Sustainable Investment

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For years corporate America and NGOs have been funding "sustainability" programs. The metrics for measuring the outcomes of these environmental-oriented programs remain uncertain as is the ability of institutions to advance "sustainability" beyond charitable endeavors.

There are methods for going beyond "sustainability" programs by providing funding to social entrepreneurs who are dedicated to improving the environment. Social entrepreneurs use the proven techniques of the private sector to solve societal programs.

The ingenuity of social entrepreneurs may well result in environmental enhancement programs which are less directive and more efficient than those presently in existence.

A recent article in The Environmental Forum published by the Environmental Law Institute titled Accomplishment Beyond Dollars describes the noteworthy contributions made by several social, policy and environmental entrepreneurs. https://thecre.com/pdf/Tozzi_Levinson_Forum_2014_Jan-Feb.pdf

Funding of social entrepreneurship should be elevated to the levels it enjoys in many other countries. Financial support for social entrepreneurship is an attractive option for attaining the goals of "sustainability" programs but in a systematic and measured manner.