60% of the portfolio, with an expected allocation of 55%) selected in accordance with the Sustainability Policy.

 

Primary fund last amended: Oct 2024

Information received directly from Fund Manager

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Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability focus

Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Environmental - General
Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy

Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.

Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Require net zero action plan from all/most companies

Find funds that require all, or almost all, of the companies it invests in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - meaning that the companies they invest in have worked out how they will, over time, reduce their total carbon (and other greenhouse gas) emissions to nil.

TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)

Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage TCFD alignment for banks & insurance companies

Find fund managers that encourage the banks and insurance companies they invest in to publish climate change related financial information - as set out by the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (with the aim of helping investors measure and respond to climate risk).

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

ESG factors included in Assessment of Value (AoV) report

Environmental, social and governance issues are part of this fund’s reporting of their ‘value’ to clients. AoV reporting is a statutory requirement. Including ESG factors in its calculation is not.

Asset Size
Over 50% large cap companies

Find funds that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.

Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets

Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.

Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets

Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)

Invest in supranationals

International entities or bodies with agreed remits that are broadly similar to those that may otherwise be undertaken by individual governments eg the UN

Impact Methodologies
Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Limited / few ethical exclusions

Find funds with few exclusions - typically for example exclude tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.

Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector

Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.

Focus on ESG risk mitigation

A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Use stock / securities lending

This fund uses, or can use, specialist strategies to aid performance which involve ‘lending’ fund assets to others at specific points in time.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Diversity, equality & inclusion engagement policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that encourage the companies they invest in to have strong diversity, race, gender and other equality policies across all assets held, not simply screened or themed SRI/ESG funds. (ie Asset Management company wide).

Vulnerable client policy on website (AFM company wide)

Asset manager has information on their website that explains how they treat 'vulnerable clients' (as set out in FCA regulation)

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
PRI A+ rated (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'

UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Encourage responsible corporate taxation (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage more responsible corporate taxation.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues

Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Engaging to encourage more sustainable ‘diversifiers’ (e.g. derivatives)

Funds may use assets that are not directly aligned with sustainability objectives in order to help manage investment risk. Engaging for more sustainable options will aid alignment with fund objectives.

Engaging on the responsible use of AI

Working to address sustainability, ESG and related concerns around artificial intelligence.

Company Wide Exclusions
Do not invest in companies with fossil fuel reserves

Asset management company excludes companies with fossil fuel reserves across all assets/funds

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon transition plan published (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have a company wide carbon transition plan - meaning that they have plotted a path to how they will move away from activities that produce or use carbon based energy sources (that emit greenhouse gases) towards clean, alternative, renewable energy sources.

Carbon offsetting – do NOT offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions by reducing their emissions. Calculations and scope vary.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information available on request

Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Dialshifter statement

Find fund management companies that have supplied Dialshifter information. See Dialshifter tab within record for more information.

Comments

Please note:

  • Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide) - for business operations

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

Among other sustainability criteria, each Vanguard SustainableLife fund has a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The funds aim to invest 60% of their shares and corporate bonds in companies with net-zero science-based targets by 2030, rising to 90% by 2040 and 100% by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The funds also screen out certain types of companies, including those involved in the production, distribution, retail sale or supply of tobacco-related products, those involved with thermal coal extraction or power generation, or those involved with controversial weapons. The fund managers engage with portfolio companies too, to ensure their continued alignment with the funds’ objectives, and expect these companies to follow good governance practices before investing in them.

Process:

Among other sustainability criteria, each Vanguard SustainableLife fund has a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The funds aim to invest 60% of their shares and corporate bonds in companies with net-zero science-based targets by 2030, rising to 90% by 2040 and 100% by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The funds also screen out certain types of companies, including those involved in the production, distribution, retail sale or supply of tobacco-related products, those involved with thermal coal extraction or power generation, or those involved with controversial weapons. And the fund managers engage with portfolio companies too, to ensure their continued alignment with the funds’ objectives, and expect these companies to follow good governance practices before investing in them.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

There are close to 100 employees who consider ESG as part of their responsibilities. This includes employees in Investment Stewardship who consider ESG issues as part of their daily responsibilities, as well as employees who consider ESG issues as part of their broader role.


