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ESG Investing: A growing strategy for socially responsible investing

Growing awareness around social and environmental issues and the way business are run is impacting the way people are choosing to invest their money. More and more, investors want their investment portfolio to align with their financial goals as well as their values. This is similar to other money decisions we make every day. For example, when we consider our personal spending and saving goals, we often align them with our priorities and what is important to us. This could be saving for a child’s education or putting money aside to fund our health goals.  

Making investment decisions by evaluating a company’s social impact and values is known as socially responsible investing (SRI). This can include researching a company or fund’s engagement in social causes, its clean energy initiatives, and its commitment to safe and equitable working conditions, just to name a few. Making a profit is only one goal of SRI. Investors following this strategy also want to impact and affect social change.

To help with investment decision-making, socially responsible investments are often considered and evaluated through an environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment strategy. While socially responsible investing and ESG investing may be used interchangeably at times, ESG investing is just one strategy to help investors evaluate companies and make socially responsible investment decisions that align with their values.  

In this guide, we take a closer look at the role ESG can play in socially responsible investing. 

What is ESG? 

ESG investment strategies help investors consider non-financial factors when evaluating an investment. Evaluating investments through an ESG lens can help an investor better understand a company’s strategy and exposure to certain risks. The popularity of ESG investment strategies is increasing as people (and the media) focus on topics such as climate action and social fairness.  

The table below details some of the factors that can be considered when applying an ESG investing strategy:

Environmental Social Governance
Effect on the environment (can include the good and bad actions and behaviours of a company) How a company deals with its employees, community, clients, suppliers, other stakeholders and society in general How a company is managed 
  • Climate change and green house gas emissions
  • Carbon footprint
  • Recycling programs
  • Water and waste disposal
  • Wind and solar energy
  • Use of environmentally friendly technologies and products
  • Diversity and equality in hiring
  • Treatment of employees (pay scales, perks or bonuses, training opportunities, staff turn-over)
  • Sexual harassment policies
  • Use of ethical products and services
  • Mission and value statements
  • Stance on social issues
  • Indigenous reconciliation and inclusion
  • How much executives get paid, including bonuses and perks
  • Diversity and inclusion within management
  • Staff and stakeholder communication
  • Conflict of interest procedures
  • Voting practices
  • Corruption and bribery

Using ESG Criteria

Here are some things to consider when adding ESG criteria to your SRI decisions:

  1. Gather any reports, statements and company research to help you get a clear picture of the company’s ESG stance. A great place to start is reading a company’s disclosure documents such as Sustainability Reports, financial statements and annual general meeting for shareholders reports, which may be found on the company or investment fund website. Always make sure the information comes from a respected and verified source.

  2. Be aware of “Greenwashing”. Greenwashing is when a company or organization presents exaggerated, false or misleading information to make it appear as though they are environmentally responsible or sustainable when that isn’t necessarily the case.

  3. When looking at company disclosure documents, consider whether the information is comparable with internationally known standards, such as those set by the International Sustainability Standards Board.

  4. Keep up to date on the company. Whether the information is good or bad, knowing what the world is saying about the company can help inform your decisions. Look for unbiased reporting on a company through industry reports or other publications.

  5. Seek help if needed. A registered investment advisor with ESG screening expertise can help you make informed decisions that match your goals and values. Before working with an advisor, check to see if they are registered with the Commission. To learn more about working with financial professionals, visit Commission's Working with an Advisor webpage.

  6. Take the time to do your research. If you are investing without the help of an advisor, you still need to do your research. Take the time to fully understand the investment, including the risks, before making any investment decisions.

  7. Be aware of frauds and scams. Scam artists may use a lot of buzz words, professional looking websites or falsified documentation to lend an air of legitimacy. Be wary of “too good to be true” opportunities presented as a sure thing.

What is the bottom line?

With more readily available information and the increased emphasis on companies making socially responsible decisions, investors are taking a more active role by choosing to invest in companies that reflect their moral stance. ESG investment strategies exist to help investors examine the values of the companies and organizations they invest in. Be wary of overly promotional marketing materials, and keep in mind that while companies and investment funds are not required to provide ESG related disclosure, they are required to provide accurate information that does not mislead potential investors.