The adoption of the climate strategy and the launch of the active ownership approach are two important milestones for Baloise in the implementation of its sustainable investment strategy. The climate strategy, which came into effect on 1 February 2021, helps Baloise to reduce risks that arise in connection with climate change and to manage these risks prudently in the portfolio. The climate strategy comprises the components ‘exclusion’, ‘ESG integration’, ‘engagement’ and ‘transparency’. The exclusion of certain companies from the investment universe serves to reduce physical and transformation risk. Furthermore, in addition to environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects, Baloise takes detailed information on climate into account in its investment decisions and commits to publishing transparent information on the climate strategy and its impact. Through these measures, Baloise is making an important contribution the United Nations’ sustainable development goal no. 13 – ‘climate action’. 

The active ownership approach, which has been adopted with effect from 1 March 2021, focuses on an active dialogue with companies on specific issues and sustainability topics. The aim is to convince the senior managers of companies to proactively address ESG risks and to seize opportunities in this area. Baloise intends to use this approach to generate a positive environmental and social impact with the assets its manages. In addition, the requirements of the European regulator under the EU Action Plan are being implemented in order to improve transparency on the subject of sustainability for investors.

Baloise believes that the concept of sustainable development and the insurance and financial services industries share some important characteristics – for example, the need to act with a long-term focus and to manage risks and resources responsibly. Baloise’s objective is therefore not only to protect its business over the long term, but also to exercise its responsibility as a corporate citizen. Since 2019, the Baloise value-added model, as the basis for integrating the topic of sustainability / ESG into Baloise's business strategy, has formed a significant framework for achieving sustainable value creation. The Baloise Responsible Investment Policy (RI Policy) is an important cornerstone in this context. In addition, Baloise is a member of Swiss Sustainable Finance and signed up to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2018.