Align your super with your values
We understand that sustainability can mean different things to different people. That’s why in addition to our standard investment options, we offer members the choice of three sustainable and environmental branded options. These allow members to limit their exposure to certain industries or to invest in companies that are addressing global environmental challenges. These options are certified by the Responsible Investment Association of Australia.1
Three dedicated options for sustainable investing
Includes a mix of asset classes (investment types) and minimises exposure to certain industries.
Investments chosen based on the same criteria as Sustainable Balanced, but with different asset allocations.
A portfolio of global shares in companies whose business activities seek to address environmental issues.
Our sustainable and environmental branded options include these restrictions
Fossil fuels
Weapons
Gambling
Alcohol
Human rights violations
We also exclude companies with an aggregated revenue of over 10% from any of the above. For more information about how we screen investments, download our How we invest your money (PDF, 1.27 MB) booklet.
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More details about our screening process
We apply a risk-based assessment to identify key environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors across our major investment holdings. Fund-wide, we exclude companies considered to be manufacturers of tobacco products, and companies that generate more than 10% of their reported annual revenue from thermal coal mining. For our Sustainable Balanced, Sustainable High Growth and GEO options we use third-party ESG research to identify and exclude, where possible, companies that meet the following criteria:
We limit investing in Details Fossil fuels Companies whose reported revenues from fossil fuel exploration and production exceed 10%. Weapons Companies whose reported revenues from weapons exceed 1%. If a company has less than 1% of reported revenue associated with weapons, we consider the nature of the exposure on a case-by-case basis and decide whether to exclude it. For example, we may invest in a company that produces glass instrument screens but not one that produces explosive materials. Gambling Companies whose reported revenues from gambling exceed 5%, for example a hotel group that owns and operates casinos. Alcohol Companies whose reported revenues from alcohol exceed 5%. Tobacco Companies with reported revenues from tobacco related business activities that exceed 5%. This is in addition to our fund-wide exclusion of companies that are considered to be manufacturers of cigarettes and other tobacco products, as classified by third party providers. Human rights violations We assess companies that breach the UN Global Compact or have otherwise been found to commit human rights violations. We conduct these reviews periodically and on a case-by-case basis. As we become aware of specific issues, we may exclude companies based on our assessment and findings. We may exclude other companies if their business activities don’t align with our approach. For more information about our investments, visit our Product Disclosure Statements page.
Sustainable Balanced & Sustainable High Growth
Our Sustainable Balanced and Sustainable High Growth options aim to invest in companies that meet specific ESG criteria, while screening out companies that don’t meet our exposure thresholds for certain industries. We also include some companies whose business activities contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes.
Every six months we review our investments to determine whether they still meet the criteria of our sustainable branded options.3
Our Sustainable Balanced and Sustainable High Growth options invest across a range of asset classes. The Sustainable High Growth is a less diversified and higher risk option than Sustainable Balanced.
Learn more about the risk, performance and asset allocations of our sustainable options:
Sustainable Balanced optionSustainable High Growth option
Global Environmental Opportunities (GEO)
Our GEO portfolio is made up of global shares in companies that seek to contribute to a more environmentally sustainable economy.4 To qualify, companies need to derive at least 40% of their reported revenue from products or services related to:
- alternative energy
- energy efficiency
- sustainable water
- green building
- pollution prevention
- sustainable agriculture.
GEO is a Sector-based investment, which means it invests in a single asset class. It can be blended with other Sector options or combined with our Pre-Mixed options.
Learn more about the risk, performance and asset allocations of GEO:
Global Environmental Opportunities optionWinner of Money magazine’s Best Shares ESG Super Product Award in 2022 and 2023, GEO is designed and managed by our in-house investment team.
With UniSuper, you have the flexibility to choose from seven pre-mixed options and nine sector options with different strategies and risk profiles.
Our award-winning advice team can help you create your super strategy. They can also provide detailed financial plans for retirement, non-super investment, debt management, personal insurance, government benefits and aged care.
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Things you need to know
1 The Responsible Investment Certification Program does not constitute financial product advice. Neither the Certification Symbol nor RIAA recommends to any person that any financial product is a suitable investment or that returns are guaranteed. Appropriate professional advice should be sought prior to making an investment decision. RIAA does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Consider the PDS and TMD on our website and your circumstances before making decisions, because we haven’t. Read the full disclaimer.
2 This is in addition to our fund-wide exclusion of companies that are considered to be manufacturers of cigarettes and other tobacco products, as classified by third party providers.
3 Whilst we seek to identify and manage securities which no longer meet the criteria for these options, there are limitations in relation to the collection of data and reporting of these screens. From time to time, there may be inadvertent inclusion of securities that fall outside our negative screens due to the timing of operational controls. We regularly screen for these anomalies and seek to exclude securities that fall outside our negative screens once identified. The ability to dispose of a security is dependent on a number of factors.
4 As defined by third party providers.