More than nine-out-of-ten (93%) of global institutional investors consider ESG and sustainability in their real assets investment decisions, new research from Aviva Investors found, adding that 17% view it as a ‘critical’ factor. The findings form part of the fifth annual ‘Real Assets Study’ from the asset management firm, which surveyed 500 global institutional investors, together representing more than US$3.5 trillion in assets. With half of institutional investors having a net zero commitment in place, the research found 28% respondents allocate to real assets to capture its positive ESG impacts, compared to just 17% three years ago. Daniel McHugh, Chief Investment Officer, Real Assets, at Aviva Investors, said: “The study shows that demand is also being driven by the ability to assess the positive impact of these investments beyond returns, such as contributing to sustainability-related objectives.”
