Bank's Policy
Animal Farming & Food Production
100%
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Where we stand - animals:
This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Where we stand - fish farming:
We don’t believe fish farming is sustainable.
Although production of farmed fish is much less greenhouse gas-intensive than beef and lamb production, it is still significantly more emissions-intensive than sources of plant-based protein such as nuts and beans. It has become increasingly urgent that emissions are reduced across all sectors of the economy to reduce dangerous global warming. Given the availability of lower emissions plant-based sources of protein, we took the view that fish farming is not part of an optimal transition to achieve net zero global emissions.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that do not respect the 5 Freedoms
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals. No intensive farming.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that do not respect the 5 Freedoms
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals. No intensive farming.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that use cages
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals. No intensive farming.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that don’t provide animals with the right environmental conditions
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals. No intensive farming.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that apply mutilations
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals. No intensive farming.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that use harmful breeding techniques
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We do not invest in live export companies or companies that raise animals for live export. We also restrict+ investments in companies that specialise in facilitating the trade e.g. specialist transport companies.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that transport animals
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals. No live animal export.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
We do not invest in live export.
We do not invest in live export companies or companies that raise animals for live export. We also avoid companies that specialise in facilitating the trade e.g. specialist transport companies.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that transport animals
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture because it is unsustainable. implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that slaughter animals
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: As Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture and other sectors that use animals, this criterion does not apply.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids animal agriculture. Implied in this position is that it does not finance companies that use antibiotics in a non-prudent way
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Where we stand:
We also support animal protection organisations through our Community Grants program, and advocate for animals in our company engagements and through our public voice (see our positions on ethical influencing and animal wellbeing).
Comments on score: The bank doesn't invest in companies that produce or process foodstuffs from conventional animal agriculture above a certain threshold.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: The bank doesn't invest in companies that produce or process foodstuffs from conventional animal agriculture above a certain threshold.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We are part of global initiatives (FAIRR and BBFAW) to increase the use of plant over animal based protein.
Comments on score: The bank doesn't invest in companies that produce or process foodstuffs from conventional animal agriculture above a certain threshold.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We do not invest in the company if:
• It has > 10% revenue from food production from conventional animal agriculture, regardless of whether it is a mild or strong positive OR
• It is Mild positive but has > 15% revenue from food processing from conventional animal agriculture ingredients OR
• It is Strong positive but has > 33% revenue from food processing from conventional animal agriculture ingredients OR …
Food is assessed as sustainable if it is (1) part of a healthy diet; and (2) produced in a way which avoids unnecessary harm to people, animals and environment.
These thresholds apply to food producers and processors, not to retailers like supermarkets.
Comments on score: The bank doesn't invest in companies that produce or process foodstuffs from conventional animal agriculture above a certain threshold.
Animal Testing
83%
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We do not invest in the company if it is conducting or commissioning animal testing for cosmetic products (0% tolerance threshold).
Comments on score: The policy avoids some types of non-medical testing, but not all.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We exclude companies or issuers which fail to show genuine commitment to the ‘3Rs’ i.e. commitment to replace animal testing with available alternatives; to reduce the number of animals needed; to refine testing to minimise animal suffering.
Comments on score: The bank requires animal testing to follow the three Rs.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Examples of negative thresholds and criteria: Testing for healthcare must adhere to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement of animal testing).
Comments on score: The bank requires animal testing to follow the three Rs.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
GMO:
For these reasons we currently avoid companies which create GM organisms. We may invest in agricultural companies which use or sell food which has been grown using GM seeds. As research and experience grows in this area, we’ll keep reviewing our position.
Comments on score: covered
Pets, Entertainment and Fashion
75%
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We avoid unnecessary harm to animals.
Our position is that non-human animals have the capacity to suffer and we should not cause them unnecessary harm. This means we avoid:
- conventional animal agriculture companies (including free range and organic production). We assess the harm to animals, the environment (including climate) and to people (antibiotic use) caused by conventional animal agriculture as unnecessary because lower-impact, balanced plant-based diets can sustain healthy human life.
Comments on score: Australian Ethical does not invest in animal agriculture, and thus not in the farming of animals for fur. However, it does not have a policy on fur.
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Where we stand:
This means we avoid:
- industries that use animals for entertainment and sport. This includes horse and greyhound racing, as well as film and media companies that use wild captive animals in productions
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids companies that don’t promote dignity for animals, which should exclude trade
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Australian Ethical Charter:
Australian Ethical shall seek out investments which provide for and support:
- the dignity and well being of non-human animals
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids companies that don’t promote dignity for animals, which should exclude trade
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Australian Ethical Charter:
Australian Ethical shall seek out investments which provide for and support:
- the dignity and well being of non-human animals
Comments on score: The policy does not cover this criterion specifically, but in general requires the dignity and well being of non-human animals to be guaranteed
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
This means we restrict investments in:
- industries that use animals for entertainment and sport. This includes horse and greyhound racing, as well as film and media companies that use wild captive animals in productions
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids companies that use animals for entertainment or sport
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Australian Ethical Charter:
Australian Ethical shall seek out investments whih provide for and support:
- the dignity and well being of non-human animals
Comments on score: Australian Ethical avoids companies that use animals for entertainment or sport
Governance
25%
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: not covered
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: The procurement policy does not cover animal welfare
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Year Report 2020:
As part of our tendering process, material service providers to Australian Ethical are screened to determine their alignment with the environmental and social principles of the Australian Ethical Charter.
Comments on score: The procurement policy does not cover animal welfare
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: not covered
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: not covered
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: not covered
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: not covered
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
not covered
Comments on score: not covered
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Taking into account animal welfare, climate and other environmental impacts, we avoid investing in conventional animal agriculture and invest instead in lower emissions plant-based nutrition.
Comments on score: The bank indicates that it favours financing to companies that are working on a transition to more plant-based diets
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We are also members of existing initiatives, including FAIRR (Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return Initiative), to build pressure on food companies to support the transition to more plant-based diets and to diversify their protein portfolios.
Comments on score: The bank indicates that it favours financing to companies that are working on a transition to more plant-based diets
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
In short, regenerative animal agriculture may be a part of a sustainable food system, but we still need to eat fewer animals.
Comments on score: The bank indicates that it favours financing to companies that are working on a transition to more plant-based diets
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
Ethical Influencing:
We co-signed engagement letters to 17 global food manufacturers and retailers about opportunities to replace animal protein ingredients and products with plant protein, arranged by Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR) as part of their sustainable protein supply chain engagement.
Comments on score: The bank indicates that it favours financing to companies that are working on a transition to more plant-based diets
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
We are also members of existing initiatives, including FAIRR (Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return Initiative), to build pressure on food companies to support the transition to more plant-based diets and to diversify their protein portfolios.
Comments on score: The bank indicates that it favours financing to companies that are working on a transition to more plant-based diets
Assessed policy
Extract of the policy that covers, or comes closest to covering this criterium
In short, regenerative animal agriculture may be a part of a sustainable food system, but we still need to eat fewer animals.
Comments on score: The bank indicates that it favours financing to companies that are working on a transition to more plant-based diets