Sun Life has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting strong financial performance alongside significant progress in sustainable investing and climate resilience.
The company reported $95 billion in assets under management integrated into sustainable investment strategies, maintaining momentum toward its long-term goal of deploying $150 billion in new sustainable investments by 2030.
During the latest reporting period alone, Sun Life committed $12.4 billion in new sustainable capital, reinforcing its position as a key player in ESG-driven finance.
Sun Life, under the leadership of CEO Kevin D. Strain, has also raised approximately $2 billion through sustainability bonds since 2019, including a $750 million issuance in 2024 to fund climate and social impact projects, while progressing toward its $20 billion sustainable investment target set for 2025.
Sun Life, as part of its sustainability goals, continues to advance its decarbonisation strategy with a clear focus on operational net-zero emissions by 2030. The company achieved a 42 percent absolute reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions compared to its 2019 baseline, alongside a 1.6 percent year-on-year reduction in 2025.
A major contributor to this progress is its real estate portfolio, where 65 percent of global office space by square footage is now located in certified green buildings, including LEED-rated facilities. The company is also improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact across operations as part of its broader sustainability roadmap. Alanna Boyd is Senior Vice-President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Sun Life.
Within its investment portfolio, Sun Life is targeting a 50 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 for its general account holdings. Current performance shows a 15 percent reduction relative to 2019 levels, supported by active engagement with high-emitting companies to accelerate their transition strategies. The company is also working to integrate sustainability considerations into 100 percent of general account investment decision-making where applicable, while aligning with global climate risk frameworks and disclosure standards to strengthen transparency and resilience.
Social impact remains a core pillar of Sun Life’s sustainability strategy. In 2025, the company delivered $41.2 billion in total benefits to clients, supporting long-term financial security across its global markets. It also invested $85 million in community health initiatives, with a strong focus on diabetes prevention and mental health programs. Digital transformation is further enhancing both accessibility and sustainability outcomes, with 92 percent of client interactions now conducted through digital platforms, enabling broader reach while reducing paper usage.
Sun Life’s workforce and governance metrics reflect a continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women now represent 48 percent of management roles globally, with a target of achieving 50 percent by 2028, while executive-level representation stands at 39 percent. In North America, 32 percent of new hires identify as members of underrepresented ethnic groups, underscoring efforts to build a more inclusive workforce. Governance standards remain strong, with 100 percent completion of mandatory Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption training across the organization. At the board level, women hold 40 percent of seats, exceeding typical industry benchmarks.
The company’s ESG leadership is further validated through consistent global recognition. Sun Life has been named among the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for 16 consecutive years and ranked number one among insurance companies in Canada for sustainability performance. It has also been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 19 consecutive years, reflecting its long-standing commitment to responsible business practices.
Overall, Sun Life’s 2025 Sustainability Report demonstrates steady progress in emissions reduction, sustainable finance, and social impact. With $95 billion in ESG-integrated assets, $12.4 billion in new sustainable investments, a 42 percent emissions reduction since 2019, and $41.2 billion in client benefits delivered, the company continues to align its operations and investments with long-term climate goals while strengthening financial security and health outcomes across its global customer base.
FASNA SHABEER