Sustainable Investments Conference Explores Ethical Strategies for Growth

Finding long-term economic growth without compromising ethics was the subject of discussion at the Sustainable Investments Conference sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and held in Chicago on October 13 at the Intercontinental Hotel.

The conference brought cutting edge sustainable investing techniques to managers of diocesan, non-profit and charitable portfolios. Presenters included key people in the world of sustainable investing, including: Joel Shapiro of Timbervest, Luther Ragin of the Global Impact Investing Network, Noel Friedman of MSCI, Mary Jane McQuillen of Clearbridge Advisors, Brian Corbett of Carlyle Partners, and Anthony Minopoli of Knights of Columbus.

Among other topics, speakers addressed the nature of sustainable investing, screening methods, sustainable public equity investing, sustainable fixed income investing, timber investing, and the intersection between Catholic social teaching and sustainable investing.

Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., addressed the conference attendees early in the program.

The conference was the initiative of Supreme Carl A.  Anderson. “At the World Economic Forum, I have watched for several years as sustainable investing has become an increasing topic of discussion, and I believe those principles are of considerable importance to anyone who wants to maintain profitability and ethics,” he said. “The Knights of Columbus has long used a sustainable investing model.  Even during difficult economic times, this approach has helped us to consistently grow our portfolio and remain recognized for excellence, with no other insurer in the United States having a higher rating than we do.”