Zurich, 26. April 2022
ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Swiss Life REF (CH) Swiss Properties: change of name in the context of the introduction of a dedicated sustainability strategy

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are systematically integrated into the investment and risk management processes at Swiss Life Asset Managers. The introduction of a dedicated sustainability policy in the fund documents and the expansion of the fund name by adding "ESG" to Swiss Life REF (CH) ESG Swiss Properties ensure the consistent continuation of the sustainability strategy pursued by Swiss Life Asset Managers since 2018.

The properties of the real estate fund are optimised in a targeted and incremental manner with regard to ecological and social criteria as well as aspects of good governance. This approach, which is geared to continuous and gradual improvement in ESG performance, covers all phases of a property's life cycle - from purchase, restoration and investment to ongoing operation of the properties.

Specifically, a systematic and uniform ESG assessment is carried out for all properties as part of due diligence for acquisitions. A customised sustainability building directive is used for restorations and investments, which includes minimum energy requirements as well as specifications for the targeted use of building certifications. ESG aspects are anchored in ongoing operations through corresponding management standards in the areas of monitoring, optimisation of existing building services systems and in dealing with tenants. Residential and commercial tenants are regularly asked about their satisfaction levels and are also informed about sustainability issues.

The environmental measures are centred on the improvement of energy and CO₂ efficiency. Swiss Life Asset Managers aims to uphold a CO₂ reduction path that corresponds to the 1.5-degree target of the Paris climate agreement. The real estate fund does this primarily by gradually replacing fossil heat generation systems in its existing buildings. A significant part of this can be realised as part of total refurbishments. In addition, the future heating replacements were already modelled in non-fossil variants in the property valuations at the end of the financial year as of 30 September 2021 and are thus largely reflected in net assets.

The real estate fund Swiss Life REF (CH) Swiss Properties participates in the annual GRESB rating (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). The rating has increased from 47 to 75 points since 2018, and the real estate fund today has Green Star status and three stars.

The changes to the prospectus with integrated fund contract are expected to take effect on 1 June 2022, subject to approval by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA.

Further information on the fund can be found at this link.
 

Fund information

Information

Media Relations
Phone +41 43 284 77 77
media.relations@swisslife.ch

Investor Relations
Phone +41 43 284 52 76
investor.relations@swisslife.ch

www.swisslife-am.com

Swiss Life Asset Managers
Swiss Life Asset Managers has more than 165 years of experience in managing the assets of the Swiss Life Group. This insurance background has exerted a key influence on the investment philosophy of Swiss Life Asset Managers, which is governed by such principles as value preservation, the generation of consistent and sustainable performance and a responsible approach to risks. Swiss Life Asset Managers offers this proven approach to third-party clients in Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the UK and the Nordic countries.

As at 31 December 2021 assets under management for third-party clients amount to CHF 102.8 billion. Together with insurance mandates for the Swiss Life Group, total assets under management at Swiss Life Asset Managers stood at CHF 276.3 billion. Swiss Life Asset Managers is a leading real estate manager in Europe¹. Of the assets totalling CHF 276.3 billion, CHF 87.2 billion is invested in real estate. In addition, Swiss Life Asset Managers, in cooperation with Livit, manages real estate totalling CHF 28.8 billion in value. Total real estate under management and administration at the end of December 2021 thus came to CHF 116 billion.

Swiss Life Asset Managers employs more than 2500 people in Europe.

Self-determined Life
Swiss Life enables people to lead a self-determined life and look to the future with confidence. Swiss Life Asset Managers pursues the same goal: We think long-term and act responsibly. We use our knowledge and experience to develop future-oriented investment solutions. This is how we support our clients in achieving their long-term investment objectives, which in turn also take account of their client's needs so they can plan their financial future in a self-determined manner.

¹ INREV Fund Manager Survey 2021 (AuM as of 31.12.2020)

Disclaimer
This announcement has been prepared with the greatest of care and to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, we do not accept any liability for losses which might arise from making use of this information. This publication is not intended as a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell investment instruments but only serves to provide information. Prior to subscribing or acquirer of fund units on the stock exchange, investors should obtain and carefully read the detailed information on the fund contained in the regulatory documentation (prospectus with integrated fund contract, simplified prospectus and the latest annual and semi-annual reports) that serve as the sole legal basis for the purchase of fund units. They may be ordered free of charge in electronic or printed form from the fund management company, Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd., General-Guisan-Quai 40, 8002 Zurich. Historical performance is no indicator of current or future performance. The performance data do not include commissions and costs incurred when issuing and redeeming fund units. Both Swiss Life Ltd. and the other members of the Swiss Life Group are entitled to positions in this fund and to their purchase and/or sale. Swiss Life Asset Managers funds may not be offered for sale or sold in the US or on behalf of US citizens or US person residing in the US. "Swiss Life Asset Managers" is the brand name for the asset management activities of the Swiss Life Group. More information is available at www.swisslife-am.com. Source: Swiss Life Asset Managers (unless stated otherwise). All rights reserved. Contact: info@swisslife-am.com.