Today, we are riding a green wave of awareness and discovery about environmental and social issues. The revolution in hybrid cars, boom in the organic and wellness industry, development of clean energy and water alternatives paint a green picture of a new society brought about by our concerns for our planet and the future of our environment.
Americans are changing their habits as the message to go green is now woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, long after the message was shouted by only a few who were thought to be on the fringes of society. These new practices are expanding awareness of the many changes that are in store for us as sustainable living picks up momentum and becomes more mainstream.
Sustainable investing has the potential to drive the next wave of entrepreneurs and high-growth companies. Demand for socially responsible companies, combating climate change and energy independence supports a broader scope of sustainable investing.
Increasingly, investors are making investment choices that align with their own personal convictions and investing in a way that promotes greater corporate responsibility. As a result, investors are paying close attention to the environmental, social and governance issues (known as ESG factors) that underpin the philosophy of socially responsible investing (SRI) and sustainability, such as:
*Commitment to sound environmental practices,
*Products that are both green and safe to use,
*Good employer-employee relations and employer-community relations,
*Citizen-friendly policies in the region of operation, and
*Track record of political stability and respect for human rights.
According to a recent report from the Sustainable Investment Research Analyst Network (SIRAN), part of the Social Investment Forum (SIF), the number of S&P 100 companies producing sustainability reports with performance data jumped by more than a third in the past year with more announcing their intent. Moreover, almost all companies in the S&P 100 now provide at least some sustainability information on their Web sites. This growth in reporting and transparency confirms that investors are looking for solid ESG performance in valuing companies and that companies are willing to comply. Nearly 12.2 percent of the $25.2 trillion in total assets under professional management tracked by Thomas Reuters Nelson is involved in some strategy of socially responsible investing.
There is no need to sacrifice potential solid performance in a desire to be a socially responsible investor. A recent research analysis report from A.T. Kearney produces convincing evidence that companies committed to corporate sustainability practices are achieving above-average performance in the financial markets.
Despite today's economic hardships and uncertainties, or perhaps because of them, Americans' creativity and entrepreneurial energy are pushing us into a new green world designed to grow sustainable practices and renewable resources.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is committed to assisting members to grow green and sustainable businesses. The Chamber, on the leading edge in this rapidly growing movement, issues a Green Checklist Certificate to businesses that meet specific requirements to be certified as socially, environmentally and economically responsible. The three levels of certification are Silver, Gold and Platinum and are awarded according to a point system.
The Sustainability Committee of the Chamber holds monthly workshops for its members featuring dynamic speakers and environmental professionals to share the latest information. The Chamber's Carlsbad Business Journal features Green Spotlight, a monthly article that addresses the latest green topics. Call the Chamber for workshop dates where you can learn how your company could benefit from this program or visit the Web site www.carlsbad.org for more information.
Many of the businesses in the Chamber are engaged in this green revolution, and you can be, too. Attend the Chamber's annual Business is Green Expo on Wednesday, March 16, from 2 until 6 p.m. at the Windmill Banquet & Catering, where many green products and services will be showcased. Call 760-931-8400 for information.
Americans are changing their habits as the message to go green is now woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, long after the message was shouted by only a few who were thought to be on the fringes of society. These new practices are expanding awareness of the many changes that are in store for us as sustainable living picks up momentum and becomes more mainstream.
Sustainable investing has the potential to drive the next wave of entrepreneurs and high-growth companies. Demand for socially responsible companies, combating climate change and energy independence supports a broader scope of sustainable investing.
Increasingly, investors are making investment choices that align with their own personal convictions and investing in a way that promotes greater corporate responsibility. As a result, investors are paying close attention to the environmental, social and governance issues (known as ESG factors) that underpin the philosophy of socially responsible investing (SRI) and sustainability, such as:
*Commitment to sound environmental practices,
*Products that are both green and safe to use,
*Good employer-employee relations and employer-community relations,
*Citizen-friendly policies in the region of operation, and
*Track record of political stability and respect for human rights.
According to a recent report from the Sustainable Investment Research Analyst Network (SIRAN), part of the Social Investment Forum (SIF), the number of S&P 100 companies producing sustainability reports with performance data jumped by more than a third in the past year with more announcing their intent. Moreover, almost all companies in the S&P 100 now provide at least some sustainability information on their Web sites. This growth in reporting and transparency confirms that investors are looking for solid ESG performance in valuing companies and that companies are willing to comply. Nearly 12.2 percent of the $25.2 trillion in total assets under professional management tracked by Thomas Reuters Nelson is involved in some strategy of socially responsible investing.
There is no need to sacrifice potential solid performance in a desire to be a socially responsible investor. A recent research analysis report from A.T. Kearney produces convincing evidence that companies committed to corporate sustainability practices are achieving above-average performance in the financial markets.
Despite today's economic hardships and uncertainties, or perhaps because of them, Americans' creativity and entrepreneurial energy are pushing us into a new green world designed to grow sustainable practices and renewable resources.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is committed to assisting members to grow green and sustainable businesses. The Chamber, on the leading edge in this rapidly growing movement, issues a Green Checklist Certificate to businesses that meet specific requirements to be certified as socially, environmentally and economically responsible. The three levels of certification are Silver, Gold and Platinum and are awarded according to a point system.
The Sustainability Committee of the Chamber holds monthly workshops for its members featuring dynamic speakers and environmental professionals to share the latest information. The Chamber's Carlsbad Business Journal features Green Spotlight, a monthly article that addresses the latest green topics. Call the Chamber for workshop dates where you can learn how your company could benefit from this program or visit the Web site www.carlsbad.org for more information.
Many of the businesses in the Chamber are engaged in this green revolution, and you can be, too. Attend the Chamber's annual Business is Green Expo on Wednesday, March 16, from 2 until 6 p.m. at the Windmill Banquet & Catering, where many green products and services will be showcased. Call 760-931-8400 for information.