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Please read this important information before proceeding further. It contains legal and regulatory notices relevant to the information contained on this website.

The information contained in the Website is NOT FOR RETAIL CLIENTS – The information contained in the Website is solely intended for professional investors, defined as investors which (1) qualify as professional clients within the meaning of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), (2) have requested to be treated as professional clients within the meaning of the MiFID or (3) are authorised to receive such information under any other applicable laws. The value of the investments may fluctuate. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Neither Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. nor any of its affiliates guarantees the performance or the future returns of any investments. If the currency in which the past performance is displayed differs from the currency of the country in which you reside, then you should be aware that due to exchange rate fluctuations the performance shown may increase or decrease if converted into your local currency.

Robeco Institutional Asset Management UK Limited (“RIAM UK”) markets the Funds of Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. (“ROBECO”) to institutional clients and professional investors only. Private investors seeking information about the Robeco Funds should consult with an Independent Financial Adviser. ROBECO will not be liable for any damages or losses suffered by private investors accessing the website.

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Sustainable transition at Robeco

Your guide to sustainable transition

The word transition implies moving from one destination to another, indicating a state of change. And change is complex. We are at the start of understanding the complexities involved in transitioning the entire economy toward sustainability. This means investing in companies that are making, enabling and financing the transition. Here, we guide you through investing in the transition, helping you uncover opportunities to generate alpha.


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How is transition investing different to sustainable investing?

Transition is the journey in the investment process and sustainability is the destination. In other words, sustainability is the goal, and transition investing is the path taken to get there. With sustainable investing we emphasize investing in companies and sectors that are already sustainable. Through transition investing, capital is directed towards helping companies and sectors adjust their processes to more environmentally sustainable.

The key elements of a sustainable transition

A sustainable transition involves shifting economic and social systems to operate in ways that ensure long-term environmental health and societal wellbeing. This transformation is guided by three interrelated pillars: climate, nature & biodiversity, and social development. Each pillar represents a crucial area of focus, with specific goals that collectively support the transition towards a more sustainable future.

Climate

Climate

Limit global temperature increase to well-below 2°C degrees aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement

Nature & biodiversity

Nature & biodiversity

Halt and reversing biodiversity loss to restore nature for the benefit of people and planet e.g. enhancing sustainable use of oceans and marine resources

Social

Social

Seeking relevant targets for social development, e.g. access to safe and affordable drinking water

Why the urgency?

A vital reason for a sustainable transition is the pressing issue of resource scarcity. Our current economic model is heavily dependent on the rapid consumption of finite natural resources, which is not only unsustainable but also poses a significant threat to future economic growth. As critical resources – such as water, minerals, and fertile land – become increasingly scarce, their rising costs and limited availability will act as a brake on economic expansion.

And we are not moving fast enough to mitigate the impending climate changes that scientists are warning us about. If we look at the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) policy pathway, building low-emission structures only represents 15-20% of the reduction needed. The majority of the effort is required in the section: ‘making dirty cleaner.’ This involves transition investments that support companies in transforming their operations and business models to drive meaningful change.

Emissions reductions for net zero emissions (NZE) by 2050 relative to the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS)

Emissions reductions for net zero emissions (NZE) by 2050 relative to the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS)

How we can generate alpha

Investors can support the shift to a sustainable economy while generating attractive returns by tapping into a broad set of opportunities. This includes equity, corporate bonds, and green, social, and sustainability bonds (GSS bonds) that fund projects aligned with climate, biodiversity, and social goals. By investing in companies successfully navigating regulatory shifts and adopting sustainable practices, capital will flow to those well-positioned for long-term growth. Identifying the winners in this evolving landscape, across both equity and fixed-income markets, is essential to capturing alpha while driving environmental and social progress.

How do you identify transition opportunities?

Our investment process recognizes the multiple dimensions of transition to create robust and resilient investment solutions that understand both the complexity and the longevity of this transition – all with a focus on generating alpha. The transition investment opportunity is a fast-moving topic that is set to last several decades, and it does not fit traditional investment approaches.

