A proprietary framework to only select bonds with real and quantifiable impact
Active strategy driven by active rate management, allocation and issuer selection
Investing in active fixed income sustainably with a contrarian approach
A green bond is a bond that is specifically earmarked to raise money for climate and environmental projects. This strategy has been very successful with issuance over USD 1 trillion between 2015-2022. However, the term ‘green bond’ is not legally protected. That’s why Robeco uses a proprietary framework to select truly green bonds for its strategy.
The Green Bonds strategy is actively managed with a diversified exposure to the green bond market. It aims to create positive environmental impact while generating outperformance relative to the Bloomberg MSCI Green Bond index over the long run. It exploits both active interest rate and credit strategies by investing in green bonds issued by governments, government-related agencies and corporates.
The outperformance target is based on three sources of return:
Fixed income asset allocation
Global rates
Credit selection
Green bond investments are now an integral part of most Robeco fixed income strategies across our macro and credit portfolios. Our total investments in green bonds amount to EUR 6 billion (as of August 2024).
To ensure the bonds are truly green, Robeco uses a proprietary five-step bond selection framework to determine the eligibility of green bonds and ensure that these are in line with the most recent regulatory developments on sustainable finance. Only those green bonds that truly have an impact and adhere to internationally accepted principles are eligible for the portfolio.
The green bond framework is based on the following five criteria:
The issuer’s green bond framework is aligned with green bond market standards.
The proceeds of the green bond make a positive contribution to one of the six environmental objectives as defined by the EU Taxonomy.
The issuer reports at least annually on the use of proceeds and the contribution to the environmental objective.
Issuers that are not making significant steps towards becoming more sustainable are avoided.
For a green bond to be a sustainable investment, international norms related to social and governance issues must be met.
The strategy is managed by two lead portfolio managers from Robeco’s Fixed Income team. This is an integrated team of over 50 professionals including credit, global rates, euro sovereigns, multi-asset and derivatives specialists who have, on average, 17 years of experience. These specialists include the macro strategists who track geopolitics and the policy and actions of the world’s major central banks. For the allocation to corporate credit we leverage the experience of Robeco’s Global Credit specialists, which includes seasoned portfolio managers, career analysts and green bond specialists. Robeco’s Fixed Income team has been investing in green bonds since 2013.
Green bonds are a fast-growing section of fixed income markets and the universe is now broad and liquid enough to manage diversified green bond portfolios.
Using a proprietary green bonds framework, this strategy provides diversified exposure to the global green bonds market.
This strategy invests in USD-denominated green bonds issued by governments, government-related agencies and corporates.
This global green bonds strategy targets attractive yield and income levels with a focus on BB and BBB-rated green bonds.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The value of the investments may fluctuate.
The strategy targets sustainable investments: it has sustainable investment as its objective and targets themes such as energy or mobility, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals or climate change. Moreover, it follows a stricter exclusion list. Under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation it is classified as Article 9.
Investing that aims to generate beneficial social and/or environmental effects
Unmoved by market sentiment and herd behavior, and instead making decisions based on research, conviction and long-term focus
Managed by an experienced team with deep expertise
Balancing risk, return and sustainability in turbulent times
