Responsible investing at TIAA

Working to make an enduring impact on our world

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

Sustainable. Socially conscious. Ethical. No matter how it's described, responsible investing has the same objectives: to manage risk, create investment opportunity and enhance long-term performance potential—all while driving positive change.

When evaluating companies for our ESG-focused products, Nuveen, our investment manager, considers the following factors:

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 investing 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.

The TIAA General Account,1 backing our flagship fixed annuity product, is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

From shrinking carbon footprints2 to increasing equality,3 TIAA and our investment manager, Nuveen, are dedicated to shaping a brighter future.

Read our latest Climate and Stewardship reports here:

2024 Climate Report: Staying the Course

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

2022 – 2023 Annual Stewardship Report: At-a-glance

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 reduce investment risk while creating long-term value for our clients.

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 meets your financial needs and can provide for a better world.

Need help or advice?

Give us a call.

Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (ET)

1 The TIAA General Account is an insurance company account and is not available to investors as an investment. All guarantees are subject to TIAA’s claims-paying ability.

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

3 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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