Our influence for a better world
We believe we can create a better world by using our money and voice to support more responsible businesses, government, and consumption.
Capital for ethical investments
Increased investor demand for ethical over unethical companies can increase access to lower-cost funding for ethical companies. At the same time, it can restrict funding and increase funding costs for unethical companies. This effect can scale with growth in demand for genuine ethical and sustainable investment options.
Public divestments
Our public divestment and exclusion can signal ethical concerns about unsustainable products and practices to companies, other investors, governments, consumers and citizens. This public signal, combined with our ethical engagement and advocacy, can help influence positive changes in behaviour, government policy and investment and consumption choices. We report on engagement priorities, activity and progress in our annual Sustainability Report.
Our voice
We engage with select companies to improve key business practices. Our ethical screening can also help our influence by providing positive consequences for successful engagement (inclusion in ethical and sustainable portfolios) and negative consequences for unproductive engagement (exclusion or divestment).
Our history of influence
It began in 1986 when our founders set out to invest for a better world by using money as a force for good. It’s an investment philosophy that remains unchanged, in an ever-changing world.
The carbon intensity of our share investment portfolio is significantly lower than the benchmark(1,2), whilst our investment in renewable energy powers on. Through our ethical stewardship we aim to support a transition to a more sustainable economy and society. Since 2000, we have donated more than $15 million to our Foundation, driving positive outcomes for the planet, people and animals.
$15M+ donated since 2000
We donate 10% of our profits (after tax and before bonus) each year through the Australian Ethical Foundation. Since 2000, we have donated $15M+ to help achieve the Foundation's vision of directing as much philanthropy as possible towards the most effective solutions addressing the climate emergency.
Certified B Corporation
In 2014, we became the first listed company in Australia to earn Certified B Corporation status, an independent assessment on whether a ‘for-profit’ company is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Our latest score, 168.5, awarded at recertification on 13th July 2023, was the highest score for any B Corp in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and is more than double the score needed to gain B Corp accreditation.
2026 Sustainability insights
In this report we seek to show how our investments, stewardship, climate action, community support and people and culture initiatives are all governed by the principles of the Australian Ethical Charter created by our founders in 1986.
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MSCI. Carbon intensity (scope 1, 2 & 3) measured as tonnes CO2e per million $ we invest in companies and other entities through both listed shares and public non-government fixed income securities. In previous years we reported carbon intensity based on share of revenue. This change to report carbon intensity based on $ invested aligns to industry and data provider practice. See pages 168 to 169 of our 2026 Annual Report for further details.
- Compared to a blended benchmark that best reflects the benchmarks used by the underlying investment strategies. Based on holdings at 30 June 2026 and analysis tools provided by external sources which cover ~67-68% of the investments we hold by value. Both carbon intensity and sustainable impact solutions revenue and investment relate to the listed companies and public nongovernment fixed income securities in which we invest across our funds and options. This should not be considered representative of individual funds or options which will have their own mix of share and other investments. See pages 168 to 169 of our 2026 Annual Report for more information about this comparison.