Piet Sprengers of ASN Bank, the Netherlands
"How can we create an equilibrium between the economy and what the earth has to offer? And how can we reach a fair division that takes human rights into account?" These are the fundamental questions that motivate Piet Sprengers, head of the Sustainability Policy department of ASN Bank.
Employees at the department of Piet Sprengers research the sustainability of companies or countries in which ASN Bank wants to invest and advise the management. "Human rights play a huge role in the assessment of sustainability, especially with companies, but also with state obligations. Issues that are taken into account are for example child labour, forced replacement of population, freedom of trade unions, labour conditions and war crimes."
ASN Bank uses external specialists that analyse human rights compliance of companies and countries. Aim for human rights organised a human rights training for these specialists of ASN Bank. Furthermore, ASN was a partner in the development of the Human Rights and Business game.
Example function
Piet believes that the biggest impact of his work is the example it provides for the capital market. "To show others that it ís possible to invest sustainably. The real trigger for the larger banks is the increase of customers ASN Bank is experiencing."
Society of Investors in Sustainable Development
Piet Sprengers founded VBDO (Vereniging van Beleggers voor Duurzame Ontwikkeling, Society of Investors in Sustainable Development). He was managing director for 11 years.
