Ensuring Private Equity firms set Science Based Targets as part of their commitment to decarbonise their portfolios is crucial to achieving net zero, as private equity-backed companies represent an ever-larger part of the world’s economy.
Ensuring Private Equity firms set Science Based Targets as part of their commitment to decarbonise their portfolios is crucial to achieving net zero, as private equity-backed companies represent an ever-larger part of the world’s economy.
In recognition of the pivotal role that the sector should play in the transition to a net-zero economy, Bregal Investments (Bregal) has spearheaded the development of the Science Based Target guidance for the Private Equity sector.
Developed through multi-stakeholder collaboration with members of the Initiative Climat International (iCI) and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), alongside other Private Equity firms and in partnership with Laudes Foundation, this guidance will help to create greater transparency and consistency in the way the sector transitions its portfolio to net-zero.
In alignment with this work, Bregal has also set its own science-based targets in line with the 1.5°C pathway set out in the Paris Agreement. Bregal’s climate targets represent a natural evolution of its ESG programme and requires that all portfolio companies set their own science-based targets by 2030.
Bregal’s investment strategy centres around building great businesses that create long-term, sustainable value for investors, whilst having a positive impact on society. Bregal is fully committed to integrating climate action within the core of its investment strategy through setting its own ambitious carbon reduction targets.
In summary, Bregal has committed to:
Reducing direct emissions by 50 percent by 2030
Ensuring 40 percent of its portfolio companies will have set science-based targets by 2025
Ensuring 100 percent of its portfolio companies have their science-based targets by 2030
“Private Equity is uniquely positioned to drive change through its active ownership approach and ability to deploy capital – supporting companies to transition their business to a net-zero future,” say Steven Black and Quentin Van Doosselaere, Co-CEOs, Bregal Investments. “Bregal is committed to this transition, as demonstrated by our leadership in the creation of this private equity guidance and through setting our own ambitious targets across all our funds in Europe and the US. We encourage the private equity community to engage with the guidance and set their own climate targets as a priority.”
Alvar de Wolff, Head of ESG, Bregal Investments, adds: “Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation and today’s announcement is a significant milestone in our ESG journey. At Bregal, we acknowledge the responsibility we have as an active investor and commit to support our portfolio companies to align their business with a 1.5°C pathway. It is critical for businesses to navigate the risks and opportunities of climate change and our science-based targets provide a clear roadmap for ambitious emissions reductions within our portfolio.”
