Investing sustainably on a global level

UKSIF and its global counterparts will collaborate on the first ever ‘Trends’ report to highlight the need for a global sustainable investment strategy.

The decision to release the ‘Trends’ report, due for release in December 2012, comes after a number of sustainable investment membership organisations met in London to discuss sustainable and responsible investing as well as the need to produce in-depth reports on investing within their own markets.

The ‘Trends 2012’ document will demonstrate investor strategies, highlight the types of investors involved and make international market comparisons. Additionally, it will include evaluations of environmental, social and governance strategies.

Whilst each organisation will be responsible for collecting data in its own home market, the information collected and comparisons made will be vital in the development of future research as well as for investors and policy makers.

Among the organisations involved are the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), the US Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), the European Sustainable Investment Forum (Eurosif), the Canadian Social Investment Organization (SIO), the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), The Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (VBDO) and the Association for Sustainable & Responsible Investment in Asia (ASrIA). The Africa Sustainable Investment Forum Project (AfricaSIF) also provided the group with input from the African region.

It is thought that the initiative will also involve the launch of a global website that will enable members to collaborate on policy issues.

Chief Executive of UKSIF Penny Shepherd MBE said, “This partnership enables us to draw on international knowledge and expertise to support our members to deliver leading edge sustainable investment services”.

The term sustainable investing, sometimes known as socially responsible, green or ethical investing, applies to investments that are socially and environmentally positive. Blue & Green Tomorrow’s Guide to Sustainable Investment further illustrates the need to balance the planet, its people and prosperity.

To invest in sustainable businesses is to invest in society’s future. The current economic crisis along with diminishing resources and looming environmental challenges mean that we must demand responsibility in business practices.

Ask your IFA how you can begin investing sustainably or fill in our online form and we’ll connect you to a specialist.

Further reading:

The Guide to Sustainable Investment

Ethical investment provides a higher quality of life