First coined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) in 1987, sustainable development is economic development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainable development recognizes that sustained economic growth is not possible without consideration of environmental and social inputs and impacts.
Based on rigorous financial analysis, sustainable investing applies additional environmental or social criteria to the selection of potential investments. This additional level of analysis allows Acuity to identify hidden value and risks that are not necessarily fully recognized in the investment community. We believe that those companies that perform well across this broader range of criteria are also more likely to have strong business models over the long term.
As a pioneer in this field, Acuity Investment Management has assessed the market value implications of environmental issues since 1991 within its Acuity Clean Environment Fund. With the launch of the Acuity Social Values Mutual funds in 2000, Acuity also offers a vehicle that allows investors to apply wider social criteria to the investment decision making process.
©2008 Acuity Funds Ltd.
