TelstraSuper joins leading responsible investment association
November 8, 2022
As part of its commitment to sustainable investment, TelstraSuper has joined the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).
Representing around US$29 trillion in assets under management, RIAA works to align capital with achieving a sustainable society, environment and economy.
By becoming a member, TelstraSuper is now part of the largest network of responsible investors in Australia, offering participation in working groups that aim to shape and promote best practice protocols in responsible investing.
TelstraSuper’s Head of Sustainable Investment David Humphreys says, that joining RIAA will allow the fund to further enhance its approach to sustainable investing.
“TelstraSuper is proud to be part of a group that is a leader in responsible investing,” said Mr Humphreys. “Super is a long-term investment, so it makes sense for TelstraSuper to play our part in promoting a sustainable financial system.”
TelstraSuper seeks to integrate the analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors across its investment portfolio. This includes considering important matters such as climate risk, human rights issues, corporate culture, board diversity and gender balance.
“Looking at all aspects of an investment allows us to identify potential value risks and opportunities that arise from ESG factors,” said Mr Humphreys.
TelstraSuper adopts an active stewardship approach with its investments. This means we engage with the enterprises we invest in and exercise our voting rights as a securityholder. Over the past 12 months, TelstraSuper has voted at over 2,000 listed company meetings globally on a range of matters including remuneration, environmental strategy, and corporate governance.
“While we exclude investment in a number of industries such as the manufacture of tobacco, in other industries we use our influence as a significant investor to encourage positive change,” said Mr Humphreys. “Incorporating ESG factors into investment decision making is part of good risk management and making better investment decisions. We have a preference for investments with positive ESG credentials provided there is no compromise on expected risk-adjusted returns.”