A coalition of 31 global investors, investment consultants, and pension funds, representing more than $1.8 trillion in assets under management, has issued a public statement demanding that freight and logistics companies take urgent action to address air pollution.
The group warns that the sector’s limited progress to date is translating into escalating material health and financial risks.
The statement, coordinated by ShareAction’s Long-Term Investors in People’s Health (LIPH) programme, identifies road transport, particularly commercial vehicles like last-mile delivery trucks and vans, as a major contributor to urban air pollution.
For companies, the investors see escalating regulatory, legal and financial risks. High-emitting sectors reliant on road transport face strengthened air quality standards, city-level clean air zone penalties and expanded disclosure requirements.
The forthcoming Euro 7 standards will also cover non-exhaust emissions, while litigation risk is rising due to regulatory breaches, human rights claims and greenwashing allegations.
The coalition argues that most corporate strategies remain narrowly focused on greenhouse gases, leaving gaps in tackling non-GHG pollutants like PM2.5. Disclosures are described as inconsistent and incomplete, with few companies treating air pollution as a material business issue or transparently reporting associated risks.
The investors call on freight and logistics companies to take five steps:
- recognise air pollution as a material business issue
- measure and disclose key pollutants across value chains
- set time-bound reduction targets for priority air pollutants
- accelerate the transition to cleaner fleets, including electric and zero-emission vehicles
- engage in industry and policy initiatives to address non-exhaust emissions.
Camille Bisconte de Saint Julien, Human Rights & Social Lead at LBP AM, said: ‘Air pollution is a material environmental risk affecting human health in our portfolios. Companies in the freight and logistics sector need to recognise air quality as a strategic business issue.
‘The statement asks align with our forthcoming transport policy and reinforce our commitment to reducing health-related impacts, strengthening resilience, and supporting a more sustainable freight and logistics industry.’
Rikke Berg Jacobsen, Chief for ESG at AkademikerPension, added: ‘Air pollution is an overlooked risk. We support this initiative because it highlights the need for the transport and logistics sector to treat air pollution as a core business issue as well as emphasising that risks are often invisible, yet deeply consequential for the health of communities, workers, and long-term economic resilience.’
The coalition also urges standard-setting bodies and governments to strengthen mandatory corporate disclosure requirements to level the playing field, reduce emissions, and support a healthier economy. Signatories include Achmea Investment Management, AkademikerPension, La Banque Postale Asset Management, Mercy Investment Services, and Pensionskasse Basel-Stadt.
The full report can be read here
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