The Irish Life MAPS range turned 10 years old on May 17th
In 2021, Irish Life MAPS achieved SFDR Article 8 status - a major milestone on the journey to our responsible investment commitments.
Here, we look at how Environmental, Social & Governance criteria are considered within the fund range.
SFDR Article 8 Status
Under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations (SFDR) for investment fund to be classified as Article 8, they must incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns into their investment objectives alongside risk and return objectives.
In 2021, the Irish Life MAPS range of funds achieved Article 8 status.
Exclusions
The Irish Life MAPS range exclude investments in companies who;
Violate the United Nations Global Compact;
Are undergoing severe controversies;
Are involved in the production/sale of controversial weapons;
Produce tobacco or generate more than 10% of revenue from secondary tobacco involvement;
Generate more than 10% of revenues from the extraction or production of thermal coal and/or Arctic & Oil sands.
Integration
Irish Life Investment Managers (ILIM) have developed a proprietary model which allows the Irish Life MAPS range to increase investments to companies which exhibit a 'best-in-class' approach in relation to ESG concerns.
By utilising sustainable product research, conducted internally and externally, the Irish Life MAPS range integrates companies which demonstrate alignment with climate change, natural capital, human rights and corporate governance priorities.
This integration is implemented across the equity and fixed interest components of the range.
Active Ownership
Irish Life MAPS employs active ownership to advocate for change and improvement in key areas on behalf of investors, using its' bespoke voting policy to further align with net zero, taking strong voting actions and increasing director accountability in cases where companies are deemed to have insufficient strategies regarding climate risk mitigation.
Active ownership within the Irish Life MAPS range will also focus on gender and ethnic diversity issues through engagement as well as voting, holding directors accountable for cases of lack of diversity.