Our credit analysts develop independent risk assessments and investment opinions for each fixed income issuer. They seek to understand the investment implications of ESG risks and determine whether market pricing adequately reflects these risks.


Similarly, investment stewardship sector analysts use ESG data and research to inform our active ownership practices, including engagement. In our engagements, we advocate for effective oversight of ESG practices that consistently support the creation of long-term value for investors.


Representatives from all these groups also sit on our cross-divisional responsible investment team. In recent years, additional staff members were hired to support our approach to analysing ESG risks in our funds.


The Fixed Income Group (FIG) credit research analysts make use of both internal and external sources for ESG information.


Internal resources


For our active fixed income assets, the team evaluates financial and credit trends across sectors, as well as for individual issuers in which Vanguard invests (or expects to invest). Credit analysts perform an objective, thorough and independent analysis of an issuer’s overall creditworthiness for those securities. This research process may include:

  • Analysis of the issuer’s recent and historical financial statements
  • Sensitivity testing on projected cash flows
  • Discussions with management and/or rating agency analysts
  • Site visits
  • Road show presentations


These resources are inputs to independent analyses conducted by our team of credit research analysts, which are tailored to each investment opportunity. Our approach carefully considers the investment implications of ESG risk factors along with other risk factors to ensure thorough due diligence is done both prior to initial investment and on an ongoing basis. FIG incorporates the views of our credit analysts within the issuer selection process.


In addition, credit analysts in FIG use an ESG risk assessment process to flag issuers with material ESG risks. Analysts are responsible for identifying, recording, and monitoring the issuer’s ESG risk and progress toward addressing related issues. This process is overseen by our ESG committee, composed of six members of the global fixed income credit research team. This committee complements our investment decision-making process, including the assessment of ESG risks among other risk assessments conducted by our team of fixed income analysts. The committee is responsible for evaluating external ESG data and research resources used in our investment processes.

Team members are also responsible for the continuous improvement in the integration of ESG concepts and department operating procedures.


External resources


Our dedicated research team will use information provided by various sources, including the rating agencies (i.e. Moody’s & S&P), Bloomberg, Sustainalytics sell-side research, and issuers. These resources are inputs to independent analyses conducted by our team of credit research analysts, which are tailored to each investment opportunity. Our approach carefully considers the investment implications of ESG risk factors along with other risk factors to ensure thorough due diligence is done both prior to initial investment and on an ongoing basis.
Participation in industry initiatives


Vanguard is involved in the following initiatives (year in brackets denotes when we joined or became a signatory):

