Share

What is Real Impact?


As we’ve positioned ourselves in the impact investing space here at CoPeace, a common concern emerges in our conversations – How can CoPeace achieve real impact with its investments?

This is not a light question. Complex, systemic issues require attentive, holistic solutions. CoPeace attempts to address these issues through its growing portfolio of complementary subsidiaries, but how can we be sure we are producing real impact? 

We definitely know what “real” impact is not. If a fund claims to be socially-responsible fund, but includes a company like Exxon in its portfolio, then that fund is not an impact fund. We can also distinguish solving an issue from reducing the negative effects of an issue. A clothing company that uses 25% less nonrenewable materials in its products might be relatively more sustainable, but this does not address the core of the issue with the fast fashion industry. “Real” impact is not just doing less of the bad stuff!

CoPeace stringently screens potential holdings through our HEAD + HEART + MATH approach. We ensure each of our subsidiaries generates mission-driven, measurable impact. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corporation, CoPeace actively works to align its operations along themes of impact and radical transparency. CoPeace enables you to use your money to produce real impact without sacrificing financial return – you can grow your money for good.

Jacob Miller is a financial analyst at CoPeace. As a forward-thinking holding company, CoPeace is building a portfolio of carefully selected for-profit companies with measurable social and environmental impact. To learn more about impact investing, check out CoPeace’s Intro to Impact Investing.