Columbia Threadneedle Investments has further strengthened its responsible investing efforts with the launch of two funds targeting global and European equities delivering sustainable results.

The two funds – the Columbia Threadneedle (Lux) Sustainable Outcomes Global Equity and Columbia Threadneedle (Lux) Sustainable Outcomes Pan-European Equity – are designed to complement the company’s existing lineup, as well as to build on the fund focused on UK, which was launched in 2015.

Columbia Threadneedle said the new funds follow growing customer demand for funds targeting global sustainability challenges. Both strategies are carried out on a concentrated basis, with a focus on high quality companies that deliver sustainable results and strong financial returns.

The funds focus on eight themes drawn from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on key sustainable development needs.

They are: regeneration and infrastructure; community training and support; health, well-being and food security; financial and technological inclusion; Education and formation; inclusive work and economic development; sustainable management and transformation of resources; as well as the energy and climate transition.

Portfolio managers Pauline Grange, who will cover the global fund and Andrea Carzana, who focuses on Europe, work with Columbia Threadneedle’s fundamental research and responsible investment analysts to build a portfolio of companies that align on these themes and criteria.

Pauline Grange said: “ In a world of societal and environmental change, companies that set out to invest and innovate for a more sustainable future not only support the planet and its people, but also their long-term potential.

“As active investors, we encourage companies to adjust their practices and innovate to find solutions – not only to manage ESG risk, but also to create opportunities to make positive change aligned with sustainability goals. . It is important to note that these companies must consciously think about their impact and act accordingly. ”