Hot off the press - the EAC Annual Report on 2023 activities.
If you really want to be in the know about ethical investment choices, check out the Ethical Advisers' Co-operative (EAC).
They have just published their fourth Annual Report, which showcases the important efforts the Co-op has made throughout 2023. This includes:
engagement activities to influence change – meeting with non-government organisations (NGOs), investment managers, companies, advisers, and research providers;
publishing the ethical fund ratings (Leaf ratings) which scrutinise the “green” investment offerings of superannuation and non-super funds; and
public events to inform and engage people to know more about their ethical investment.
Working with companies to influence change
The Co-op and its clients have been working together to make a positive impact on companies. They do this by:
encouraging companies involved in fossil fuels to take action and share their progress on reducing carbon emissions;
being actively involved in supporting engagement with First Nations peoples to ensure their consent is obtained for mining on traditional lands; and
by collaborating with other organisations and using proxy votes, they have been successful in influencing companies to improve their practices regarding climate change and human rights.
Helping you make ethical choices
EAC asks investment managers about companies that may not meet ethical standards, and can influence funds to either work with those companies to improve or stop investing in them. It also talks directly to companies on behalf of shareholders about any ethical concerns.
EAC also collaborates with other advisers and research providers to make sure that the issues you care about, like the environment and social responsibility, are taken seriously.
Leaf Ratings
The EAC has developed Ethical Fund Ratings, called Leaf Ratings for their use of green leaves in place of stars. These ratings are designed to assist individuals in making investment choices that align with their ethical values. The Ratings evaluate funds that have an ethical or sustainability focus, but don’t include financial information such as investment performance or fees.
The Co-operative has reviewed and rated these funds based on their environmental and social credentials, including their underlying investments, research and screening methods, and voting records on important issues.
The 2023 report has details of the 17 most recently surveyed funds, and the more than 40 super and Investment funds with ratings.
To find out more about Leaf Ratings, follow this link.
Finding an Ethical Adviser
There are 45 EAC advisers and members who are located all over Australia – you can find details (and photos) in the report.
Click here to get the full Annual Report (a PDF download).
Next steps
For any questions about getting your investments working in line with your ethical and sustainable outlook, please get in touch (click on the CONTACT US NOW button in the righthand column).
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