We have significantly increased our use of the right to vote
In its recently published “Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2023”, LD Pensions takes stock of its work on responsible investment. Among other things, the report shows that in 2023, LD Pensions exercised its voting rights as a shareholder 12,650 times at general meetings of 755 companies from all corners of the globe. This was approximately 4,300 times more than the previous year and just under 10,800 times more than in 2021.
Exercising our voting rights at general meetings is an important part of being active shareholders and encouraging companies to transform their practices. We have made voting a priority because we believe that, in this way, we can encourage more companies to make sustainable choices that benefit long-term returns, employees and the transition of society as a whole.
We engage in dialogue with businesses
As well as voting at general meetings, we engage in dialogue with companies to encourage them to make changes. In total, in 2023, LD Pensions engaged in dialogue with 434 companies via our ESG partner to improve climate and environmental, social or governance issues. The dialogue with companies focused, amongst other things, on rectifying situations where they had breached international norms and standards, and on selected ESG themes. One theme for dialogue in 2023 was to limit the loss of nature and biodiversity and to encourage more companies to report on their impact, risks and opportunities in this regard.
Climate targets for 2030 have been set
In 2023, LD Pensions measured the carbon footprint of the majority of the companies in which we invest. A target was set to work towards reducing the carbon footprint of our investments in listed equities and corporate bonds by 40–60 per cent by 2030, compared with our 2019 figures.
“It will take a major effort from society as a whole if we are to achieve our climate targets. New technologies must be developed and funded, businesses and consumers must be ready to adapt, and ambitious policy initiatives must be adopted and implemented globally. We will contribute in whatever way we can – namely by financing the green transition, engaging in dialogue with companies and voting in favour of climate-friendly proposals at general meetings,” says Lars Mayland Nielsen.
You can read more about LD Pensions’ role as an active owner and our work on responsible investment in the “Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2023”.
Go to the 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
