Two major asset owners discuss how they are deploying capital across the region and targeting sustainable investments in forestry, infrastructure, and green energy.

For the nearly $600 billion Dutch pension fund investor, sustainable investment isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about wielding their considerable investment capital to address real-world climate and biodiversity challenges while delivering strong returns, according to Eric van der Maarel, chief executive officer of APG Asset Management’s Singapore office.

“Allocating to megatrends with clear sustainability goals is really a red thread through everything that we do,” Van der Maarel told the audience at AsianInvestor’s 14th Southeast Asia Investment Forum in Bangkok on November 8.

At APG, climate change is a fundamental driver of investment strategy rather than a mere risk factor.

The Dutch pension giant has been increasing investments in the direct alternative assets space, allocating some 40% of its portfolio into assets focused on sustainable infrastructure, real estate, and private natural capital, while maintaining a significant $150 billion bond portfolio, said Van der Maarel.

“Climate change is a gigantic risk, and we’re trying to turn that into an opportunity by putting our capital to work to provide solutions,” he said.

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