Responsible investing

ACSRF recognises that environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) considerations can have a positive influence on the financial performance of companies, particularly over the long term. Because superannuation is a long-term investment, the ACSRF Trustee recognises that it should consider ESG risks in its investment decision making processes. This is in order to manage and protect its investments for the long term. The Trustee seeks to invest in companies that are sustainable.

While ACSRF offers a socially responsible investment option (Socially Responsible Balanced), we are also committed to developing a framework that incorporates ESG considerations into investment management processes.

	ACSRF is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI). These principles provide a framework for the investment community to achieve better long term investment returns and more sustainable markets using ESG criteria. Click here for more information on UNPRI
To implement the UNPRI and support responsible investing initiatives, ACSRF is a member of:
	Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) RIAA is committed to promoting the concept and practice of responsible investment to an increasingly engaged general public, the mainstream investment community, analysts, superannuation trustees, financial advisers, regulators, religious, charitable and other values-based organisations, government and non-government organisations, and to the corporate sector. Click here for more information on RIAA
	Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) IGCC aims to encourage government policies and investment practices that address the risk and opportunities of climate change for the ultimate benefit of members. Click here for more information on IGCC
	Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) ACSI provides independent research and advice to superannuation funds on the environmental, social and corporate governance risks of companies in which they invest. ACSI engages with government, regulators and the investment industry to promote governance best practice on ESG standards. Click here for more information on ACSI
	ESG Research Australia (ESG RA) ESG Research Australia is an Australian association of superannuation funds, fund managers and asset consultants which has the single objective of increasing the amount and quality of stock broker research in Australia that includes consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Click here for more information on ESG RA

For more information on our responsible investing initiatives, here is a link to our Responsible Investment Policy.

ACSRF has also developed a Responsible Investment Governance Policy which describes how we will fulfil our obligations to the UNPRI Principles 2 and 3 in terms of active ownership, engagement and disclosure.

• Principle 2 – Be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
• Principle 3 – Seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.

The policy provides guidance on the application of those Principals to different asset classes. It also describes the process to monitor the implementation of the Policy.