Dollars & Change Episode 8

Navigating the Future of Sustainable Investing with the Creator of the CSRIC® Designation, Jenny Coombs

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In the latest episode of Dollars & Change: The Experts Guide to Sustainable & Responsible Investing, Peter Krull has the pleasure of speaking with Jenny Coombs, a pivotal figure in sustainable investing and the creator of The Chartered SRI CounselorSM (CSRIC®). This exciting episode was recorded at the ESG for Impact! conference and not only marks the fifth anniversary of the CSRIC® designation, but also explores the evolution and impact of sustainable investing education.

Jenny Coombs currently serves as the Director of Client Success at Ethos ESG. Her career transitioned from equity research to a steadfast commitment to sustainable investing. Encountering the ethical challenge of endorsing securities that clashed with her principles, Coombs decisively shifted her career path in 2015 towards exclusively championing sustainable investment practices. This pivotal change propelled her move to Colorado, where she came up with the idea for the CSRIC® designation, thereby enriching the educational framework for financial advisors intent on sustainable and responsible investing.

Coombs details the genesis of the CSRIC® program, from its initial conception to its current iteration, emphasizing the need for standardization and critical examination within the industry. She highlights the challenges and successes of implementing such a program, noting its substantial growth—over 1,300 registrations in five years—and its critical role in shaping the future of sustainable investing.

A central theme of the discussion was the acknowledgment of the shifting dynamics within the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing sphere, underscoring the significance of impactful reporting and the continuous efforts toward achieving industry standardization. Coombs fervently advocated for the crucial role that education plays in nurturing a new generation of advisors and investors who are deeply committed to the principles of responsible investment practices.

As the conversation concludes, Coombs shares her optimism for the future, anchored in the awareness and action of younger generations. Despite the daunting challenges posed by climate change and other global issues, Coombs’ hope lies in the determination of those who inherit the responsibility to enact change. This episode not only celebrates a milestone for the CSRIC® designation but also serves as a testament to the power of education and commitment in driving the sustainable investing movement forward.

If you are interested in learning more about The Chartered SRI CounselorSM (CSRIC®), listen to the full episode here.

If you haven’t had the chance, be sure to catch our previous episodes with our distinguished guests:

We value your insights and welcome suggestions for future podcast guests. Please share your feedback with us at info@earthequityadvisors.com.

 

Be good. Invest better.

The Earth Equity Team.