How do we work sustainably?
Our purpose is to be with you today for a better tomorrow. That means being future-focused is at the core of our business. How we manage annuity investment is a key part of our defined benefit solutions, and we see long-term, resilient solutions as critical to success.
Our dedicated fund manager, Aviva Investors, considers environmental, social and governance factors in their investment processes and decisions. This helps to manage risk, with the aim of enhancing performance over the longer term – helping to make sure our de-risking solutions are fit for the future.'
Our asset framework
Our in-house origination team
Aviva Insurance Wealth & Retirement (IWR) has a dedicated Annuity Asset Origination team made up of investment professionals.
They're responsible for sourcing and managing assets across private and public markets to meet individual and bulk annuity asset demand. The team uses robust controls and investment processes.
We also have sustainability champions within the team. They work with the IWR sustainability team to review any potential new investments and make sure they meet our high standards.
Aviva Investors
We have a dedicated team of more than 40 sustainable investing professionals at Aviva Investors, our global asset management business.
We work closely with them on annuity asset origination, ensuring a thorough process. Aviva Investors integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into our portfolio management, investment processes and governance.
Aviva Investors also has expertise in managing real assets, creating ESG-integrated investment solutions for clients across real estate, infrastructure and private debt.
Sustainability Principles Charter
Aviva is a signatory to the Sustainability Principles Charter, which sets out these four principles. We use it to drive greater transparency, reporting and engagement around sustainability in the bulk purchase annuity process.
Transparency
Transparency of values, principles and investment beliefs in relation to sustainability, as well as ongoing commitments that may guide future policy and practice affecting sustainability approaches.
Decision making
Evidence and understanding of how sustainability considerations are incorporated into investment analysis and decision-making processes, and investment stewardship activity.
Reporting and engagement
Ongoing reporting and engagement to key stakeholders on sustainability commitments beyond the point of transaction.
Collaboration
Commitment to ongoing engagement across the pension sector as responsible investment best practice evolves.
You can read more about how we aim to meet each of the four principles when selecting our bulk annuities in this document.
Case studies
These are just some of the cases where Aviva Investors has invested annuity premiums on behalf of IWR.
While these are examples of sustainable investments, this doesn’t mean all assets in our portfolios today are aligned with Net Zero, or that we will stop investing in assets that are currently associated with significant emissions. Our ambition is to evolve our portfolios to align with our long-term goal.
Renewable energy
We’ve invested in renewable energy projects, including finance for offshore wind farms, including Hornsea Two.
Social housing
We provided funding to social housing Cross Keys Homes to support its development plans.
Velindre Cancer Centre
We invested to help finance the development of a new treatment facility, providing specialist cancer services.
Sustainable transport
Financing to UK electric fleet specialist Zenobē, to help roll out EV buses in the UK.
Investing for good
We strongly believe investment can be a force for good. We finance around £18.59bn of UK infrastructure* with assets included in our annuity book.
We’re proud of our investments in important areas such as social housing, schools, hospitals and energy projects. Our strategy supports our commitment to take social action – playing a part in the lives of our customers and creating strong connections with communities. All of this aligns with our ongoing drive to increase investment in long-term, productive UK assets.
Total
£18.59bn
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Healthcare
£2.87bn
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Education
£1.52bn
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Universities
£2.28bn
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Transport
£3.73bn
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Renewables
£3.3bn
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Housing
£1.96bn
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Local services
£0.64bn
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Water services
£2.09bn
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Ports
£0.17bn
*UK infrastructure investments held by Aviva Insurance, Wealth & Retirement at October 2025.
*The number includes investments approved but not yet funded. These numbers are the current market value of social infrastructure investments, and not the amount invested on day one.
Aviva Investors' recognition
What to read next
Aviva's sustainability reports
The policies and reports that guide our business and behaviours.
Climate-related financial disclosure
Our reports provide insight into the climate-related risks and opportunities which we face as a business.
Aviva Investors
Find out more about our global asset management business.
Sustainability
Discover how we're aiming to create a better tomorrow through our sustainability ambition.