Rest recognised as a Responsible Investment Leader

We are delighted to let you know Rest has been acknowledged as a Responsible Investment Leader by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

As part of their Responsible Investment Benchmark Report Australia 2021, the RIAA assessed our commitment to responsible investment and transparency, the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into our investment processes, our practices as an active asset owner and how we aim to invest in assets that generate strong returns and have a positive impact to society.

Saving the planet with ethical investments

As a Responsible Investment Leader, the launch of our Sustainable Growth investment option in March 2021 was an important milestone for Rest. Sustainable Growth is an ethical investment option that has specific inclusions such as renewable energy and green buildings – and exclusions – such fossil fuels and unethical supply chain practices.

Sustainable Growth was developed using feedback from our members on everything from the name of the investment option through to the types of assets for inclusion or exclusion. Members also gave strong feedback on the importance of low fees – they wanted an option that didn’t cost the planet or their pocket. This was a guiding principle in the design of Sustainable Growth, which has up to 48%* lower fees compared with the average ethical super option (according to SuperRatings Sustainable Survey fee comparison as at 30 June 2021).

Click here to learn more about Rest’s approach to responsible investing.
 

Net Zero Carbon Footprint by 2050

Rest has set its roadmap to achieve a net zero carbon footprint for the fund by 2050, to ensure the long-term sustainability of members’ investments and to contribute to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Click here to learn more about Rest’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2050.

The Paris Agreement is an international initiative that seeks to keep global temperature rise this century to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It also seeks to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Our roadmap to carbon neutrality has six key measures, including a rapid divestment from thermal coal in our shares portfolio, an increase in investments in renewable energy and low-carbon solutions assets, and advocacy for economy-wide emissions reductions of 45 per cent by 2030.

Rest has committed to measuring, monitoring and reporting outcomes on our climate-related progress and actions in line with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).

Click here to learn more about Rest’s response to climate change.

Working together for a better, fairer and more sustainable future

Responsible investing can help our members grow their super while contributing to a more sustainable future. We know the employers we work with want the same outcomes for their people and the planet. It is a shared journey based on shared values and we look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.