Industry group involvement and external research

LGS is an active member and participant in a variety of Australian and global industry groups that have been established to assist the dialogue around responsible investment issues. These include

United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI)

LGS has been a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UN PRI) since 2007. The UNPRI's efforts to establish a global framework for institutional investors to integrate responsible investment holds particular appeal for LGS. We undertake to develop approaches across the UNPRI six guiding principles:

1. Incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision making processes
2. Be active owners, vote on shareholder issues and participate in collective engagement
3. Seek disclosure on ESG issues by our investment managers
4. Promote the acceptance and implementation of the UN PRI Principles in the investment industry
5. Collaborate with other organisations to enhance effectiveness and
6. Report on our sustainability activities.

Other industry groups

LGS is a foundation member of the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) and utilises ACSI to assist in ensuring that there is adequate scrutiny in the governance policies of listed companies via providing Proxy Voting advice on LGS' Australian and International share investments and also engagement on Australian companies. LGS particularly values ACSI's guidance on corporate governance issues around director elections and executive remuneration Click here to view the latest report from ACSI

LGS is also a part owner and subscriber to Regnan, a company dedicated to research and engagement services that promote improved ESG performance from Australian companies. Through Regnan, LGS is able to engage with companies on ESG risk issues using a collective voice. Click here to view the latest report from Regnan

LGS is a full member of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), who represents institutional investors and aims to encourage government policies and investment practices that address the risks and opportunities of climate change, for the ultimate benefit of superannuants and unit holders. LGS particularly values the policy lobbying work that IGCC undertakes as well as the access it provides members to expert insights on climate change and investment issues.

LGS has also been a long-term signatory to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) - a world-wide survey that encourages large listed companies to disclose their carbon dioxide emissions and report steps that they are taking to address risks and opportunities emanating from climate change. LGS supports the CDP, as disclosure of climate change risks is still inadequate and public reporting is the first step to enable it to better manage risks.

Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA), which is the peak industry body for professionals working in responsible investment in Australia and New Zealand. LGS especially values RIAA's work in developing education courses via the Responsible Investment Academy and its fund certification program

LGS is the first Australian member of Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark which has been formed by leading European pension funds to assess and develop tools to improve the sustainability performance of their direct property portfolios. LGS is attracted to GRESB to further develop its understanding on the links between sustainability and investment in the property sector.