Benchmarks

VBDO regularly conducts comparative studies, or benchmarks, at pension funds, insurers, banks and companies.

“The VBDO benchmark report has already attained the status of benchmark itself for some time. It is carried out meticulously, always presents a positive image, and has become a trusted and valued report, without wishing to be pretentious. A beautiful and reliable compass for the funds, their service providers and also the outside world.”

– Rob Engels, investment officer pension fund SNS REAAL, about the VBDO benchmark pension funds.

Here you can find an overview of all of our benchmarks published over the years.

VBDO Benchmark responsible investment by pension funds in the Netherlands

The annual VBDO Benchmark Responsible Investment by Pension Funds is highly regarded in the pension world. Every year the 50 largest pension funds in the Netherlands participate in the benchmarking exercise. VBDO assesses the funds, including examining every responsible investment policy and then ranks the funds. The final report is presented in the autumn; the highest-ranking funds are honoured and the results are explained. This VBDO benchmark has been implemented since 2006.

VBDO Benchmark responsible investment by insurance companies in the Netherlands

Since 2009, VBDO has published its Benchmark Responsible Investment by Insurance Companies. VBDO researchers assess the 30 largest Dutch insurers for their performance in responsible, sustainable and impact investment. Special attention goes to themes like climate change and biodiversity.

VBDO Tax Transparency Benchmark

Tax transparency is one of the main themes within VBDO’s activities. By means of a responsible tax policy, companies and financial institutions contribute to the fair distribution of profits within society and ensure that vital public services are maintained. VBDO has been implementing the Tax Transparency Benchmark since 2014. It tests the transparency of around 80 companies in the Netherlands, and a number of EU companies have been added to the list since 2022. In 2017, VBDO’s ‘Investor Guide Integration of tax in responsible investment‘ was published. VBDO expects companies and financial institutions to draw up a responsible tax policy in line with the most recent standards.

Other benchmarks

In past times, VBDO also published these benchmarks: the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB), the Responsible Supply Chain Benchmark, and the Circular Entrepreneurship Benchmark.

Future VBDO publications

If you would like to be the first to receive our benchmark, you can subscribe to future editions here.