What is meant by ESG and sustainability in the pillar 3a?

It is important to us to be able to stand behind the investments made. To take social and ecological values into account, we use Swisscanto index funds from the «Responsible» series wherever possible. 

These are based on traditional standard benchmark indices, but use defined exclusion criteria and a targeted CO2e reduction. This is reflected in the Swisscanto Sustainability Rating, which ranges from «A» (high) to «G» (low). The rating classifies companies as «A» if they operate in an exemplary manner based on four fundamental pillars (stewardship, controversies, ESG, and climate). On the other hand, companies are classified as «G» if they show major deficiencies in the sustainability analysis. There are five additional rating levels in between. This rating is more comprehensive than pure ESG ratings. In our blog post Sustainable investing with findependent we are happy to explain the details to you. 

We also complete this with our own sustainability screening. To do this, we supplement the Swisscanto Sustainability Rating with our proven screening from our investment solutions. Specifically, we mark every index fund originating from the «Responsible» series with a «leaf», and additionally award an extra «leaf» for an «A rating».