Biodiversity erosion is a major challenge for ecosystems, economies and societies. As a long-term investor, we act to limit the negative impacts of our investments on nature, and support the transition to models that are more respectful of life.
A long-term commitment
First integration of “ best-in-class ” ESG for the equity portfolio
Signing of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Signing of the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge
First biodiversity strategy with quantitative targets
Membership of Nature Action 100
Membership of the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation
Exclusion of pesticides and deforestation
Exclusion of deep sea mining
Forum for Responsible Investment (FIR)
Structured biodiversity commitments
As part of the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge, CNP Assurances undertakes to:
- collaborate with its stakeholders to develop impact assessment methodologies,
- integrate biodiversity into its investment policy,
- integrate biodiversity into dialogue with companies,
- assess its positive or negative impacts and identify loss drivers,
- publish science-based objectives.
A strategy based on three pillars
1. Exclude activities that are most harmful to biodiversity
Our Group excludes from its investments the companies most exposed to biodiversity risk, in particular:
- pesticides: exclusion of investments in companies where more than 20% of revenue is derived from the manufacture or sale of pesticides;
- deforestation: exclusion of investments in companies producing and/or trading the commodities listed below, except those that have implemented a recognised policy to prevent deforestation:
- cocoa, coffee, soy, beef and leather, including companies operating in the food industry, catering, retail,
- rubber (natural rubber), including tyres,
- palm oil, including biofuels, chemicals, agrifood,
- wood and pulp; - deep-water mining: exclusion of companies working in the operation of deep-water mines and deep-water mining projectsuntil further scientific research has shed light on the consequences of these activities, both for deep ecosystems and for socio-economic and environmental cost-benefit analyses compared with terrestrial mining.
2. Act as a responsible shareholder
CNP Assurances uses its voting rights at general meetings to defend strategies aligned with international agreements on biodiversity.
The criteria for support are strict and transparent.
- For example, we supported Icade’s “Say on Nature” resolution, welcoming this initiative and encouraging its widespread adoption. Icade’s biodiversity plan, based on nature in the city, net-positive biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration, shows its commitment to transparency.
In addition, we engage with companies to encourage trajectories aligned with international biodiversity agreements.
To find out more: download the CNP Assurances shareholder engagement policy
3. Select investments according to stringent ESG criteria
Investment decisions incorporate the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, and notably environmental protection.
We apply these ESG criteria across all major asset classes. For example, biodiversity issues are included in the ESG ratings of companies in which CNP Assurances invests, be it in equities or bonds. In addition to climate issues, the following matters are taken into account:
- activities disrupting large or fragile areas,
- programmes set up to protect biodiversity and land use,
- controversies over the use or management of natural resources,
- water dependence,
- treatment of discharges into water.
To find out more: download the CNP Assurances responsible investment report
Green investments fostering biodiversity
The leading private forest owner in France,
As the leading private forest owner in France, CNP Assurances has historically conserved its forests as part of a long-term approach. They are managed responsibly, respecting natural rhythms and avoiding excessive exploitation.
The objective is to preserve biodiversity, protect soil and water resources, and ensure the renewal of forests over time. We have committed to obtaining FSC certification for our entire forest estate by 2030.
This management approach also makes forests more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Forests play an essential role in climate and biodiversity. They are home to many species, naturally store carbon, and strengthen the resilience of soils to extreme climate events such as floods and droughts. They are a concrete example of our commitment to nature conservation through our investments.