The term ‘Socially Responsible Investing' or SRI describes an investment strategy which combines making money while doing some social good. Socially responsible investors are keen on corporate practices that are kind to the environment, and which are kind to people – by way of fair wages and work conditions.

The growth of the socially responsible funds and green investing has been impressive. From increased alternative energy and global warming legislation - - to new developments in nanotech-based solar technology and hybrid electric cars - - there's a laundry list of new things to look at in the coming months. Lin Xueling speaks to two people who shed more light on the topic.

A recent survey of wealthy individuals and corporate clients in Asia done by one major bank, showed eight in ten were considering investing in a ‘green investment product' in the next 12 months, while four in ten said they would allocate up to 10 percent of their funds to such products.

Are green funds are only for the virtuous and the rich? How can you invest smart and green?  

It's still debatable how profitable green investing will be in the long run. To start off with, many green funds haven't been around for long, so there isn't much of past track record to check on. And the really cutting edge funds – which invest in very new unproven technologies – are by their very nature - a riskier bet.

So even though it may be very ‘trendy' to invest in green funds and stocks, their returns may not be as attractive as the idea of saving the planet . So the usual sensible rules apply – if you want to “do good” with your dollar – check the under the bonnet of the fund before investing.