Australia’s leading ethical investment manager, Australian Ethical investment (ASX: AEF) has achieved the highest score for any certified B Corporation (B Corp) in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The score, awarded by global not-for-profit B Lab on 13 July 2023, independently measures whether a ‘for-profit’ company is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Companies are scored across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Recertification is a 3–6-month process that B Corps must undergo every three years to sustain their certification. The B refers to ‘benefit for all’ and aligns to the B Corp movement which was founded in 2006 with the vision of a global economy that uses business as a force for good.
In 2014, Australian Ethical Investment became the first listed company in Australia to earn Certified B Corporation status, and for the last three consecutive years Australian Ethical has been ranked in the top 5% of the Impact Assessment for all B Corps globally. It recently achieved its highest-ever score, more than double the score needed to gain B Corp accreditation.
Australian Ethical’s Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer Marion Enander says the B Corp recertification score reflects the fund manager’s commitment to operating all areas of the business ethically and transparently.
“Australian Ethical has been a pure-play ethical investor since 1986, and is one of Australia’s leading ethical investment managers. Our success as a purpose-driven company proves that a more inclusive and sustainable model is possible without having to sacrifice investment or returns,” Ms Enander said.
“There are numerous benefits that come from being a B Corp by being clear about your purpose, and ensuring as a company you are meeting high standards of social and environmental performance and transparency. As a B Corp, we can create strong partnerships with likeminded organisations, attract top talent to our company, and meet the high expectations of our customers and shareholders.”
CEO of B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, Andrew Davies said, “Australian Ethical’s recent recertification score is impressive. The purpose of B Corp Certification is to first achieve accreditation and then to continually strive for better standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability; and Australian Ethical’s effort to better an already-high score embodies this.”
“In Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand, there are now more than 590 certified B Corporations contributing more than $16 billion to the economy. It is fantastic to have Australian Ethical at the forefront of this movement, proving that a new model of business is possible – one that benefits all.”
About Australian Ethical Investment Limited (AEI)
Australian Ethical is one of Australia’s leading ethical investment manager. Since 1986, Australian Ethical has provided investors with investment management products that align with their values and provide competitive returns. Investments are guided by the Australian Ethical Charter which shapes its ethical approach and underpins both its culture and its vision. Australian Ethical has over $9.2 billion in funds under management across managed funds and superannuation. Visit: www.australianethical.com.au
About B Lab
B Lab creates standards, policies, and programs, including B Corp Certification, to encourage businesses to meet high social and environmental performance criteria and promote collective action for societal challenges. There are currently more than 7300 B Corps in 92 countries across the world spanning 161 industries, employing over 600,000 people. Visit: https://bcorporation.com.au/
