AXA IM unveils its latest Progress Monitor, demonstrating over a decade of measurable sustainability commitments
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), part of BNP Paribas Group, has published the third edition of its AXA IM for Progress Monitor – a set of eight key performance indicators (KPIs) that track progress against three strategic sustainability pillars: decarbonisation, channelling capital and engagement.
The Progress Monitor, which is updated each year, reinforces over a decade of AXA IM’s leadership in responsible investing (RI) and corporate responsibility. Since launching its first RI mandate in 1998, AXA IM has accelerated its sustainability efforts, increasingly integrating ESG considerations into its activities and investment philosophy. This includes the launch of numerous sustainable and impact-focused strategies, and the ongoing development of robust voting1 and engagement2 policies. AXA IM has further strengthened its commitment in recent years, with new actions in operational carbon measurement and reduction, such as including scope 3 in its global operational carbon footprint3, implementing a stringent emissions reduction programme and linking ESG goals to executive compensation4.
Marie Bogataj, Global Head of Communications, CSR and ESG Development, commented: “We are proud to share the progress made toward our sustainability goals since the last Progress Monitor. Tangible outcomes include achieving three new targets across decarbonisation and engagement.
As we work with BNP Paribas Asset Management and BNP Paribas REIM to build Europe’s leading long-term savings asset management platform, we remain confident in the strength and continued relevance of our sustainable investing heritage and leadership for our future success.”
Highlights from The AXA IM 2024 Progress Monitor
Decarbonisation
AXA IM is a leading real estate investor globally and the leading player in Europe with a proprietary methodology to standardise its approach to energy efficiency and decarbonisation across all its real estate assets.
By the end of 2024, 61% of AXA IM’s direct real estate assets were aligned with the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) trajectory5 - marking the third consecutive year of surpassing 50% alignment despite increasing ambition and stricter requirements.
In listed assets, (nearly €500 billion AUM), AXA IM achieved a 51.2% reduction in the carbon intensity of its corporate portfolio compared to 2019 - more than double its 2025 target. This was driven by both portfolio shifts and enhanced ESG integration within investment processes.
Channelling capital
AXA IM actively directs capital into projects that deliver environmental and social benefits. To do so, AXA IM invests in pioneering companies with business models that help conserve, protect and restore natural resources.
By the end of 2024, €1.063 billion had been deployed through its Natural Capital Strategy, which invests in companies that protect, conserve or restore natural resources and biodiversity. AXA IM is on track to meet its 2028 target of €1.2 billion.
Engagement
AXA IM conducts numerous engagement and dialogue activities with its investee companies each year, to encourage them to adopt more sustainable behaviours and methodologies, enabling better practices and long-term value creation.
By the end of 2024, more than 70% of AXA IM’s listed financed emissions were under active engagement, exceeding 2025 target.
In October 2024, AXA IM launched “Empowering Sustainable Futures”6, a global philanthropy initiative that combines charitable giving, scientific research funding and volunteering efforts worldwide under a single umbrella.
The programme is funded through a share of management fees from selected listed and private market impact strategies and focusses on climate resilience, inclusion for communities, education for future generations and biodiversity protection. In its first year, the programme has raised and deployed €1.2 million, supporting 10 charities across Europe, the US and Asia - 70% of which came from impact strategies.
4 https://www.axa-im.com/media-centre/axa-im-aligns-compensation-senior-executives-its-esg-ambitions
5 CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) is a framework and tool designed to assess and manage the climate-related transition risks faced by real estate portfolios. It provides decarbonization pathways aligned with global climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement, by evaluating the carbon footprint of properties and projecting future emissions. To get more details please visit: https://crrem.org/
6 https://www.axa-im.com/who-we-are/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy-volunteering
Dominique Frantzen
Jennifer Luca
Serge Vanbockryck
Arnaud Verwacht