Our Approach to Climate Change

TelstraSuper’s fundamental objective is to responsibly enhance the financial security of its members in retirement. Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges of our time, and we recognise the importance of doing our part and contributing to a low-carbon economy. 

We also recognise the financial risks and opportunities associated with climate change and the impact these may have on its members' long-term investment returns. Our approach to managing climate-related investment risks and opportunities is guided by the following five principles

  1. Governance and Reporting
  2. ESG Integration
  3. Active Ownership  
  4. Collaboration and Advocacy
  5. Exclusions.

Our Net Zero 2050 Roadmap

TelstraSuper supports the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees (moving toward 1.5 degrees) to minimise the worst impacts of climate change. 

The Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) outlines our current climate-related interim milestones and action items to assist us in transitioning towards a net zero emissions investment portfolio by 2050. 

Our CCAP has three high-level goals: 

  1. Achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the investment portfolio by 2050, with specified milestones prior to that date.  
  2. Build portfolio resilience to the physical impacts of climate change across asset classes.  
  3. Proactively invest in opportunities that are expected to be net beneficiaries of the transition to a net zero emissions world.

 

Our Climate Change Report

We will monitor and report on our progress against the CCAP annually through the publication of our Climate Change Report. We are in the process of preparing the next edition of our Climate Change Report for FY 2023-24, which we aim to publish after the conclusion of FY 2023-24.

What is TelstraSuper doing as a business?

TelstraSuper’s business operations were first certified as carbon neutral by Climate Active in FY2020-21 through the purchase of carbon offsets and have continued this journey annually since then.

Our carbon offsets for the FY2022-23 supported the following projects:

  1. Renewable Wind Power Project by Hero Future Energies
    The main purpose of this project activity is to generate a clean form of electricity through renewable wind energy sources. 
  2. Tiwi Islands Savanna Burning Project in Northern Territory
    The Tiwi Islands are located approximately 80km north of Darwin, housing approximately 3,000 inhabitants. The island's population is predominantly of the traditional owners of the land. The Tiwi Islands Savanna Burning for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Project helps the Tiwi community safeguard their traditional values and protect nature. Proceeds generated from the project allow the Tiwi people to create a source of income and help keep the community engaged and employed.