Eco Business - Our economy is an integral part of our ecology and the business of fair and responsible trading in the fruits of the earth is the foundation of a healthy society. Our Eco Business section explores Eco Innovations that can make a positive difference to your life. We examine new Eco Technologies that can change the way we live and work in our society. We explore developing Trends in business and in the eco products and services market place. We profile an Eco Business in each issue which is leading the way in its field of enterprise. We look at various ways to add green to both ways of doing business and to the bottom line. We look at ethical and Eco Investing as a means to securing sustainable income that make more than sense. The way we work is very much part of the way we live and the way we treat the planet. The economic future belongs to sustainable businesses. In this section we can help business become part of the solution and true environmental leaders.
Socially Responsible Investment
Written by Dean Whalen
Many investors would like to increase their wealth while at the same time helping to create a better world. This is possible through investment funds that are designed to invest in companies that pass stringent criteria in environmental, social, and ethical action.
Known as “Socially Responsible” or “Sustainable” amongst many descriptions, these funds invest in companies that have high standards in these areas. For more information check out the links below.
Canada has high quality funds with excellent managers who are responsible to ensure that the investments follow the “socially responsible” and “sustainable” mandates they have been assigned. There are differences amongst these investment funds that you need to understand. Some investment funds are leaders in shareholder activism, some dedicate part of their investments toward “Microfinance”. Some invest in Canada and some invest Globally.
The right investment advisors can help you invest in the funds that most closely mirror your personal objectives, both financially and socially; investments that reflect your values; investments to create a world of abundance and prosperity for all.
Socially responsible investment includes six components:
● Screening based on exclusionary or inclusionary criteria, such as tobacco, alcohol, environmental performance, human rights violations, community involvement and employee relations. This is the application of pre-determined social or environmental values to investment selection.
● Stock portfolio analysis and management based on social responsibility and/or sustainability policies, integrating social and sustainability indicators with traditional financial analysis. It incorporates social and sustainability analysis to inform the investment decision-making process without necessarily screening out particular holdings based on pre-determined social or sustainability choices.
● Shareholder advocacy and corporate engagement strategies, which involve the use of shareholder power to influence corporate behavior through corporate communication, shareholder proposals, proxy voting policies and divestment.
● Community investment, which is the placement of capital into local loan or equity vehicles targeting community development or serving low-income or disadvantaged groups.
● Socially responsible lending, which is a unique form of lending in which prospective borrowers are subjected to social and environmental screens.
● Sustainable venture capital, which is the placement of funds – primarily private investments outside the public markets – in start-up firms and small businesses that produce products or services that optimize the use of natural resources while reducing environmental impact.
Socially Responsible Investment is a useful tool to accomplish your investment goals while incorporating social and environmental factors that act as a catalyst for positive social change. SRI can help you invest in the funds that most closely mirror your personal objectives, both financially and socially; investments that reflect your values; investments to create a world of abundance and prosperity for all.
An important part of “SRI” investing is education. The following links are provided to help you understand more about this type of investing, the issues, the organizations and the people involved.
This Story Was Written By Dean Whalen President of Lighthouse Money Management
Builders and renovators face barriers in the shift to sustainability
Written by Jim Verzino
Certainly price is one of the issues that these dedicated green businesspeople have to overcome, but price is just the tip of the iceberg. Resistance from neighbors, zoning boards, employees and subcontractors are just as difficult to surmount and time-consuming.
Just ask Michael Strong, owner of Greenhaus Builders, Houston's leading green builder.
Ray Anderson Lead Business Down A Sustainable Path
Written by The Editor
Ray Anderson passed on recently and we lost a great business leader that showed us all that a greener business can be a better busness that shows improved performance on multiple bottom lines. He earned the SLM Green Hero Award for his work on sustainable busness.
Known for his advanced and progressive stance on industrial ecology and sustainability Ray Anderson was described by many as the greenest CEO in North America. A pioneer and visionary, Ray has lead the way by not only transforming his successful carpet and floor covering company into one of the most sustainable corporations in existence but also by actively sharing his experience with other organizations and government. We owe Ray a debt of gratitude for setting an example of what can be done to create sustainable organisations that make sence.Sixteen Tips for a Greener Workplace
Written by Contributor
Without reinventing the wheel, here are some simple things you can do to make your workplace greener:
2. Avoid printing and copying whenever possible. Always think – do I really need a hard copy of this? If you have to copy and print, use both sides of the paper.
Recycling Electronic Equipment
Written by Contributor
