Net zero by 2040 for our private sector investments
Australian Ethical Investment has strengthened its climate targets, with a 2040 net zero target for our private sector investments. We use our investment capital and voice to promote acceleration of current transition paths by encouraging more rapid scaling of climate solutions, increased corporate ambition and green consumer demand, and stronger climate policy.
We are pursuing our target though our investment selection, engagement and advocacy. We won’t invest in oil, gas or coal companies. We invest in renewable energy companies like Contact Energy, which is growing its renewable electricity generation beyond current levels of 80% to further reduce its reliance on gas back-up generation. We invest in plant-based nutrition rather than higher emissions animal agriculture, and engage with supermarkets to help consumers make positive food choices. Our targeted building sector investment and engagement supports the decarbonisation of important building materials.
At the start of FY22 the carbon intensity of our share investments was 77% lower than market benchmark. Our share investment in renewable power generation was proportionately 13 times benchmark.
Net zero portfolio emissions by 2050
Australian Ethical has set a target of net zero emissions by 2050 for our investments. We have committed to set nearer term reduction targets as part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
We act to achieve our target in our investment, engagement, advocacy and transparency. For example, we won’t invest in oil, gas or coal companies. We will invest in renewable energy companies Infigen and Contact Energy, which generate a small portion of their revenue from gas. We invest in plant-based protein and nutrition rather than higher emissions animal agriculture.
We measure and report our climate performance. The carbon intensity of our share investments is 75% lower than the market benchmark. Our share investment in renewable power generation is proportionately five times that of the global share market.