Socially responsible investing (SRI) is an investing strategy that aims to generate both social change and financial returns for an investor. SRI investors consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions.
ESG factors are those that measure the impact of a company’s operations on the environment, its employees, and the communities in which it operates.
A study by Deloitte found that 75% of millennials are interested in sustainable investing, considering ESG factors as part of their investment decisions.
Additionally, 90% of millennials believe that their investment decisions can influence climate change.
There are many different ways to invest in an SRI manner. Some investors choose to invest in specific SRI funds, which are designed to screen out companies that do not meet certain ESG criteria.
Other investors choose to invest in individual stocks or bonds, but they use ESG factors to guide their investment decisions.
Benefits of Socially Responsible Investing
Socially responsible investing offers a myriad of benefits for investors, society, and the planet. First and foremost, it enables investors to align their portfolios with their personal values, giving them a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Knowing that their investments are not contributing to harmful activities, such as fossil fuel extraction or human rights violations, can provide a sense of moral satisfaction.
Moreover, SRI has proven to be a financially sound strategy. Numerous studies have shown that companies with strong ESG performance tend to outperform their peers over the long term.
By considering non-financial factors, investors gain valuable insights into a company’s risk profile and its ability to navigate emerging challenges. This holistic approach can lead to more informed investment decisions, potentially resulting in superior financial returns.
SRI also serves as a catalyst for positive change. By directing capital towards sustainable and responsible companies, investors can incentivize others to adopt similar practices.
This shift in capital allocation can contribute to the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Additionally, SRI can influence corporate behavior by rewarding companies that prioritize ESG factors and encouraging others to improve their practices.
Types of Socially Responsible Investing(SRI)
There are various strategies investors can employ to engage in socially responsible investing. Let’s explore a few of them:
- Exclusionary Screening: This strategy involves excluding certain industries or companies from an investment portfolio based on specific criteria. For example, an investor may choose to avoid investing in tobacco, weapons, or fossil fuel companies.
- ESG Integration: ESG integration involves assessing a company’s ESG performance alongside traditional financial analysis. By evaluating factors such as carbon emissions, labor standards, or board diversity, investors can gain a comprehensive understanding of a company’s sustainability and ethical practices.
- Impact Investing: Impact investing focuses on generating positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. Investors actively seek opportunities to finance projects or companies that address critical issues, such as clean energy, affordable housing, or healthcare access.
- Shareholder Advocacy: Shareholder advocacy involves actively engaging with companies to promote positive change. Shareholders use their voting rights and influence to push for improved corporate governance, increased transparency, or the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Community Investing: Community investing aims to support underserved communities and marginalized groups by directing investment capital to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) or microfinance institutions. These investments help promote economic development and create opportunities for disadvantaged populations.
Socially responsible investing is a growing trend, and for good reason. It’s a way to invest your money in companies that are committed to making a positive impact on the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about SRI, please speak to your financial advisor about SRI options.
