1. What is SRI, and why is it important? SRI (Sustainable and Responsible Investment) is investing that is mindful of the impact those investments have on society. SRI traditionally combines investors' financial objectives with their concerns about environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. SRI is an evolving movement, whose most recent development is based on a growing awareness by the population, investors, companies and governments of the impact of ESG risks on long-term issues ranging from sustainable development to long-term corporate performance.

2. What is "sustainable and responsible"? Companies that exhibit sustainable and responsible behavior are committed to good practices within one or more of the factors listed below:

• Corporate governance/board membership
• Sustainability and related reporting
• Political involvement
• Intellectual property
• Business risk assessment + Reputation risk assessment
• Procurement policy and practice
• Environmental and social impact of products
• Environmental and social management
• Environmental and social performance
• Compliance with ESG regulation
• Human Resources management
• Worker's/Contractor's rights
• Socio-Economic impacts in developing countries
• Community involvement
• Social-ethical or moral issues

3. How does Eurosif discern what is "sustainable and responsible" and what's not? The criteria used to determine which investments qualify as sustainable and  responsible vary greatly. The stringency with which these criteria are applied also varies significantly across investments. Eurosif is not a consulting agency. Eurosif provides an independent voice for those parties interested in the SRI market. Eurosif has two main roles: (1) to provide an international forum to help groups work together on issues facing SRI and Corporate Governance, and (2) to collect input from members and communicate their ideas to European policy makers, including the European Commission and the European Parliament.

4. Some companies exhibit great SRI potential (such as environmental guidelines), while lacking in others (such as ignoring child labor laws.) How does Eurosif treat these instances? Are these companies lumped with SRI? Again, Eurosif does not advise on or consult with regard to investing in specific companies or industries that exhibit SRI. For a list of research and rating agencies dedicated to SRI, please visit our SRI Links page as well as our Member Affiliates page.

5. Does Eurosif invest in companies directly? No. Eurosif only promotes, advocates, and facilitates the expansion of socially responsible investment across Europe.

6. Who can join Eurosif? Only national SIFs are members of Eurosif; however organisations can join as member affiliates provided the future member affiliate is a member of its local national SIF. Eurosif is a group comprised of different institutional member affiliates. Although many of the member affiliates come from investment houses, membership is open to trade unions, academic institutions, pension funds, research associations, consulting agencies, NGO's and more. Please see our list of member affiliates and Join Eurosif for more information.

7. What are the real benefits of affiliate membership? Benefits to Eurosif member affiliates include, but are not limited to:

• An insiders view on EU lobbying efforts and key information about recent EU developments.
• Privileged access to current research on legislation, policies and practices for the integration of social, environmental and ethical issues into European financial services.
• Numerous possibilities to participate in various pan European initiatives with Eurosif and other members.
• Timely communications on the state of SRI across Europe and invitations to international events.

8. Is SRI really profitable? Several contradictory studies have been published, most of which deal with SRI fund performance. They reveal that SRI can perform better or worse than non-SRI funds. Taking into consideration the factors such as market fluctuations and sustainability, Eurosif believes that in the long-term, sustainable and  responsible investments perform profitably.

9. How much does affiliate membership cost? Eurosif assigns one-year membership fees based on organisation type and local SIF membership. For details please visit our fee section.

10. What is a SIF? Sustainable Investment Forums exist in countries across the world to promote SRI through lobbying, public awareness campaigns, and dialogue facilitation. Within Europe, the following SIFs have been created: UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Norway.

11. Who are the leaders by company/country of the SRI platform? To best answer this question please contact the National Sustainable Investment Forums directly: http://www.eurosif.org/network/sifs

12. What is the relationship between Eurosif and the SIFs in Europe/the world? Eight  of the European SIF’s form the Board of Eurosif, representing their country's agenda within the organisation. Eurosif has positioned itself as the umbrella organisation for national SIFs across the European continent. Eurosif also holds informal networking meetings with SIFs around the world (USA, Canada, Asia, Australia) on a regular basis.

13. How do Eurosif's activities directly affect EU policy? Eurosif has a network of close contacts, institutional and individual, across Europe. The work Eurosif carries out impacts the crafting of legislative policy, and ultimately shapes the approved legislation.

14. What is the difference between a Directive, Recommendation, Policy and an Action Plan at the EU?

1. Directive - becomes law across the EU. Nation states have two years to enact the directive into local law.
2. Recommendation - voluntary. EU advises the best course of action - not mandated.
3. Policy - written law.
4. Action plan - policy work programme. Time sequence planned of a series of steps: directives, policy, recommendations.

15. Where do you see the SRI market going in 5 yrs? In 10 yrs? The continuing ‘mainstreaming’ of this sector means that the market is in a state of continued and dynamic change. Please refer to our SRI studies for more specific information.

16. Who runs Eurosif? Eurosif was established in 2001 as a non-profit foundation. Since 2004 it is a French association (under the French 1901 Association law) based in Paris. Its governing body is a Board of Directors composed of representatives from national SIFs.

17. How is Eurosif funded? By Affiliate Membership fees and public body grants, such as the European Commission or private foundations.