More than half (52 per cent) of participants in the Dutch construction sector pension fund, BpfBOUW, believe that investment in affordable housing and healthcare real estate should be the Dutch fund’s main responsible investment focus, with strong support also seen for good working conditions and fair wages.

In its latest participant survey, BpfBOUW asked members for their views on its responsible investment policy.

The majority (52 per cent) said the construction of affordable rental housing and healthcare real estate should be the top priority, while 44 per cent highlighted good working conditions and fair wages as key themes.

BpfBOUW’s responsible investment framework already centres on climate change, circularity, working conditions and social infrastructure.

The survey found that participants broadly back these priorities, while also expressing confidence in the fund’s existing approach.

“We believe it's important to know what participants think of our investment policy,” the fund stated, adding that it was “encouraging” to see a relatively high level of confidence among members and confirmation from many that it is already on the right track.

“By investing responsibly, we aim to ensure a good pension in a livable world,” it added, noting that the results will be used to inform further adjustments to its policy, with more details to follow in 2026.

Meanwhile, the fund recently reported an improved funding position following the second quarter of 2025, with its coverage ratio rising 3.5 percentage points to 133.3 per cent, the highest among the four sector schemes.

Its policy funding ratio, the average of the past 12 months, also increased by 0.4 percentage points to 127.4 per cent.

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