Sustainable investments
Helvetia actively cooperates with other financial service providers, investors, universities and organisations to promote a more sustainable Swiss financial centre. We integrate ESG (environment, social and governance) factors into our investment processes to achieve this. The vast majority of our financial and real estate investments conform to sustainable investment criteria with an investment volume of approximately CHF 37 billion.
Financial assets
Our financial asset portfolio has a sustainability rating of «A» (AAA = best evaluation, CCC = worst evaluation). We determine this average value every six months based on sustainability information from MSCI. We also regularly evaluate the emissions that we finance with our investments. In 2017, Helvetia participated in the voluntary climate impact assessment by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment.
Real estate assets
As a real estate owner, Helvetia is also focusing on sustainability for its properties. We apply sustainability standards for new construction projects. For renovations, we ensure that insulation values are improved or resort to alternative energy sources.
«Energy efficiency, noise protection and a pleasant indoor climate are important for tenants because they increase comfort. In the long run, apartments with these sorts of features are easier to rent.»