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Investing to shape a better future for our planet

As a purpose-driven active investor we're working with our portfolio companies to accelerate the decarbonization of the global economy.

Aerial view of a Black African female farmer using a digital tablet monitoring vegetables on large scale vegetable farm

Our strategy is rooted in driving significant real-world impact.

The road to net zero is an urgent but long one.  Hard-to-abate sectors will continue to play a necessary role in our global economy until lower emitting alternatives are more reliably available at scale and at an attractive cost. We intend to take an active role through our multifaceted climate strategy that focuses on investing in areas supportive of accelerating the transition.

This strategy is rooted in driving significant real-world impact, reflecting on our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of our portfolio and capitalize on opportunities supporting the broader transition to a low-carbon future.

1. Decarbonizing our portfolio

Work with companies where we have significant ownership stakes and influence to support them on a decarbonization pathway in line with their own sustainability objectives and our net-zero ambition.

2. Decarbonizing high emitters

Transitioning high emitters to a low-carbon future is complex and will take time and capital, but it also creates opportunities.  The decarbonization of the highest global emitters presents both an opportunity to make a real-world impact and generate strong returns given the premium that can be gained by shifting these companies towards a net-zero future.

3. Significantly increasing green and transition investments

Increase our capacity to deploy capital into companies that enable the net-zero transition, reduce GHG emissions and help build a sustainable economy while also helping us generate returns. In 2023, we increased our green investments by approximately $600 million, defined as companies that generate clean energy, reduce demand for fossil fuels and help build a sustainable economy. We now have over $34 billion in green assets, and are progressing towards our target of $50 billion. Meanwhile, we are building capabilities to better assess and capture transition opportunities across asset classes.

4. Leveraging advocacy and partnership

Engage on issues that help the broader economy shift toward net zero and collaborate with like-minded partners and investors.

5. Issuing green bonds

Issue green bonds to fund investments in eligible green assets with measurable impacts that support the transition to a sustainable future.

2023 Green Bond Report

2023 Green Bond Report

In 2023, Ontario Teachers’ wholly owned subsidiary, Ontario Teachers’ Finance Trust (OTFT), issued a $1 billion green bond with the proceeds being invested in companies or assets that enable the net-zero transition, reduce emissions, and build a sustainable economy.

Read our latest Report

Our commitment to reach net zero by 2050

We have set near-term targets to reduce our portfolio carbon emissions intensity against a 2019 baseline by:

45

by 2025

67

by 2030

% of our portfolio’s emissions we expect to be covered by a credible plan to achieve net zero by 2050: 

67

by 2025

90

by 2030

Applicable to companies in which we have significant stakes.

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Our net-zero ambition

In 2021, we made a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050. As part of this commitment, we will almost halve our emissions intensity by 2025. By 2030, we will cut our emissions intensity by two-thirds. It’s an ambitious plan – but one that helps us play an active role in decarbonizing the global economy.

Learn more

At the table from day one

We have worked with policymakers and regulators to encourage long-term climate policy.