AusUnity launches green bond fund

Australian Unity has launched its Green Bond fund, backed by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and clients of Crestone Wealth Management. 

Managed by Altius Asset Management, Australian Unity’s in-house cash and fixed interest team, the fund would invest in a mix of green, social and sustainable fixed interest securities with the purpose of helping to lower carbon emissions. 

The firm said it was seeing increased interest in responsible and sustainable investments. 

Bill Bovingdon, chief investment officer at Altius, said last summer’s bushfires had brought climate change to the forefront of people’s minds. 

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“A devastating bushfire season has brought the climate crisis conversation to the fore as investors seek ways of putting their money to work with investments that can make a positive difference,” he said.  

“We believe there is a growing interest in what is already a sizeable market. A number of large Australian super funds, implemented asset consultants and general insurers have all expressed interest in green debt markets.” 

CEFC chief executive Ian Learmonth said: “There is strong demand for responsible investment products among Australian investors. We are at the cusp of a long-term trend toward sustainable finance and market leaders such as Australian Unity will be a key part of this transition.  

“Investment products that provide market returns as well as positive environmental outcomes offer an attractive way for institutional and wholesale investor capital to support Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy.”