|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The ethical investment sector has, of course, been around for a long time.
Commercially driven ethical investment funds have, on the other hand, only come to prominence during the current decade, mainly by heightened concern of pollution induced climate change. Coinciding with these increased concerns, commercially available ethical investment options have become more easily available, by specialist managers and by mainstream investment fund managers. It is true however, that Australia’s first identifiable ethical investment manager began operations in the mid to late 1980’s.
Evidence from research suggests that investments do not necessarily need to forgo returns when investing ethically. However there may be other risks such as country and industry size risks that should be considered prior to investing*. In fact we are now seeing public debate about considering imposing financial penalties or impositions on industries that are ‘dirty’ or inefficient in terms of both natural and human capital.
Sector reports and commentary, in a similar vein, is now being published by some of the leading fund managers and merchant banks both locally and internationally.
*(Evans, Guido, JASSA Issue 1, 2006)
Please refer to some of the reports attached for more detailed information.
1. From RIAA
www.responsibleinvestment.org/files/4G802MWSMG/RIAA%20Benchmark%20Report%202007%20FINAL.pdf
2. From the United Nations (Environment Program Finance Initiative) – UNEP FI
www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/Demystifying_Responsible_Investment_Performance_01.pdf
3. From Goldman Sachs
www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/summit2007/gs_esg_embargoed_until030707pdf.pdf
4. From AMP
www.ampcapital.com.au/_pdf/corporatecentre/sri/researchpapers/SRImedianstudy20071022.pdf
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
