Industry super fund Local government Super (LGS) has continued to beef up its focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in its investment strategy after investing in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Green Bond.
The bond focuses on environmentally sustainable projects across energy efficiency, clean energy, water and waste management, environmental services and sustainable public transport.
Just over half ($3.7 billion) of LGS's assets are invested in responsible investment strategies across Australia and international equities, property, absolute return, private equity and sovereign bonds.
The fund has also pledged its commitment to recent ASX Guidelines on ESG disclosure requirements.
"This is another positive development that once again demonstrates increasing understanding in the broader investment community that the key to long-term investment success is to ensure that whatever we invest in - be it companies, properties or any other asset - is going to go the distance," said LGS chief executive Peter Lambert.
Lambert said the fund had worked to embed more sustainable investment practices in its portfolio for the past 10 years. Its work has resulted in a string of local and global accolades and recognition this year.
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
The board must shift its focus from managing inflation to stimulating the economy with the trimmed mean inflation figure edging closer to the 2.5 per cent target, economists have said.
ASIC chair Joe Longo says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from misconduct and high-risk schemes.
Super fund mergers are rising, but poor planning during successor fund transfers has left members and employers exposed to serious risks.