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Responsible investment (RI) has been around in one form or another for over 30 years. But interest has boomed in recent years. Climate change, corruption, cyber security and a lack of gender diversity in companies are some of the concerns that have prompted many of us to think about changing the way we live our lives and how we invest.

In fact, data shows that more than US$35.3 trillion was invested in RI around the world at the start of 2020. That's a 15 percent increase in two years. And in Canada, RI rose 48 percent between 2018 and 2020. Likewise, in the U.S., RI rose 42 percentCanada is now the market with the highest proportion of sustainable investment assets

What is responsible investment?

RI can be used as an umbrella term related to a number of investment strategies.

responsible investment esg umbrella en

Environmental

  • climate change
  • greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
  • resource depletion, including water
  • waste and pollution
  • deforestation

Social

  • working conditions, including modern slavery and child labour
  • impact on local communities, including Indigenous communities
  • conflict
  • health and safety
  • employee relations and diversity

Governance

  • executive pay
  • bribery and corruption
  • political lobbying and donations
  • board diversity and structure
  • tax strategy

2. ESG screening and exclusion

This may also be referred to as socially responsible investing (SRI) or investing in line with your values. Based on ESG criteria, investors screen specific companies or sectors in (positive screening) or out (exclusionary screening) of a portfolio. As of 2020, almost US$15 trillion in assets around the world were invested into funds employing exclusionary screening.2  

3. Thematic ESG investing

This can also fall under ESG screening and exclusion (or SRI) and involves investing in assets related to a particular ESG-related theme or looking to address a specific social or environmental issue such as gender diversity or fossil fuel free.

4. Impact investing

Here the focus is on investing in companies and projects that intend to generate a measurable positive social or environmental impact – alongside a financial return. For example, an investor seeking returns could invest their capital in a project that assists underserved communities through support for low- and moderate-income home buyers, affordable rental housing units, small business administration loans and economic development.

According to a 2021 survey by the Responsible Investment Association, 73% of respondents reported an interest in RI. That’s a jump from 2018, when 60% of respondents expressed interest. Of all the generations of investors, young people (18-35 years old) remain at the forefront of RI, with 80% reporting interest in RI.3 This trend signals a bright future for responsible investment. Millennials’ incomes are rising. And, they are poised to inherit US$30 trillion in the decades ahead.4

1Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, Global Sustainable Investment Review, 2020
2Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, Global Sustainable Investment Review, 2020
3Responsible Investment Association, Investor Opinion Survey, 2020
4The Globe and Mail, The great generational wealth transfer is under way, March 12, 2021.

To learn more about responsible investment, click here.

Disclosure

Last reviewed: January 1, 2023

This has been provided by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM) and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial or other advice and such information should not be relied upon for providing such advice. RBC GAM takes reasonable steps to provide up-to-date, accurate and reliable information, and believes the information to be so when provided. Information obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable but RBC GAM and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered. RBC GAM reserves the right at any time and without notice to change, amend or cease publication of the information.