ESG Aus and NZ Update
/Australian ESG Updates
Queensland may be on 100% green power in 15 years
Analysis commissioned by the Queensland Conservation Council has found that Queensland could be drawing all its electricity from renewable sources as early as 2035, generating nearly 10,000 jobs. The Queensland state government has emissions targets for cuts of 30 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and have 50 per cent of its electricity generated by renewables then too. The goal is net-zero emissions by 2050. The amount of land and sunshine means Queensland is well-placed for renewables going forward.
Hostplus invests in vegan meat and other sustainable equity
Hostplus’s annual report reveals investments in medical technology, vegan food like meat alternatives, robotics and solar, and shows the fund is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The fund has invested in v2food, the company behind the Rebel Whopper burger at Hungry Jack’s which uses a vegan meat alternative that has been given rave reviews by meat-eaters.
Another notable investment by Hostplus is Australian medical technology company, Vaxxas, where researchers have developed a vaccine delivered in a patch, rather than by needle. This reduces the cost of shipping and the requirements for strict refrigeration on temperature-sensitive vaccines.
An Australian farm robotics company, Agerris, which looks to increase productivity on farms, reduce chemical use and labour costs is the allocation to private equity. A start-up from the United States, Swift Solar, also received funds for lightweight, flexible solar cells that are a step up from traditional solar.
IFM Investors commits to net-zero by 2050
IFM Investors is extending current action on infrastructure assets to reduce emissions via investments in renewable energy and other carbon-reduction strategies. A taskforce has been put together for the project, led by the investments team. The goal of the taskforce is to develop frameworks and policies to support climate-conscious choices.
Plan For Life forms new partnership with RIAA
A new partnership between the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and Plan For Life (ISS Market Intelligence) has been formed for growth and performance reporting of responsible investments in Australia and New Zealand.
A new quarterly report is being published, The ISS MI Responsible Investment Funds in Australia & NZ, reporting on market size (FUM), flows and performance of responsible, ethical and impact investment products certified by RIAA. Results are compared with the broader Australian and New Zealand managed funds markets over 10 years. For more information, contact Plan For Life.
