IPE Transition Awards, The Hague – Faith Ward and Brunel win Awards for Outstanding Contribution, Leadership on Transition & Net Zero
Faith Ward and Brunel Pension Partnership have been named joint winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Transition Management category the 2026 IPE Transition Awards at The Hague in the Netherlands.
The award was collected by Faith Ward MBE, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at Brunel Pension Partnership. Faith’s leadership on transition finance has shaped Brunel ever since she first joined in 2017.
“IPE is the gold standard in RI awards and we are so proud to receive both of awards,” said Faith (on left, in awards picture). “The Outstanding Contribution award recognises what Brunel has pioneered, but also recognises our persistence in pushing the boundaries of transition finance. As we face wind-down, it is hard to think of a more fitting celebration of the work of the Brunel team. We hope it encourages others in the industry to set high ambitions in RI, knowing what RI commitment can achieve.”
In their summary comments, the IPE judges recognised Brunel’s “sustained contribution to transition management, combining policy leadership with Net Zero goals, Paris alignment and biodiversity coverage”. They noted Faith Ward’s major contribution, across policy leadership, the development of a comprehensive RI framework, Paris alignment, and structured reporting – ultimately leading to “measurable progress … in carbon intensity and fossil fuel exposure, and full coverage of assets under Paris-aligned objectives”.
They went on to highlight her exceptional impact in stewardship, harnessing voting and engagement to drive change across portfolios. They also noted her work to broaden the sustainability agenda, bringing biodiversity into “a more holistic sustainability framework”. Finally, they recognised Faith’s leadership in broader industry initiatives and bodies, “setting direction, building frameworks and mobilising industry action positions her as a leading transition figure”.
Leadership in Energy Transition & Net Zero
Brunel also won in the Leadership in Energy Transition & Net Zero category.
The judges argued that Brunel had stood out due to the “strength, consistency and measurable impact of its governance-led transition strategy”. They highlighted the embedding of our Net Zero approach across policy, targets and reporting, and the early adoption of recognised frameworks and a comprehensive Climate Stocktake, informing our 2023-2030 Climate Change Policy.
Judges highlighted the clear, quantifiable outcomes, noting the 60% reduction in carbon intensity and 93% reduction in reserves intensity – and the fact that 92% of assets were aligned to Paris objectives (which has since risen to 100%). They also pointed to how Brunel uses engagement in implementation; and integrates transition considerations into investment processes, manager oversight and voting practices.
They concluded their statement with a broader take: “The judges view Brunel as an outstanding true global leader in transition management.”
All awards are Europe-wide. The winners list has been published on the IPE website.
Many of the materials used in Brunel’s applications also appear in our RI & Stewardship Outcomes and Climate Change Progress reports. We published our final Outcomes Report earlier this month and will be publishing our final Climate Change Progress Report in May.
Long horizons
RI equips investors to be better at identifying a range of risks, and at taking a long-term approach, than traditional investment models. In a very small number of cases, people and even organisations have been arguing its merits for not just years, but decades.
Faith Ward is one of those cases. Today, Faith spoke at the 20th anniversary of the Principles for Responsible Investment – another rare case of extended RI commitment. Faith delivered the keynote address, closing with the following words:
“Every pension fund, every endowment, every sovereign wealth fund exists to honour a financial promise to real people. Responsible Investment is simply the recognition that the best chance we have of keeping that promise — is to help build a world worth living in.”