Super Funds Rated By Green Choices
The Age
Wednesday March 26, 2008
THE environmental and social credentials of superannuation funds are about to go under the microscope, with a ratings agency naming the best and worst.
The green rating on super funds will be offered by SuperRatings, which says the project reflects the desire of consumers to "cut through the marketing rhetoric and identify funds that meet with their personal beliefs regarding the environment and society". Funds will be issued with a platinum, gold, silver or "other" rating. A full ranking will be released in coming weeks. SuperRatings has already named the small Canberra-based Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Trust as the winner of the Infinity Award for the most environmentally and socially conscious fund. VicSuper was second and Catholic Super, UniSuper and Christian Super rounded out the top five. All received platinum gradings. SuperRatings managing director Jeff Bresnahan said it had taken into account issues such as sustainability, ethical investing, environmental awareness, responsible investing and the treatment of the workforce. "It is quite clear that due to the combination of the industry's potential influence over major institutions and their access to all working Australians, the superannuation industry can provide leadership in the way our planet is treated," he said.
© 2008 The Age