As National Ethical Investment Week kicks off, we ask whether ethics matters to you when it comes to money.
This week is National Ethical Investment Week, a week dedicated to championing the ‘sustainable and ethical’ options we can make with our money.
It’s a lovely idea, promoting ways to make a bit of money while feeling good about doing so. Firms that want to take part have to meet certain conditions; looking through the list of supporting organisations there are some well-known names in there, like Aviva, F&C Investments and Skandia.
There are all sorts of events taking place (mostly in London, it must be said) covering topics like Climate-Conscious Investing: Exploring the Options for Foundations and Finance: What’s Faith Got To Do With It?
According to those behind the campaign, fund managers handling ethical investments tend to look at four key areas.
Ethical
Tends to refer to ‘values’ based issues, so will mean not investing in tobacco, armaments, alcohol and pornography.
Social
Issues that relate to people, covering areas like human rights, labour standard, child labour and the food supply chain.
Environmental
Refers to how firms deal with existing or emerging environmental challenges and opportunities. So things like climate change, pollution and waste management are considered.
Governance
This covers the management of the company that you may invest in. What’s its board structure like, what bonus payments are in place, is there any question of bribery or corruption?
All of this raises the question, how important is ethics when it comes to your money? Do you care if your money is invested in unethical firms? Let us know what you think by voting in the poll and adding your comments below.
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