AXA IM unveils its latest Progress Monitor, demonstrating over a decade of measurable sustainability commitments
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), part of BNP Paribas Group, has published the third edition of its AXA IM for Progress Monitor – a set of eight key performance indicators (KPIs) that track progress against three strategic sustainability pillars: decarbonisation, channelling capital and engagement.
The Progress Monitor, which is updated each year, reinforces over a decade of AXA IM’s leadership in responsible investing (RI) and corporate responsibility. Since launching its first RI mandate in 1998, AXA IM has accelerated its sustainability efforts, increasingly integrating ESG considerations into its activities and investment philosophy. This includes the launch of numerous sustainable and impact-focused strategies, and the ongoing development of robust voting1 and engagement2 policies. AXA IM has further strengthened its commitment in recent years, with new actions in operational carbon measurement and reduction, such as including scope 33 in its global operational carbon footprint, implementing a stringent emissions reduction programme and linking ESG goals to executive compensation4.
Marie Bogataj, Global Head of Communications, CSR and ESG Development, commented: “We are proud to share the progress made toward our sustainability goals since the last Progress Monitor. Tangible outcomes include achieving three new targets across decarbonisation and engagement. As we work with BNP Paribas Asset Management and BNP Paribas REIM to build Europe’s leading long-term savings asset management platform, we remain confident in the strength and continued relevance of our sustainable investing heritage and leadership for our future success.”
Highlights from The AXA IM 2024 Progress Monitor
Decarbonisation
AXA IM is a leading real estate investor globally and the leading player in Europe with a proprietary methodology to standardise its approach to energy efficiency and decarbonisation across all its real estate assets.
By the end of 2024, 61% of AXA IM’s direct real estate assets were aligned with the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) trajectory5 - marking the third consecutive year of surpassing 50% alignment despite increasing ambition and stricter requirements.
In listed assets, (nearly €500 billion AUM), AXA IM achieved a 51.2% reduction in the carbon intensity of its corporate portfolio compared to 2019 - more than double its 2025 target. This was driven by both portfolio shifts and enhanced ESG integration within investment processes.
Channelling capital
AXA IM actively directs capital into projects that deliver environmental and social benefits. To do so, AXA IM invests in pioneering companies with business models that help conserve, protect and restore natural resources.
By the end of 2024, €1.063 billion had been deployed through its Natural Capital Strategy, which invests in companies that protect, conserve or restore natural resources and biodiversity. AXA IM is on track to meet its 2028 target of €1.2 billion.
Engagement
AXA IM conducts numerous engagement and dialogue activities with its investee companies each year, to encourage them to adopt more sustainable behaviours and methodologies, enabling better practices and long-term value creation.
By the end of 2024, more than 70% of AXA IM’s listed financed emissions were under active engagement, exceeding 2025 target.
In October 2024, AXA IM launched “Empowering Sustainable Futures”6, a global philanthropy initiative that combines charitable giving, scientific research funding and volunteering efforts worldwide under a single umbrella.
More than 50% of the programme is funded through a share of management fees from selected listed and private market impact strategies and focuses on climate resilience, inclusion for communities, education for future generations and biodiversity protection. In its first year, the programme has deployed €1.2 million to benefit various philanthropy and volunteering initiatives, including global donations to 10 charities across Europe, the US and Asia.
- https://www.axa-im.com/media-centre/axa-im-calls-companies-appropriately-report-their-climate-lobbying-activities-its-updated-voting
- https://www.axa-im.com/media-centre/axa-im-intensifies-pressure-companies-take-meaningful-action-sustainability-issues-enhanced
- https://www.axa-im.com/media-centre/axa-investment-managers-publishes-its-own-global-carbon-footprint-first-time-including-scope-3
- https://www.axa-im.com/media-centre/axa-im-aligns-compensation-senior-executives-its-esg-ambitions
- CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) is a framework and tool designed to assess and manage the climate-related transition risks faced by real estate portfolios. It provides decarbonization pathways aligned with global climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement, by evaluating the carbon footprint of properties and projecting future emissions. To get more details please visit: https://crrem.org/
- https://www.axa-im.com/who-we-are/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy-volunteering
For full details, including methodologies and data sources, please refer to the report available here.
Disclaimer
Climate or sustainability-related metrics and underlying emissions data are subject to measurement uncertainties resulting from limitations inherent in the nature and the methods used to determine them. There is a limited availability of relevant data: such data is not yet systematically disclosed by issuers, or, when disclosed by issuers or collected from third-party data providers, it may be incorrect, incomplete or follow various reporting methodologies. The data sources and methodologies are expected to evolve and improve over time and may materially impact targets and the achievement of targets.
Targets noted above reflect management’s current expectations, and are subject to a number of assumptions, variables and uncertainties, including actions of issuers in which we invest, suppliers and other third parties, as well as a variety of political, economic, regulatory, civil society and scientific developments beyond AXA IM’s control. There can be no assurances that our targets and the timetable for any transition will be achieved in whole or in part.
This press release does not constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers S.A. (together with its affiliates “AXA IM” or “AXA Investment Managers”) a solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
It has been established on the basis of data, projections, forecasts, anticipations and hypothesis which are subjective. Its analysis and conclusions are the expression of an opinion, based on available data at a specific date.
AXA Investment Managers disclaims any and all liability relating to a decision based on or for reliance on this document. All exhibits included in this document, unless stated otherwise, are as of the publication date of this document. Any reproduction of this information, in whole or in part is, unless otherwise authorised by AXA IM, prohibited. Issued in the UK by AXA Investment Managers UK Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Registered in England and Wales No: 01431068. Registered Office: 22 Bishopsgate London EC2N 4BQ
In other jurisdictions, this document is issued by AXA Investment Managers SA’s affiliates in those countries.
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