About us

Superannuation is our sole focus. We firmly believe that the benefit plans we offer, our exceptional service and long-term investment approach is of great benefit to our members and employers, and encourage anyone to consider VicSuper as their super fund.

Bob Welsh
VicSuper Chief Executive

Sustainability investing

Sustainability investing

Broadly, sustainability is about economic development that meets the needs of all people today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

VicSuper recognises that to advance towards a more sustainable society requires supportive government policy and legislative framework. Also required is good corporate citizenship, incorporating:

  • protection of the environment 
  • transparency and compliance 
  • a balanced consideration of the interests of all stakeholders, and 
  • a commitment to innovation that will lead to more effective use of human and natural resources.

Companies that display superior standards of corporate governance through the integration of social, environmental and economic principles into all decision support systems are more likely to increase their long-term shareholder value through better management of business risks and opportunities deriving from sustainability trends and challenges.

How does VicSuper identify sustainability leaders?

To invest in sustainability leaders, VicSuper invests in funds managed by Vanguard Investments Australia (Vanguard) and Generation Investment Management (Generation).

Vanguard

Vanguard works with a company called SAM Sustainable Asset Management (SAM) to determine which companies are rated as sustainability leaders. SAM rates and ranks companies within their industry sectors according to how they take competitive advantage of sustainability opportunities and manage the risks.

VicSuper invests in the following funds managed by Vanguard:

  • Vanguard Sustainability Leaders Australian Shares Fund (formerly called SAM Sustainability Leaders Australia Fund)
  • Vanguard Sustainability Leaders International Shares Fund (formerly called SAM Sustainability Leaders International Fund).

Generation

Generation is a London-based fund manager that undertakes deep research and analysis of companies that are best placed to capitalise on sustainability trends, opportunities and risks within their business operations.

VicSuper invests in the Generation IM Global Equity Fund, which consists of a concentrated portfolio of international companies which are selected regardless of their industry sector.

Sustainability investing in equities

If you have chosen the Equity Growth Sustainability Option, 100% of your savings in this option is invested in Australian and international companies rated as sustainability leaders. In all other options with an allocation to equities, 10% is invested in Australian, and 20% is invested in international companies rated as sustainability leaders.

Listed equities

We invest in listed Australian and international companies that are rated as sustainability leaders through Vanguard Investments Australia and Generation Investment Management.

Private equities

The allocation to companies considered as sustainability leaders in private equities will be directed to investment in early and expansion stage companies which contribute toward increasing resource-use efficiency and reducing the ecological and social impact of economic development.

VicSuper has also committed to investments in Australian and international clean technology funds as part of the allocation to sustainability investments in private equity.

Sustainability investing in property

Our property managers integrate sustainability strategies into their property portfolios in different ways. These strategies variously take into account energy and water usage,  occupational health and safety, waste production, air quality, building accessibility, risk management and greenhouse gas emissions.
 

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