The Financial Advisor Roadmap Series is part of US SIF’s broader initiative to equip the financial services industry with high-quality, accessible resources that foster informed decision-making and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy. It was developed with input from industry experts and financial advisor editors and is free to access as part of US SIF’s commitment to advancing sustainable investing education throughout the United States.
From Part I of the Roadmap Series –
Foundational pillars of Modern Responsible Business & Sustainable Investing Practices:
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – originated in the mid-20th century as businesses began recognizing their broader social and environmental impacts, moving beyond purely profit driven objectives. Sparked by rising consumer activism, civil rights movements, and environmental awareness, early CSR focused on philanthropy and ethical obligations before evolving into a more strategic approach to stakeholder and societal responsibility.
• Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) – originated in the early 2000s as investors sought a more structured framework to evaluate corporate performance beyond financial metrics. Its roots trace back to socially responsible investing and were formalized by initiatives like the 2004 UN Global Compact’s “Who Cares Wins” report, which linked ESG factors to long-term financial performance and risk management.
• Sustainability – The concept of sustainability originated in the 1970s as growing environmental concerns and resource scarcity highlighted the need for balancing economic development with ecological protection. It was formally defined by the 1987 Brundtland Commission’s report, Our Common Future, which framed sustainability as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.
• Purpose Driven Organization – The idea of purpose-driven organizations emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s as companies began shifting from a purely profit-focused model toward aligning business strategies with broader social and environmental values. Influenced by stakeholder theory and rising consumer demand for corporate responsibility, purpose-driven organizations position their mission and impact at the core of decision-making to create long-term value for both business and society.
Download Part I of the Financial Advisor Roadmap Series here.
About US SIF
US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment is the leading voice advancing sustainable investing across all asset classes. US SIF and its members champion investment practices that generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. Through education, resources, and advocacy, US SIF empowers investors and financial professionals to drive change and shape a more sustainable economy.