Responsible investing at TIAA

Invest like the future is watching.

Responsible investing (RI) is an approach that integrates material environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, alongside traditional financial criteria, into the investment process.

Responsible investing in action

We are an investment-first, investor choice driven organization. We prioritize opportunities for long-term, resilient returns and we consider financially relevant environmental, social and governance factors because we believe it benefits our investment process.

Environmental

Climate impact, energy consumption, waste management and natural resource use

Social

Diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and development, labor relations, human rights practices, product safety and consumer protection

Governance

Management structure, board accountability and independence, executive compensation, audits and internal controls, and shareholder rights

Looking out for our investors and the planet

Being a leader in responsible investing1 begins with being a responsible business. At TIAA, we are looking for ways to unlock investment potential while doing right by our clients, employees, and communities. We incorporate financially relevant environmental, social and governance factors into the investments we make on behalf of our clients, focused on enhancing investment performance and mitigating risk.

The TIAA General Account,2 backing our flagship fixed annuity product, is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

From shrinking carbon footprints3 to increasing equality,4 TIAA and our investment manager, Nuveen, are dedicated to shaping a brighter future.

Read our latest Climate and Stewardship reports here:

We view climate risk as investment risk and remain committed to providing more secure retirement to our clients through our carbon reduction and risk management approaches.

 

Full reportOpens pdf

Executive summaryOpens pdf

Our approach to stewardship is designed to meaningfully advance ESG transparency, accountability and real-world impact. By regularly engaging with our portfolio companies, we can aim to reduce investment risk while creating long-term value for our clients.

Learn moreOpens pdf

Invest well while doing good

Whether you’re contributing to a workplace retirement plan or investing on your own, we can help you create a portfolio that addresses your financial needs and can help drive real world impact.

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1 Nuveen's responsible investing team activities date back to 1990 at TIAA prior to TIAA’s acquisition of Nuveen in 2014. TIAA and CREF boards began responsible investing initiatives in 1970 with proxy voting to deal with shareholder proposals on social issues. Statements regarding Nuveen’s history include TIAA’s history.

2 The TIAA General Account is solely owned by TIAA and supports TIAA’s contractual guarantees and business operations; its performance is not directly allocated to any specific contract or obligation. The TIAA General Account backs TIAA’s fixed annuities. It is an insurance company and is not available to investors as an investment.

3 Nuveen's key proxy vote rationales for 2023 – 2024Opens in a new window

4 2024 TIAA Climate Report 2024Opens pdf

Responsible investing incorporates Environmental Social Governance (ESG) factors that may affect exposure to issuers, sectors and industries, limiting the type and number of investment opportunities available, which could result in excluding investments that perform well.

ESG integration is the consideration of financially material ESG factors within the investment decision making process. Financial materiality and applicability of ESG factors varies by asset class and investment strategy. ESG factors may be among many factors considered in evaluating an investment decision, and unless otherwise stated in the relevant offering memorandum or prospectus, do not alter the investment guidelines, strategy, or objectives. Select investment strategies do not integrate such ESG factors in the  investment decision making process.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and is not fiduciary investment advice, or a securities, investment strategy, or insurance product recommendation. This material does not consider an individual’s own objectives or circumstances which should be the basis of any investment decision.

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