The number of defined contribution plans offering a sustainable and responsible investing (SRI) choice could double in the next few years, according to a new study by the US SIF Foundation and Mercer.

The study, "Opportunities for Sustainable and Responsible Investing in US Defined Contribution Plans," points out that 14 percent of survey respondents already offer one or more SRI options, while an additional 13 percent said they are either discussing adding an SRI option or intend to do so in the next two or three years.

The report also found that four out of five plan sponsor respondents, or 84 percent, predict that demand for SRI options in retirement plans will increase or remain steady over the next five years. Plan sponsors who already offer SRI options say they do so to align their plans with their organizational missions and to meet employee demand.