Desjardins focuses on SRI

Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Group has launched three mutual funds focused on socially responsible investing (SRI). Two of these funds, Desjardins SocieTerra Environmental Bond Fund and Desjardins SocieTerra Cleantech Fund, are both the first of their kind in Canada, according to Desjardins. For example, the former fund invests in environment bonds issued by governments and corporations around the world. Investing in such bonds allows unitholders to help finance sustainable development initiatives or projects that are meant to offset climate change. Desjardins SocieTerra Cleantech Fund allows unitholders to invest in technologies and solutions focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, water-treatment pollution control, waste management, environmental services and sustainable agriculture. The third recently launched fund, Desjardins SocieTerra American Equity Fund, invests in U.S.-based companies that meet SRI’s environment, social and governance criteria. For full fund details, including fees, visit www.desjardins.com.

(fcollie@investmentexecutive.com)