1758
Slave trade prohibited
The Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) Philadelphia Yearly Meeting prohibits members from participating in the slave trade – buying or selling humans.
Early
1900s
Conscious investing begins
The Methodist Church begins investing in the stock market, and consciously avoiding companies involved in alcohol and gambling.
1950s
Nuclear power as ‘cutting edge technology’
Nuclear power is seen as the cutting edge technology and a solution to the increasing energy demands around the world.
1960s
Social investing becomes mainstream
Investors contribute to a variety of causes – women’s rights, civil rights and the anti-war movement.
1971
Ethical funds developed: Pax World Fund
One of the earliest ethical funds is developed. The Pax World Fund avoids investments in companies involved in the arms trade industry.
1974
Ethical-environmental banking begins in Europe
The first ethical-environmental bank in Europe is developed – GLS Gemeinschaftsbank.
1986
Chernobyl disaster
The most disastrous nuclear power plant accident in history occurs.
1987
Black Monday
Global stock market crash.
1989
Exxon Valdez oil spill, Alaska
10.8 million US gallons of crude oil spills off the coast of Alaska causing devastating environmental effects.
1999
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices created to track financial success of leading sustainability companies.
2001
The Green Economy rises
Companies and individuals are increasingly looking to associate with and invest in ‘green’ and environmentally conscious businesses. Companies heavily involved with the likes of nuclear power are being selectively screened out of ethical and green funds.
2005
Hurricane Katrina
Major weather events such as Hurricane Katrina point to changes in climate.
2006
Nobel Peace Prize recognises microfinance
The microfinance institute Grameen-Bank and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
2006
An Inconvenient Truth
Al Gore’s documentary on climate change is released causing people to reconsider how environmentally friendly their investments are.
2008
Subprime mortgage crisis begins
The subprime mortgage crisis begins in the US, with significant impacts continuing to 2012 and effects still prominent today.
2013
Rana Plaza building disaster, Bangladesh
Garment factory building collapses in Bangladesh killing 1,129 and injuring 2,500 more. Event triggers companies and individuals to re-consider involvement with companies that provide unsafe and poor working environments.
2015
Worldwide humanitarian crisis
Worldwide humanitarian crisis balloons with UN records identifying more than 65 million people as ‘forcibly displaced’.
2016
UN PRI’s 10th Anniversary
In its 10th anniversary year, the UN PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment) reaches 1,500 signatories.
2017
Candriam Academy opens
Candriam open an online Academy focused on teaching SRI.