Research & Publications
The US SIF Foundation conducts research on a range of sustainable and responsible investment issues. A number of these reports are available below as free PDF downloads. Other US SIF publications can be ordered here.
Biennial Trends Reports
The Sustainable and Responsible Investing Trends in the United States series offers the definitive overview of the institutions, organizations and money managers that consider environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive societal impact. The most recent edition was published in November 2012. Click here to learn more.
The Sustainable and Responsible Investing Trends in the United States series offers the definitive overview of the institutions, organizations and money managers that consider environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive societal impact. The most recent edition was published in November 2012. Click here to learn more.
Other Reports
Lessons Learned: The Emerging Markets Disclosure Project, 2008-2012 (2012)
The Emerging Market Disclosure Project (EMDP), a five-year international initiative led by representatives from Boston Common Asset Management, Calvert Investments, US SIF and with advisory support from the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) worked to assess and improve corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG or sustainability) reporting in emerging markets. Readers will find a culmination of the group's baseline studies and advocacy work in Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and South Korea. Download free PDF
Options & Innovations in Community Investing (2012)
The Emerging Market Disclosure Project (EMDP), a five-year international initiative led by representatives from Boston Common Asset Management, Calvert Investments, US SIF and with advisory support from the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) worked to assess and improve corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG or sustainability) reporting in emerging markets. Readers will find a culmination of the group's baseline studies and advocacy work in Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and South Korea. Download free PDF
Options & Innovations in Community Investing (2012)
Based on current practice among fund managers, wealth advisors and consultants, this guide offers investors a practical guide to community investing. Readers will find resource links and options by asset class as well as an analysis of key issues that may influence the future of community development finance. Download Free PDF
Sustainability Trends in US Alternative Investments (2011)
In recent years, the market of alternative investment funds engaged in sustainable and responsible investing has expanded rapidly. This report provides a detailed snapshot of private equity and venture capital funds, property investment funds and hedge funds based in the United States that consider environmental, social and corporate governance criteria in fund management. It documents the growth in their numbers and assets from 2010 to 2011, and examines the networks and field-building organizations that have helped to facilitate growth in this field. Download Free Executive Summary | Order Full Report
Opportunities for Sustainable and Responsible Investing in US Defined Contribution Plans (2011)
This report finds that the number of defined contribution (DC) retirement plans in the United States offering a sustainable and responsible investing (SRI) choice could double in the next two to three years, based on a survey of hundreds of plan sponsors. The report includes a resource guide for plan sponsors interested in adding an SRI option. Order Full Report
Resource Guide for Plan Sponsors (2011)
This step-by-step guide assists plan sponsors considering the addition of a sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) option to their defined contribution (DC) retirement plan. The steps outlined in this guide will help sponsors demonstrate the feasibility of SRI as an investment option and address their situation-specific concerns about SRI. Download Free PDF
Creating a Sustainable World: A Guide to Responsible Stewardship of Tribal Assets (2010)
A resource guide on how American Indian financial portfolios can integrate sustainable and responsible investment strategies into the management of tribal and other Native organizational assets. Download Free PDF
Investment Consultants and Responsible Investing: Current Practices and Outlook in the United States (2009)
This report analyzes the results from a survey of US investment consultants about their clients' interest in investment strategies that consider corporate environmental, social or governance criteria in addition to traditional financial analysis, and how they are responding. Download Free PDF
Community Investing Toolkit for the Faith Community (2009)
The faith-based toolkit is an introductory guide to community investing featuring quick and efficient ways for faith-based investors to get involved in community investing. Download Free PDF | Order Printed Version
Mission in the Marketplace (2009)
A resource guide for foundations to manage risk and leverage their investment assets more fully with their core philanthropic purpose, while creating lasting value. Download Free PDF | Order Printed Version
Global Research and Resources
For a listing of responsible investment resources around the world, please view our Global SRI page.