Supporting a better tomorrow
We believe that companies with good corporate behaviour make better investments. That’s why we consider key environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors across our major investment holdings. And as a large investor with over 70% of funds managed in-house, we’re able to engage with companies on what matters to us.
The UniSuper difference
Integration
ESG is a shared responsibility across our investments team, and we consider it as part of the management of all our investment options.
Engagement
As a large investor with over 70% of funds managed in-house, we’re able to engage with the companies we invest in and vote our shares at company meetings.
Choice
In addition to our standard investment options, we offer members the choice of three sustainable and environmental-branded options.2
As part of our commitment to achieving our net zero emissions targets, we encourage the companies we invest in to reduce their carbon emissions and be transparent about their activities. We also invest in companies that are developing their business to succeed in a low carbon world.
Read more about how we manage climate risks and opportunities across our investments.
What ESG means for us
For us, ESG is about investing in quality companies with good environmental, social and governance practices and which we expect can deliver long-term returns for our members.1
Environment
Climate
Biodiversity
Waste and water management
Circular economy
Social
Modern slavery
Human rights
Occupational health and safety
Diversity and inclusion
Governance
Business culture, ethics and conduct
Executive remuneration
Transparent reporting
Risk management
Our ESG approach
Investing responsibly is part of our approach.
ESG is considered a shared responsibility across our Investments team. We assess the key ESG risks and opportunities of our major investments and look to invest in assets that may, for example:
- have appropriate financial structures
- have good governance practices
- treat their workers well
- consider their environmental and social impact
- have a strong and knowledgeable board of directors
- foster good relationships with customers and the community.
Our size allows us to engage.
We’re one of the first super funds in Australia to build an in-house investment team. We manage over 70% of our assets in-house and the size of our fund allows us to make substantial investments. These factors make it possible for us to engage with companies on material ESG issues.
We give our members multiple ways to invest responsibly.
We offer three sustainable and environmental branded options for members who want to limit their exposure to certain industries and/or to invest in companies seeking to address global environmental challenges. These are the Sustainable Balanced, Sustainable High Growth and Global Environmental Opportunities options.
Working with industry
We’re a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (endorsed by the UN), a founding member of the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors, a member of the Investor Group on Climate Change, the Asian Corporate Governance Association, Climate Action 100+ and Responsible Investment Association Australasia.
Articles
Our timber assets work hard for our members’ super, so it’s vital that workers are safe in a high-risk environment.
As long-term owners, our Investments team keeps a close eye on the quality of our investments and that includes environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations.
In times of market volatility, one of the things you can control is how your super is invested.
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Things you need to know
1Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
2Sustainable and environmental investing means different things to different people. Different products have different investment criteria. Read our sustainable and environmental branded options page and How we invest your money booklet to find out what sustainable and environmental investing means to us and what our investment options invest in.