Rest Super has secured the Sustainable Plus classification — the highest tier in the Responsible Investment Association Australasia’s (RIAA) Sustainability Classifications Initiative — for its Sustainable Growth investment option.
The designation signals that the fund meets rigorous standards for ESG integration, transparency, and measurable sustainability outcomes, placing it among the most credible responsible investment products in the region.
The Sustainable Growth option targets a weighted average carbon intensity (WACI) at least 50% lower than the ASX300 and MSCI World ex Australia benchmarks, excluding private equity holdings.
This aligns with Rest’s broader climate strategy and reflects growing demand from its youthful member base — 94% of whom say ethical investing matters, according to a 2024 Redbridge survey.
The portfolio is reviewed quarterly to maintain alignment with its emissions targets.
Rest was first certified under RIAA’s Responsible Investment Certification Program in 2022.
The new Sustainable Plus classification builds on that foundation, recognising the fund’s enhanced stewardship, ESG screening, and disclosure practices.
RIAA Co-CEO Estelle Parker said the label helped investors “cut through the noise” in a crowded ESG market.
With over $93 billion in assets under management and a member base exceeding two million, Rest’s move reinforces the institutional shift toward ESG-aligned superannuation strategies.
For global investors, the classification offers credibility in a market where greenwashing concerns remain high.
