Aware Super wins Best Fund – Responsible Investment in 2022 Chant West Awards

Friday, 27 May 2022
 

Aware Super’s long-term commitment to responsible investment practices has seen the fund take out Chant West’s inaugural award for Best Fund – Responsible Investment at the 2022 Chant West Awards.

The award cements Aware Super’s continued commitment to responsible investment, with the fund also recognised by the Principles of Responsible Investment as a leader in 2019 and 2020, and in 2021 by the Responsible Investment Association of Australia as a Responsible Investment Leader.

Aware Super is also the only Australian fund invited to join the UN Global Investors for Sustainable Development.

Liza McDonald, Head of Responsible Investment for Aware Super, welcomed the award, noting the importance of responsible investment principles in the long-term performance of the fund’s Investment Strategy.

“Our focus as a fund is to deliver strong, long-term returns to our members, to help shape their best possible retirement,” said Ms McDonald.

“We believe responsible investment principles are essential to delivering on that commitment to our members through our ownership and stewardship of the assets in our portfolio.

“Strong performance is not just about great short-term returns. We need to balance those great returns against downside risk, against periodic market shocks, and against the necessary changes to our members’ risk appetite as they approach, enter and enjoy their retirement.

“While markets, sectors and individual companies will rise and fall over time, taking a long-term view of our portfolio, including a rigorous analysis of the environmental, social and governance factors in our investment process is essential to generating the best financial outcome for members.  

“Importantly, our commitment to responsible investment also allows us to identify high-quality investments that also make a positive impact for our members, their families and the communities in which they live, work and retire.” 

Aware Super joined the Principles of Responsible Investment in 2008. Since then, it has developed inhouse proprietary frameworks to evaluate and address ESG risks and report on impact, and established a Climate Change Portfolio Transition Plan with clear short, medium and long-term targets. In 2021 the fund published its inaugural Destination Net Zero Report and Stewardship Report, providing members and stakeholders with greater detail about its commitment to responsible investment practices.

Note to Editors

Previously known as First State Super, we changed our name to Aware Super in September 2020.

Aware Super is a name that reflects our members and what we stand for. It echoes the strengths of our past, aligning to our purpose to be a force for good in superannuation, retirement, and advice, driving better outcomes for our members, their families, and communities. 

Aware Super has been the fund for people who value community since 1992, and we’re now one of Australia’s largest funds and continuing to grow. We merged with VicSuper and WA Super in 2020 and now manage $155 billion in savings for more than 1 million members located across the country.

Our members work in roles that breathe life into their communities and they expect us to do the same. So, we invest in assets that we believe will make a positive difference today – improving our communities, building a more a sustainable economy and supporting employment both locally and globally at the same time as providing strong long-term returns. 

Discover how we’re helping members do well financially while doing good in the world: Visit aware.com.au.