Zurich wins this year's Insurance Asset Risk Responsible Investor of the Year Award as its responsible investment strategy - which places a focus on ESG integration and impact investing - celebrates its 12th birthday.

The re-insurer ensures, aside from financial performance, that it analyses the ESG factors in all its individual investments. Zurich's emission reduction targets also cover listed equity and corporate bond investments and direct real estate investments.

This is being done to ensure that the company, by the end of 2025, reduces the intensity of emissions in its listed equity and corporate bond investments by 25% (metric tons CO2-equivalent per $1m invested), and reduces the intensity of emissions of direct real estate investments by 30% (kilograms CO2-equivalent per square meter).

Zurich is also aiming to build an impact investment portfolio that helps save five million metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions every year.

It should be noted though, that responsible investments do not always align with traditional market trends, and investors do face challenges during periods of market volatility that can distract their eyes from the prize. It is a fact that prompts Zurich to think long-term.

"It requires a commitment to long-term sustainability goals, even if there are short-term fluctuations," Zurich's Aurélie Pollak told Insurance Asset Risk. "Overcoming these challenges often involves a combination of education and the development of industry standards. We benefit from engaging with experts, staying informed about evolving best practices, and actively participating in the responsible investment community."

Zurich intends to continue to evaluate climate solution investments across different asset classes on an ongoing basis. "For example, with our private equity investments we support projects across various innovative industries including material recovery and food solutions supporting the just transition and the zero-carbon economy," Pollak added.