We crafted transition solutions based on three essential criteria we believe every great solution should meet:

Forward-looking
01

Forward-looking

We developed a framework to identify transition opportunities using forward-looking metrics.

Regional differences
02

Regional differences

We recognize the complex nature of the transition, accounting for regional differences in taxonomies, regulations, and opportunities, particularly in emerging markets.

Adaptable
03

Adaptable

We understand that transition is an integral part of the investment journey, with sustainability as the goal. Our solutions are designed to be flexible, adaptive, and continuously evolving.

What are the regional differences?

Sustainable transition presents a global opportunity, with a focus on emerging markets due to their high growth and population. These regions account for 93% of the rise in carbon emissions. Latin America, with rich natural resources, is well-positioned for climate transition, while Asia, home to 60% of the global population, produces half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Regulators are working to mobilize financing for Asia’s net-zero transition. With offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore, Robeco leverages local expertise to tailor solutions for our clients.

The main transition areas

The Industrials sector is at the forefront as it consumes high amounts of energy and makes many unsustainable products, followed by Energy itself, and then Materials. The Information Technology, Financials and Health Care industries are already fairly sustainable, not including their energy consumption. But others are rather complex, such as changing the global agricultural system and ultimately moving to a more circular economy.

Electricity
number 1

Electricity

Industrial processes
number 2

Industrial processes

Food and agriculture
number 3

Food and agriculture

Transport
number 4

Transport

Buildings
number 5

Buildings

Want to know more about sustainable transition?

Overview
Research and data is key
How to invest in the transition

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a meeting, please reach out to us.

Contact us


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Robeco aims to enable its clients to achieve their financial and sustainability goals by providing superior investment returns and solutions.

Important information This disclaimer applies to any documents and the verbal or written comments of any person in presentations or webinars on this website and taken together is referred to herein as the “Information”. The services to which the Information relate are NOT FOR RETAIL CLIENTS - The information contained in the Website is solely intended for professional investors, defined as investors which (1) qualify as professional clients within the meaning of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), (2) have requested to be treated as professional clients within the meaning of the MiFID or (3) are authorized to receive such information under any other applicable laws and must not be relied or acted upon by any other persons. This Information does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any financial product, and may not be relied upon in connection with the purchase or sale of any financial product. You are cautioned against using this Information as the basis for making a decision to purchase any financial product. To the extent that you rely on the Information in connection with any investment decision, you do so at your own risk. The Information does not purport to be complete on any topic addressed. The Information may contain data or analysis prepared by third parties and no representation or warranty about the accuracy of such data or analysis is provided.
In all cases where historical performance is presented, please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon as the basis for making an investment decision. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Neither Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. nor any of its affiliates guarantees the performance or the future returns of any investments. If the currency in which the past performance is displayed differs from the currency of the country in which you reside, then you should be aware that due to exchange rate fluctuations the performance shown may increase or decrease if converted into your local currency. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. (“Robeco”) expressly prohibits any redistribution of the Information without the prior written consent of Robeco. The Information is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use is contrary to law, rule or regulation. Certain information contained in the Information includes calculations or figures that have been prepared internally and have not been audited or verified by a third party. Use of different methods for preparing, calculating or presenting information may lead to different results. Robeco Institutional Asset Management UK Limited (“RIAM UK”) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. RIAM UK, 30 Fenchurch Street, Part Level 8, London EC3M 3BD (FCA Reference No:1007814). The company is registered in England and Wales under Ref No. 15362605.

In all cases where historical performance is presented, please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon as the basis for making an investment decision. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Neither Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. nor any of its affiliates guarantees the performance or the future returns of any investments. If the currency in which the past performance is displayed differs from the currency of the country in which you reside, then you should be aware that due to exchange rate fluctuations the performance shown may increase or decrease if converted into your local currency. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. (“Robeco”) expressly prohibits any redistribution of the Information without the prior written consent of Robeco. The Information is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use is contrary to law, rule or regulation. Certain information contained in the Information includes calculations or figures that have been prepared internally and have not been audited or verified by a third party. Use of different methods for preparing, calculating or presenting information may lead to different results. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. is authorised as a manager of UCITS and AIFs by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and subject to limited regulation in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.