UK: EIRIS launches directory of ethical funds

Global Sustainable Investment specialists EIRIS today launched a new UK Ethical Funds Directory to help consumers and financial advisers find a green or ethical fund which matches their ethical interests and concerns.

EIRIS? free directory offers clear, comparable information on each of the UK ethical and green retail funds currently available. The directory includes detailed information on each fund?s ethical investment strategy, positive and negative screening criteria, voting and engagement policy and approach, research resources, fund manager contact details and links to further information. The directory also includes a guide to green and ethical issues which explains some of the key issues most commonly covered by ethical funds.

Increasing interest in green and ethical issues like climate change, poverty, fair trade and human rights continues to drive demand for ethical investment. As at December 2007, EIRIS estimates there was around £8 billion invested ethically in the UK and the number of green and ethical funds was fast approaching 100 – a decade ago there were just a couple of dozen.

The last few years have seen the universe of UK ethical retail funds expand considerably. This has led to increased diversity, with more fixed income products now available and also new thematic funds with a focus on issues like climate change, renewable energy and sustainable investment and even an expanded range of products for Islamic investors.

?Over the last few years we?ve seen a huge increase in the amount of money invested ethically, with many more Britons doing their bit by choosing ethical options when managing their finances? said Mark Robertson, EIRIS? spokesperson. ?The number of green and ethical investment options is growing all the time and there's more choice available to now than ever before. EIRIS? new Ethical Funds Directory will help investors understand what?s on offer and help them to find an ethical fund appropriate to their financial needs.?

Consumer demand for ethical investment is expect to continue throughout 2008 and will be boosted by the UK?s first ever National Ethical Investment (18-24 May) which aims to encourage everyone to consider green and ethical options for their investments.

More info:
www.eiris.org