Overview and purpose

Robeco’s Global Climate Investing Survey is an annual research series examining how institutional and wholesale investors incorporate climate change and sustainability considerations into investment policies, portfolio management and capital allocation.

The series aims to monitor evolving investor attitudes, priorities and practices concerning climate-related financial risks and opportunities. It covers net-zero commitments, portfolio decarbonisation, climate transition finance, sustainable investment strategies, active ownership and the influence of political, regulatory and market developments.

Methodology

The series is based on survey research commissioned by Robeco and conducted by CoreData Research. It gathers responses from institutional and wholesale investors across major global markets, including Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, with African representation in certain editions.

Respondents represent organisations such as pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, private banks, investment advisers, wealth managers, endowments, foundations and family offices.

The research uses structured investor questionnaires to examine current investment practices, future intentions, perceived barriers and climate-related priorities. Annual editions also include investor perspectives and discussions of emerging investment themes.

Survey results are presented through comparative analysis of investor groups, geographical regions and, where available, previous survey editions.

How finance professionals can use the series

Finance professionals can use the series to understand how climate-related considerations are incorporated into investment decision-making and to compare approaches across investor types, regions and reporting periods.

The surveys provide a reference for assessing industry practices in portfolio decarbonisation, climate risk management, net-zero planning, stewardship and climate-related investment opportunities. They can also support investment policy reviews, client discussions, strategy development and market research.

Scope and limitations

The series reflects surveyed investors’ reported practices, expectations and perceptions rather than independently verified portfolio outcomes or corporate environmental performance.

It is best used as a recurring industry survey and comparative research resource, rather than as a formal sustainability performance benchmark or investment rating system.