Local Government Super wins two Green Globe Awards

Local Government Super (LGS) has been recognised for its leadership on climate change issues and commitment to sustainability in the delivery of green energy across its portfolio, winning both the 2012 Climate Change Leadership Award and the Energy Award in the NSW Government’s 2012 Green Globe Awards.

LGS won the Climate Change Leadership Award for its commitment to sustainable and responsible investing. With more than $3 billion in responsible investment strategies - the largest of any Australian super fund - the company has led the way with investments in green buildings, clean technology and, more recently, in an innovative sustainable government bonds strategy.

Governance is also a key focus with active shareholder voting, engagement and exclusion criteria across the ASX and international share portfolios. LGS also has a commitment to higher levels of transparency and reporting on its responsible investment initiatives.

“There are two main drivers behind Local Government Super’s decade-long commitment to environmental leadership,” said Peter Lambert, CEO of Local Government Super. “Firstly, our approach makes good long-term investment sense by reducing environmental risks and seeking low-carbon investment opportunities. Secondly, sustainability issues are important for many of our members.”

LGS also won the Energy Award for leading the way in sustainable property portfolios with its recent refurbishment of 76 Berry Street, North Sydney. Since the 25-year-old commercial building was converted into a NABERS 6-star energy rated building, its emissions have reduced by around 85% and it is now the lowest greenhouse gas-emitting office building in Australia.

“To win a Green Globe Award for our work in the upgrading of existing buildings demonstrates to a wider audience that Australian technologies are available to cost-effectively upgrade existing buildings, laying the path for a low carbon future,” said Lambert.

Additionally, LGS was a finalist for the Built Environment Sustainability Green Globe Award, in recognition of its retrofit of Carnegie Morgan Hill House (120 Sussex Street, Sydney). LGS used innovative Australian technology to transform the 21-year-old building into the most energy-efficient building in the Sydney CBD. This technology reduced water usage by 46% and energy usage by more than 54% - and led to the achievement of a 5.5 NABERS energy rating.

The Green Globe Awards recognise the environmental achievements of business, government, community and individuals in NSW. Winners of the awards were selected by an independent panel of experts and announced at a gala event hosted by the Hon Robyn Parker MP, Minister for the Environment, at NSW Parliament House on 3 September 2012.

More information on LGS’s sustainable practices and investments can be found at www.lgsuper.com.au/investments/sustainability/sustainability.asp.