A new initiative aims to help institutional investors assess how well infrastructure assets align with the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) 2.0, which is widely used to create net zero strategies.
The new approach is the result of a collaboration between GRESB and the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC). It builds on a pilot launched in May, which tested the application of NZIF criteria across a diverse group of infrastructure assets.
GRESB provides data, standards and other tools to financial markets participants to support sustainable investments in real assets in climate-critical industries.
The IIGCC is an investor-led membership body that helps investors to tackle the risks and opportunities of the net zero transition and supports climate resilience, through the development of guidance, tools, frameworks – including the NZIF – and other resources.
According to the two organisations, the pilot establishes a strong foundation for wider implementation of the new approach as part of the 2026 GRESB Infrastructure Standards. It also provides specific metrics and a clear methodology for GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment participants, enabling them to evaluate and communicate progress towards net zero goals.
The project was supported by a working group of global infrastructure investors and asset managers convened by GRESB and IIGCC, including Aberdeen, APG, Arcus Infrastructure Partners, DIF Capital Partners, DWS, IFM Investors, J.P. Morgan, Macquarie, Morrison Global, PATRIZIA, and PGGM.
A survey of infrastructure asset participants conducted for the project found that 16% reported having already achieved net zero emissions, while 62% are committed to aligning to net zero, and 20% have not yet committed. Further, 42% of surveyed reported a measurable decline in emissions – consistent with their stated net zero strategies.
“Delivering a net zero future requires shared standards and sector-wide alignment,” said Cameron Talbot-Stern, Director – Responsible Investing, Infrastructure at APG Asset Management, adding that the initiative would “inform future investor engagement plans”.
