Local Government Super (LGS, the fund) today announced it has been certified carbon neutral through Climate Active. It is one of only five Australian super funds to actively hold this certification.
LGS has met all the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard (formerly the National Carbon Offset Standard). The fund closely measures emissions, reducing them where possible, offsetting emissions and publicly reporting on the results. The certification includes all LGS employees, the Sydney head office, and the fund’s seven regional offices.
Chief Executive Officer, Phil Stockwell, said, “Sustainability has always been a core value for LGS and becoming carbon neutral underlines our long-standing commitment to reducing emissions and contributing to a low-carbon economy. It demonstrates to our members and the wider community that it is possible to effectively reduce emissions through targeted action.”
Head of Responsible Investment, Moya Yip, said “LGS supports a number of carbon offset projects, including a re-forestation project in New South Wales, the Rimba Raya biodiversity reserve project in Indonesia, and a wind power project in Rajasthan, India. These projects reflect our local and global outlook and they generate environmental, social and economic co-benefits.
“The carbon offset projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the values of our membership base. The projects deliver community benefits in the form of employment opportunities for the local population, especially for women in enterprise. They also raise living standards through clean water and solar energy as well as introducing innovations into local agriculture.”
LGS’ head office is situated at 28 Margaret Street Sydney and is part of LGS’ property portfolio which was the first to be certified carbon neutral by Climate Active for all the NABERS-rated buildings in the portfolio.
About Local Government Super
LGS manages more than $11 billion in superannuation assets for approximately 90,000 members, including current and former NSW local government employees.
LGS is a certified responsible super fund with investments across Australian and international shares, property, infrastructure, private equity, fixed interest and absolute return asset classes.