The financial investment portfolio of the University of Antwerp (approximately €220 million in 2024) forms a crucial pillar in the climate strategy, because this too extends the university's impact far beyond its own walls. The choice of which companies and economic activities are made possible with University of Antwerp capital has a not-to-be-underestimated influence on global outcomes in terms of environment, climate, and social justice. Currently, the University of Antwerp employs an ESG strategy (Environmental, Social, Governance) with funds managed by four asset managers and using the exclusion lists of the Norwegian Pension Fund. In 2020-2021, a Commission on Sustainable Finance was established to investigate how the portfolio could be better aligned with sustainability principles.
Breakthrough action 2025-2026
The breakthrough action for 2025-2026 includes the integration of the conditions from the "Towards Sustainability" framework (a label and quality standard co-developed by University of Antwerp experts) in the contract renewal with external fund managers from 2027. In doing so, the university chooses that:
- an assessment of the ESG impact exists for all shares held, to eliminate blind spots
- the use of exclusion lists is expanded with internationally recognized lists of violators of treaties on environmental, climate, and human rights.
- 15% of capital is allocated to impact investments (of which at least 10% complies with Article 9 of the EU taxonomy and at least 3% in impact financing that aligns with the university's vision and values).
Since the current contracts with asset managers still run until 2027, the transition to these objectives will be gradual. Both in the meantime and afterwards, it is necessary to develop a transparent accountability mechanism and anchor it in the governance structure of the university, which ensures that the sustainability goals in portfolio management can be monitored annually by the Board of Directors.
Get involved!
Would you like to think along about what an impact investment strategy for UAntwerpen could look like in concrete terms? We would love to exchange ideas over a coffee. Contact us at climate@uantwerpen.be