Fifty companies have signed up to Make My Money Matter’s new green pension charter, which is calling for a net zero pensions industry.
Signatories to this new charter include IKEA, Octopus Group, EY, Brewdog, BAFTA, as well as charities such as Oxfam, Save The Children and WWF.
This green pension charger has been launched by the campaign group MMMM – founded by the filmmaker Richard Curtis and climate change action group Count Us In.
The charter will see major brands and organisations work with their pension provider or trustees to secure a green pension and support the growing call for all providers to commit to net zero emissions targets in the lead up this year’s summit on climate change, COP26, due to be held in Glasgow in November.
Among the current signatories are 19 BCORPs – companies who have already pledged to act sustainably throughout their operations.
With 50 organisations already signed up Make My Money Matter and Count Us In are asking all businesses across the UK to sign up to the Green Pensions Charter. It says this will enable them to harness the “hidden superpower of their company pension schemes” in the fight against climate change.
Richard Curtis, co-founder of Make My Money Matter says: “The launch of the world’s first Green Pensions Charter brings together a pioneering mix of brands, organisations and even football teams all of whom have one thing in common – a commitment to make their money matter.
“This charter supports the growing demand across society for pensions we can be proud of, and acts as a critical reminder to the industry that the £2.6 trillion circulating in UK pension schemes must be invested in ways which build a healthy planet, as well as deliver healthy returns.
“With a UK hosted COP26 on the horizon, we hope our charter encourages companies to follow in the footsteps of IKEA, EY and Octopus Energy to green their pensions, and show the pensions industry that their customers want them to take serious action on the climate crisis.”
Eric Levine, leadership at Count Us In adds: “If all companies aligned their pensions with their values, billions could be directed towards clean energy, affordable housing, medical research and green infrastructure – they could be at the heart of the solution of the climate crisis. As Count Us In we’re proud to have partnered with Make My Money Matter in launching the Green Pensions Charter.
“This collective call to action will drive change from the heart of the economy – finance – and deliver long term results. We’re excited by the large uptake of the Charter, which clearly indicates a society-wide demand for a cleaner, thriving future for all – and we look forward to welcoming more signatories in this commitment.”