Ensuring members’ funds are invested responsibly is a concern for the trustee’s directors, as it is for many members. This section details our approach as we navigate this important but complex issue. It also brings together a range of discussion documents and news items on responsible investment from around the world.
Much of the discussion and effort to date around responsible investment has been about measuring and reducing carbon emissions. Russell Investments sees risks related to water as the next big area of focus. Here they look at assessing water-related issues and incorporating water-risk awareness into investment decisions.
Read From Black to Blue: Moving the climate focus beyond carbon and on to water
In this Q&A, Russell Investments looks at the trends and challenges associated with responsible investing and explains how Russell Investments incorporates responsible investing into its processes and practices.
Read the article Q&A: Russell Investments on responsible investing
Our investment manager Russell Investments has a long-term strategy to address environmental, social and governance issues. “We believe that responsible investing and performance can be complementary. Our responsible investment solutions aim to capture the right exposure without jeopardising return.” This document sets out Russell Investments’ approach to responsible investing.
View Responsible Investing: Actively Designing Solutions for the Future
Being an active owner is central to Russell Investments’ commitment to responsible investing. Its active ownership activities aim “to promote changes that protect and enhance shareholder value and shareholder rights”. The company’s approach to active ownership incorporates proxy voting, corporate engagement and participating in groups dedicated to environmental, social and governance issues. The company reports annually on these activities which support its commitment to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and other stewardship codes.
Read Russell Investments' Responsible Ownership: Engagement Report 2017
The trustee’s investment beliefs constitute the investment philosophy of the scheme and guide the investment of UniSaver’s assets. One of these beliefs is that responsible investment can reduce risk and impact returns positively.
Read more about our investment beliefs in our Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives
Our policy includes not investing in companies involved in the manufacture of cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines, nuclear explosive devices and tobacco.
Read our policy
We require our investment manager Russell Investments to abide by the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) when making investment decisions on behalf of UniSaver.
Read more about UNPRI
Russell Investments was one of only 20% of firms to receive the highest possible overall score of A+ from the UNPRI.
Read more about Russell Investments' approach and philosophy
