Zurich-based responsAbility are one of GreenBuzz’s important yearly partners. We caught up with Noemi Zulauf to find out about their sustainability journey and the company’s future plans.
GreenBuzz: What first prompted you to become a GreenBuzz partner?
Noemi Zulauf: Networks build bridges, and to create sustainable solutions in particular, it is important that people across sectors connect and share their knowledge. GreenBuzz is one of the networks that enables these conversations.
GreenBuzz: We’ve met up at a few of our events – what has been your favourite so far?
Noemi Zulauf: One of my favourites was last November’s event on human rights in global supply chains. I left with many more questions than I came with, but that’s the enriching thing about GreenBuzz: the thoughts it triggers go beyond the actual event.
GreenBuzz: How important is sustainability to you personally and responsAbility as a company?
Noemi Zulauf: responsAbility is an impact asset manager focused on emerging markets. Each investment targets clear, measurable social or environmental goals. Sustainability has been in the company’s DNA since it was founded in 2003. Personally, I joined responsAbility because of its specialisation in impact investing in the fields of financial inclusion, sustainable food and climate finance. With a background in social sciences and having worked in the international development sector, I have explored various concepts for solutions to societal challenges – impact investing being one of the most compelling. At responsAbility, in my interactions with investors, I can encourage key decision-makers to prioritize sustainability in their investment decisions.
Image: responsAbility hosted our “Sustainable Portfolio Strategies” event in March 2024
GreenBuzz: Tell us about responsAbility’s sustainability journey over the years.
Noemi Zulauf: The founders of responsAbility created the company to foster investment in poverty alleviation through microfinance in developing countries. The first fund was launched in 2003 – a vehicle for private investors that is still active. Since then, we have developed several investment solutions in financial inclusion, climate finance and sustainable food. Today, responsAbility manages USD 5 billion in assets In 67 countries from 8 offices around the world. Since last year, we also manage the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM) of the Swiss government. When I talk to some of our long-time employees or our CEO, I hear so many moving stories from the past 20 years.
GreenBuzz: What sustainability challenges does your industry need to overcome?
Noemi Zulauf: Investors, from advisors to pension fund committees, need to become more knowledgeable about sustainable finance and impact investing in particular. This knowledge should help overcome current barriers such as unfamiliarity with private/emerging markets, risk/return perceptions and greenwashing concerns. The aim is for all portfolios to be truly sustainable and to include impact investments as part of their allocation.
GreenBuzz: Finally, if you could make one change to make the world more sustainable, what would it be?
Noemi Zulauf: Apart from the investment-related call above – to ensure that companies finally take responsibility for their entire supply chains, both environmentally and in terms of human rights. And to act with some urgency!
Noemi, thank you for your time!
