Environment

In 1992 Australia adopted a National strategy for Ecologically sustainable development.

Electricity consumption index (1980 = 100): 190
Renewable Energy as % of total energy consumption : 5.1%
Increase in production of renewable energy since 1987: 39%
Per capita CO2 Emissions (kg) 1996: 17,000
Share of world CO2 emissions (1996): 1.3%
% and absolute decline in forest coverage 1990-1995 : O.04% 85,000 HA
Hazardous Waste Generated metric tones (1998): 426
Waste Recycling as % of consumption (glass) : 42

Social

Life Expectancy at birth (1998): 78.3
Adult literacy (+15 yrs): 99
Public Expenditure on Health 1995-97 as % of GDP: 5.5
Public Expenditure on Education 1995-97 as % of GDP: 5.8
% of population living in urban areas 1998: 84.7
% of population living in urban areas 2015: 86

Corporate Governance

A description of Corporate Governance practices will be coming soon in association with the Asian Corporate Governance Association

Rank on Corruption Perception Index 2000	13th
2003	8th

Source: Transparency International

Employment

A survey of the employment practices will be coming soon.

Ethical funds grew 37 per cent last year

(Ethical Investor - Newsletter: http://www.ethicalinvestor.com.au/ 22/8/2003 )

New analysis by Corporate Monitor, based on data provided by ASSIRT, has found that the size of the Australian ethical funds sector grew 37 per cent from $1.6 billion in June 2002 to $2.2 billion in net assets in June 2003.

Three main factors contributed to this strong rise in market share: the existing balance of new funds, a net inflow of funds from investors and positive investment returns overall.

Links

• Ethical Investment Association (Australia)
  Ethical Investment Association, EIA's primary objective is to promote the concept, practice and growth of ethically, socially and environmentally responsible investing.
  



• The Contours Of Corporate Community Involvement In Australia's Top Companies
  Journal of Corporate Citizenship December 2003

• Socially Responsible Investment in Australia - 2004:
   http://www.asria.org/ref/library/performance/1099451174/