From worm farms to long term confidence: sustainability the CSC way

When people hear the word sustainability, they often think about recycling, renewable energy or bees on rooftops. At CSC, sustainability means something broader and more personal.

It’s about how your fund is looked after for the long term.

As a superannuation trustee, supporting retirement outcomes that can span decades makes long-term thinking part of CSC’s DNA. The way the organisation operates today matters, because it helps determine how resilient, stable and trustworthy it can be tomorrow.

Built for the long term

CSC manages retirement savings on behalf of current and former Australian Government employees and members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). That responsibility means decisions need to be made with care, foresight and discipline.

Corporate sustainability plays an important role in that.

A focus on operations at CSC — from governance and risk management to energy use and waste — aims to:

• maintain a strong and resilient organisation over time
• manage operational and environmental risks responsibly
• operate efficiently and avoid unnecessary waste
• reflect the values many of our members care about

For members, sustainability isn’t about symbolism or marketing claims. It’s about confidence that your fund is being run thoughtfully and responsibly.

Practical actions, not grand promises

Sustainability at CSC isn’t about sweeping statements or big promises. It’s about practical, everyday actions that add up.

Across CSC’s offices and operations, a range of low cost, common sense initiatives designed to reduce its environmental footprint and improve efficiency have been introduced. These include things like:

• reducing paper and defaulting to recycled materials
• using energy saving settings on equipment
• cutting back on unnecessary travel through virtual meetings
• improving recycling and organic waste separation
• tracking waste to better understand where improvements can be made. 

Individually, these actions might seem small. Collectively, they make a meaningful difference.

Yes, CSC really do have worms and bees

Some of the most popular sustainability initiatives at CSC are also the most unexpected.

At CSC’s    Canberra office, organic waste is processed through an onsite worm farm. Food scraps that would otherwise go to landfill are turned into nutrient rich compost, helping reduce methane emissions and waste.

The building is also home to rooftop bee hives, supporting local biodiversity and highlighting the small ways organisations can contribute positively to their environment.

These initiatives aren’t about headlines; they’re about doing sensible things well.

Reducing waste and giving technology a second life

CSC also works with specialist partners to manage end of life technology responsibly. Devices such as laptops and desktops are refurbished and reused where possible, with some remaining materials recycled.

In FY25  alone, this approach helped divert more than two tonnes of electronic waste from landfill and reduce the need for new devices to be manufactured.

It’s another example of how thoughtful choices help reduce unnecessary impact over time.

Strong governance underpins everything CSC does

Sustainability at CSC is backed by governance and accountability.

CSC reviews regulatory expectations, government policies and industry standards to make sure its practices remain appropriate and up to date. Measuring progress where possible, maintaining transparency and continuing to improve over time are key priorities.

This disciplined approach helps support long term confidence in CSC as an organisation.

Small actions, lasting impact

Sustainability isn’t just about policies. It’s about everyday decisions.

Small changes, multiplied across CSC and over time, can have a meaningful impact. Through practical initiatives and staff engagement, sustainability is being built into day to day operations at CSC, rather than treated as an add on.

For a fund built on long term outcomes, how CSC operates today helps shape the confidence of tomorrow.

Learn more about CSC’s corporate sustainability.