POTSDAM -- Clarkson University has committed $5 million of its endowment as an initial investment in a social responsibility fund.

The fund, managed by the Aperio Group, has a unique way of tailoring Clarkson's investments in a manner that matches the interests and values of the campus community, a news release from the university said. The effort contributes to Clarkson’s ongoing commitment to improve sustainability on campus, the statement said.

The intentionally designed endowment is a fairly new concept in academic portfolio management, according to the university’s release, involving aligning investment portfolios with institutional mission, values and sustainability goals, without sacrificing returns.

The new fund targets companies that have policies and products that are proactive from a socially responsible standpoint and excludes companies in business sectors that are not consistent with Clarkson's community values, the release said.

The university says positive attributes include pollution abatement, environmental innovations, human rights and climate change, while exclusions include businesses that promote tobacco, adult entertainment and animal testing. These attributes were identified based on a campus-wide survey that solicited the opinions of employees and students.

A wide range of companies are included in the new portfolio, including Microsoft, Apple, Walt Disney, Coca Cola and Verizon.

The initial investment represents approximately three percent of Clarkson's endowment.

To calm fears that socially responsible investments (SRI) result in reduced financial return, the university said its goal is to track the success of this investment for a sufficient time.

The university’s Statement of Investment Beliefs represents the understanding that these types of investments are indeed fiscally responsible and consistent with Clarkson's mission to support students as they enter the workforce, the university press release said.

"The Student Managed Investment Fund members work with the SRI committee to demonstrate the real impact students can have on the financial future of Clarkson," said Douglass Johnson, Clarkson MBA student and Student Managed Investment Fund member. "The committee asked for and used our input to make a significant investment decision that represents the Clarkson community. This involvement has increased my interest in the endowment's performance and the financial position of the University."