As socially responsible investing gains momentum in the Canadian marketplace, the Investment Funds Institute of Canada is launching a two-part series of events on sustainability and its impacts on profitability.

The first event, taking place on June 23rd in Toronto, will focus on principles for identifying green investment prospects, knowing the difference between genuine and bogus green claims and the implications of greenwashing.

The event will feature Hadley Archer, vice-president of strategic partnerships at World Wildlife Fund Canada, Alice Fang, director of investment oversight and communication at ScotiaFunds and chair of IFIC’s Eco Efficiency Task Force, and Elizabeth McGeveran, senior vice-president of governance and sustainable investment at F&C Asset Management PLC.

“There are many options for today’s investors to support companies that are profiting from climate change and that are contributing to sustainable development, without compromising on performance,” commented Fang.

The event comes on the heels of a study this month by Hoggan & Associates showing strong interest among Canadians in socially responsible investing. More than 70% of the survey respondents said they believe companies that are socially responsible are more likely to be profitable over the long term, and half of respondents said they would seek out socially responsible companies when investing.

“Canadians believe a sustainable approach to business development is the way of the future,” said Nancy McHarg, vice-president at Hoggan & Associates.

A second IFIC event on saving money by greening operations is planned for the fall.