A Quick Guide to Socially Responsible Investing

Imagine not only growing your wealth but also contributing to a healthier planet, promoting social justice, and encouraging ethical business practices. It might not be a concept you’ve explored, but it’s entirely possible—and it’s becoming more and more common.

This approach is referred to as socially responsible investing (SRI). It’s an increasingly popular investment philosophy that allows investors to align their values with their financial decisions, creating a portfolio that supports a future they can feel proud of.

In this article, you will learn about socially responsible investments (SRIs) and why they have gained popularity in recent years. You will also read about common types of SRIs and the next steps to take if you’re interested in making socially responsible investing part of your investment philosophy.

 

What Is a Socially Responsible Investment?

Socially responsible investing, also known as impact investing from a proactive standpoint, is an investment strategy that aims to generate financial returns while also using your dollars for good. Common characteristics of socially responsible investments include:

• Focus on sustainability: Companies operating with a lower carbon footprint and prioritizing renewable energy sources.
• Commitment to social issues: Ensuring diversity, labor rights, workplace safety and fair hiring practices.
• Corporate governance: Transparency around corporate policies and adherence to governance principles.
• Community engagement: Proactive involvement in local or global community projects and philanthropic initiatives.
• Product integrity: Businesses that produce safe, high-quality products while avoiding harmful substances and unethical marketing practices.

Investing in companies that embody these principles can help you create a more diversified portfolio that aims for returns while contributing to long-term societal benefits.

Understanding the Rise of Socially Responsible Investing

While the concept of socially responsible investing has been around for several years, it has seen a surge in popularity in recent times as investors become more conscious consumers. Several factors contribute to this rise.

The digital age has fostered greater transparency and given people increased access to information about corporations and their environmental and social impacts. This heightened awareness has made investors, especially those in younger generations, more conscious of what their money is being used for. As a result, many seek to align their investments with their personal values and ethics. Additionally, many companies that can be considered socially responsible have shown strong financial performance, debunking the myth that ethical investing means sacrificing returns.

 

What Is ‘ESG’?

When discussing socially responsible investing, one key concept that often comes up is ESG, which stands for environmental, social, and governance. These three core factors are often used to evaluate a company's commitment to social responsibility.

Each of these areas encompasses specific considerations that help determine a company's overall impact and ethical standing:

• Environmental: This area assesses a company's environmental footprint, including corporate climate policies, energy use, waste management, pollution levels, natural resource conservation practices, and treatment of animals.
• Social: Social considerations involve a company's relationships and interactions with employees, customers, communities and other stakeholders. Factors such as workplace conditions, health and safety standards, policies around inclusivity, volunteering, and community engagement may be considered.
• Governance: Governance criteria ensure a company adheres to ethical accounting transparency, pursues diversity and integrity in leadership, and maintains accountability to shareholders.

Investors who are concerned with ESG seek to support companies that not only generate strong financial returns but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, ethical practices and positive social impact.

 

Examples of Socially Responsible Investing

Now that you understand the basics of socially responsible investing, let’s talk about what it looks like in practice. Here are two prominent examples of impact investment strategies you might consider incorporating into your portfolio.

1. Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds
   Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that adhere to ESG criteria are a popular way to engage in socially responsible investing. Managed by professionals, these funds offer a diversified investment approach that reduces risk and promotes financial growth. The benefit of these funds is that they allow investors to support responsible companies while investing in funds with historically stable financial returns.
2. Community Investments
   Community investments direct capital towards projects that benefit underserved communities, such as affordable housing, small business development, education programs and health services. One way to make such investments is through community development financial institutions (CDFIs). These institutions provide funding and technical assistance to small businesses and community projects, fostering economic growth and social equity.

These examples are just the beginning. There are numerous other strategies, investment vehicles, and specific investment opportunities available that may align with your specific goals and values. It's important to explore different avenues and tailor your investment strategy to your unique financial objectives and ethical considerations.

 

A Future You Can Feel Good About

Incorporating socially responsible investing into your investment philosophy involves several key steps, but you don't have to navigate them alone. We can work through the process together.

The first step is identifying your core values and priorities. Reflect on the issues that matter most to you, such as environmental sustainability or social justice. Consider the causes you're passionate about and how they could align with your investment goals. Then, we can research and evaluate companies and funds demonstrating a verifiable commitment to those principles.

We’ll also work together to ensure you’re educated about the constantly evolving landscape of socially responsible investments and informed about the latest trends, developments, and best practices. Together, we can build a strategy that helps you work toward your financial goals and promotes a better, more sustainable future for yourself and your local and global communities.

If you want to start with impact investing, chat with your CCR financial professional today.