In Germany, the environmental movement is one important factor that has fostered the growth of the SRI market. Climate change has especially led to a growing awareness that ecological disasters could also lead to high financial costs. At the same time, the impact of investments themselves on the environment and climate change has helped to promote sustainable investments within the last years.
In terms of the evolution of the SRI market in Germany, which dates back to the ecological and pacifist movement in the 1970's, institutional investors like churches and foundations have played an important role. Today, asset managers are becoming increasingly aware of the relevance of SRI, so they offer a widespread range of sustainable investment products.
Some facts about the German SRI management market (as of 31/12/2009):
- SRI Market Size: €12.2 billion Core SRI; €0.7 billion Broad SRI
- SRI Institutional Market Size: estimated at 55% of the SRI market
- Influential actors: foreign FSP, religious organisations, NGOs
- Leading Strategies: Norms- and values-based exclusions, Best-in-Class and engagement
- Legal Milestones: disclosure regulations for pension funds (2002-2004)
- SIF (yes/no): Yes, Sustainable Investment Forum FNG since 2001
For more information on SRI in German speaking countries please visit: www.forum-ng.org
Download the German section of Eurosif's European SRI Study 2010.