  •  Commonsense Corporate Governance Principles (2016)
    Vanguard is a founding member of this initiative. Former Vanguard CEO, Bill McNabb, participated in preparing the Commonsense Principles of Corporate Governance position paper. ?
  • Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (2016)
    Vanguard serves on The Investor Advisory Group.
  • Investor Stewardship Group (2017)
    Vanguard is a founding member. We actively promote the framework and engage with companies on its substance.
  • 30% Club (2017)
    In May 2017, Vanguard joined the 30% Club, a global organisation that advocates for greater representation of women in boardrooms and leadership roles.
  • Principles for Responsible Investment (2014)
    Vanguard is a signatory and fully committed to the adoption of the principles.
  • International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) (2019)
    ICGN is an investor-led organisation with a mission to promote effective standards of corporate governance and investor stewardship to advance efficient markets and sustainable economies worldwide.
  • CDP Global (2018)
    CDP Climate Change, signatory
    CDP Forests, signatory
    CDP Water, signatory
  • Council of Institutional Investors (CII) (2017)
    CII is a non-profit, non-partisan association of corporate, public and union employee benefit funds and endowments with a focused policy mission: to be the leading voice for effective corporate governance practices for US companies and strong shareowner rights and protections.
  • CECP (CEO Force for Good) Strategic Investor Initiative
    Co-chaired by Vanguard's former CEO, Bill McNabb, it encourages companies to share their long-term strategic stories and focus more of their disclosure and reporting on sustainable long-term value creation.
  • Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism (EPIC) sponsored by the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism (2018)
    EPIC was an 18-month long collaborative initiative which brought together professionals from 31 companies, asset managers and asset owners, who worked together to identify and create new metrics in order to demonstrate and measure long-term value in financial markets. Vanguard served as chair of the Existing Initiatives working group.
  • Business Roundtable’s Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation (2019)
    Vanguard is a signatory.
  • Energy Transition and Care for Our Common Home participant statement (2019)
    The Vatican’s participant statement on climate risk disclosures calls on companies to be transparent about climate-related matters and disclose them to investors. Vanguard is a signatory.
  • Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM) (2021)
    Founded in December 2020, the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is a group of global asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions, in line with global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and to support investing aligned with net zero emissions, both by 2050 or sooner.
    Vanguard is also supportive of local governance or stewardship codes, such as:
  • The UK Stewardship Code  
  • Hong Kong Principles for Responsible Ownership
  • Japan’s Corporate Governance Code

 

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Important Information


Confidentiality


The information contained in this document, including attachments, is confidential information and property of Vanguard Asset Management, Limited, The Vanguard Group, Inc. and their affiliates. The information may not be divulged or communicated to any third parties without the prior written consent of Vanguard Asset Management, Limited, unless it is needed for the execution of the present document or when divulgation is required by law.


Investment Risk Information


The value of investments, and the income from them, may fall or rise and investors may get back less than they invested.
Some funds invest in emerging markets which can be more volatile than more established markets. As a result the value of your investment may rise or fall.
Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in well-established blue chip companies.
Funds investing in fixed interest securities carry the risk of default on repayment and erosion of the capital value of your investment and the level of income may fluctuate. Movements in interest rates are likely to affect the capital value of fixed interest securities. Corporate bonds may provide higher yields but as such may carry greater credit risk increasing the risk of default on repayment and erosion of the capital value of your investment. The level of income may fluctuate and movements in interest rates are likely to affect the capital value of bonds.
The funds may use derivatives in order to reduce risk or cost and/or generate extra income or growth. The use of derivatives could increase or reduce exposure to underlying assets and result in greater fluctuations of the funds’ net asset value. A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on the value of a financial asset (such as a share, bond, or currency) or a market index.
For further information on risks please see the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus on our website at https://global.vanguard.com.


Disclaimer


This document is directed at professional investors and should not be distributed to, or relied upon by retail investors.
This document is designed for use by, and is directed only at, persons resident in the UK.
The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation is against the law, or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation, or if the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so. The information in this document is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Potential investors are urged to consult their professional advisers on the implications of making an investment in, holding or disposing of units/shares of, and the receipt of distribution from any investment.
The Authorised Corporate Director for Vanguard Investments Funds ICVC is Vanguard Investments UK, Limited. Vanguard Asset Management, Limited is a distributor of Vanguard Investments Funds ICVC.
For further information on the funds’ investment policies, please refer to the Key Investor Information Document (“KIID”). The KIID for this fund is available, alongside the prospectus via Vanguard’s website https://global.vanguard.com/
SEDOL and SEDOL Masterfile® are registered trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group PLC. SEDOL Data has been provided from the London Stock Exchange's SEDOL Masterfile®
Issued by Vanguard Asset Management, Limited which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.
© 2022 Vanguard Asset Management, Limited. All rights reserved.

 

Dialshifter

Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…

Please refer to our website:

https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/who-we-are/we-care-about/sustainability.html

 

SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics