Ten Years of SVVK-ASIR: From Pioneer Project to Established Practice

Ten years ago, seven leading Swiss pension funds and social insurance institutions joined forces to develop a shared, responsible approach to capital investment under the umbrella of SVVK-ASIR. Based on a clear, democratically legitimized normative framework, the association demonstrates that systematic dialogue with companies is one of the most effective ways to drive long-term positive ecological and social change in the real economy.

A Successful Collaboration

The Swiss Association for Responsible Investments (SVVK-ASIR) celebrates its tenth anniversary in December 2025 – marking a decade of active cooperation within Switzerland’s pension landscape. As an alliance of major pension funds and social insurance institutions, the association has significantly shaped the understanding of responsible investing in Switzerland and firmly anchored the concept of engagement in practice.

Quote: “The collaboration among SVVK members is unique and exemplary. We discuss dialogues and topics in depth and develop solutions that truly make a difference.” – Manuela Guillebeau, PUBLICA

Since its founding in 2015, SVVK-ASIR has evolved from an initiative with seven founding members into one of the most successful collaborations in the pension fund sector. Members pool their resources, work closely together, and follow a clear, robust process – grounded in a democratically legitimized normative framework.

Democratically Legitimized

SVVK-ASIR’s actions are based on norms firmly anchored in Switzerland’s democratic system: the Federal Constitution, laws, ordinances, and international conventions ratified by Switzerland and incorporated into national law. This objective foundation ensures broad acceptance and is key to the fact that SVVK-ASIR’s exclusion recommendations have become a de facto standard in Switzerland.

Quote: “We are very pleased that the SVVK exclusion list has become a standard that most institutional investors in the Swiss market accept and implement without reservation.” – Dominik Scheck, Die Mobiliar

Where violations of these norms cannot be addressed through dialogue, SVVK-ASIR recommends that its members divest from the affected securities – for example, in the case of banned weapons. This measure is always applied as a last resort and is most effective when combined with engagement.

Engagement at the Core

The long-term dialogue with companies that violate norms is at the heart of SVVK-ASIR’s approach. Since 2016, the association has commissioned dozens – now hundreds – of engagement dialogues worldwide to address breaches related to environmental issues, human rights, and business ethics. From the outset, members have relied on what is arguably the most powerful lever available to investors, setting a trend: today, engagement is an integral part of the sustainability strategies of Swiss pension institutions, as confirmed by the latest report from the Swiss Pension Fund Association (ASIP).

Quote: “Together, we can achieve engagement successes with companies that would hardly be possible for individual institutions.” – Iwan Lanz, Pension fund of the Swiss Federal Railways

Focus on Systemic Risks

Over the years, SVVK-ASIR has expanded its focus to major systemic risks for society and the economy. Since 2020, the association has conducted systematic climate dialogues with key sectors. In 2023, SVVK-ASIR assumed the lead role within the Climate Action 100+ coalition for the dialogue with cement producer Holcim – one of the largest CO₂ emitters in its members’ portfolios.

From 2024 onward, SVVK-ASIR will deepen its engagement on biodiversity through a new partnership with Robeco. The focus includes companies in the food industry and the chemical sector, which contribute significantly to the loss of clean water and healthy soils – and are themselves heavily affected by these issues.

Swiss Market Initiatives

Alongside international engagements, SVVK-ASIR also sets accents in the domestic market and actively contributes to solutions. It develops its own climate initiatives in the real estate sector, which plays an increasingly important role in members’ portfolios. In 2025, the association will advocate for a public database of Swiss district heating networks to support the transformation of the real estate sector toward net-zero emissions.

Quote: “Discussions within SVVK are always constructive and thoughtful. This leads to the association taking a pioneering role in many areas of the industry – and being fully aware of this responsibility.” – Andreas Bollhalder, Asga Pension Fund

Proven and New

Ten years after its founding, SVVK-ASIR has demonstrated that collective engagement – based on a clear normative framework – is one of the most effective approaches to responsible investing. Numerous changes have been initiated as a result.

At the same time, the association continues to evolve without losing its roots. The normative basis remains the foundation, but new challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss require adaptation. Striking this balance between continuity and innovation is crucial for success – and it is achieved thanks to the close cooperation of all members.

Quote: “It took courage to launch this pioneering project in 2015. After nearly ten years of proven success, we should not hesitate to continue investing in this joint effort!” – Marcel Metry, BVK

Source

1) Overview of Climate Impact through Measures by Financial Market Actors (BAFU). https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en/financial-market-climate-impact-and-risks

2) ASIP ESG Reporting Standard: Second Study for Reporting Year 2024, p. 18 https://www.asip.ch/de/newsroom/medienecke/attachment/246/

Photo: PUBLICA