At CareSuper, we believe environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues impact investment performance over the short- and long-term. Our view is that companies that show they can appropriately manage all risks – including ESG risks – are more likely to deliver strong, long-term, risk-adjusted returns for members. These principles form the basis of CareSuper’s approach to sustainable and responsible investment.

How has CareSuper applied these principles in practice?

A strong Responsible Investing Policy

CareSuper’s Responsible Investing Policy sets out the Fund’s approach to responsible investing, including how ESG factors are integrated into its investment decision making processes. The policy is reviewed and approved each year, or as required, by the CareSuper Investment Review Committee.

Working with investment managers

CareSuper requires its investment managers to take ESG factors into account when making decisions across all investment options offered by the Fund. Many of the Fund’s investments have strong ESG characteristics, and have been chosen for their potential to generate long-term, risk adjusted returns. CareSuper also excludes listed tobacco manufacturers from all separate listed share portfolios and most other investments.

Offering a Sustainable Balanced option

CareSuper’s approach to responsible investing applies to all twelve of our Managed and Asset Class investment options. Members who seek an investment option with a more prominent focus on ESG factors can choose to invest in the Sustainable Balanced option.

Building relationships with key ESG partners

To support engagement and affirm our commitment to responsible investing, CareSuper supports and participates in dialogue with several ESG-focused organisations, including:

• The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI), which engages with listed companies on ESG issues on behalf of super funds. CareSuper is a founding member of ACSI.
• The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a collaborative initiative supported by the United Nations, which CareSuper became a signatory to in 2006. The PRI provides an overarching framework to guide investors like CareSuper to further improve their ESG policies and practices.

Other initiatives we’re part of include the CDP (formerly known as Carbon Disclosure Project) and the Global Investor Statement on Climate Change.

CARE Super Pty Ltd (Trustee) ABN 91 006 670 060 AFSL 235226 RSE L0000956 CARE Super (Fund) ABN 98 172 275 725
Disclaimer: This Annual Report is issued by the Trustee of CARE Super, CARE Super Pty Ltd ABN 91 006 670 060, the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence 235226.
The information contained in this Annual Report is about CARE Super and is not intended as financial advice. It does not take into account specific needs, so members should look at their own personal position, objectives and requirements before taking any action. This Annual Report to members is a regulated document that summarises the fund’s performance over the past year. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and you should consider other factors before choosing a fund or changing your investments. The Trust Deed is the legal document governing your superannuation benefit. Other information about CARE Super: a copy of the Trust Deed, Investment Policy Statement, the Fund’s audited accounts are available upon request. You should also obtain and read the Product Disclosure Statement before making any investment decision. If you would like to see these documents, please go to caresuper.com.au or call the CareSuperLine on 1300 360 149.