What is sustainable investing?

According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), sustainable investing is on the rise worldwide, with assets under management have risen from $30.7 trillion to $35.3 trillion. Traditional forms of investing deliver value by translating investor capital into investment opportunities that present risks commensurate with expected returns. 

The idea behind sustainable investing is that it balances the concept of traditional investing with ESG insights to enhance long-term results, aligning closely with corporate sustainability goals. Sustainable investing is part of the evolution of investing, and challenging your capital based on ESG factors has a positive impact. Sustainable investing is predicted to become the norm, so if you plan to build a responsible business in the near future, it is vital to understand it better. 

About sustainable investing

Also commonly referred to as socially responsible investing, sustainable investing is the process of embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. Those who invest sustainably are deciding to back organisations to gain a financial return, as well as generate measurable environmental and social impact. 

The impacts spread across a wide range of industries, from climate change to renewable energy, community development, and much more. This form of investing allows individuals to choose social investments based on their personal values and beliefs. Offering sustainable investing opportunities allows firms to capture financial returns for clients but also recognise intrinsic returns that are not being replicated anywhere else. These returns result in deeper connections between the clients and their investing habits, which establishes long-term customer appetite. 

There are three essential components of green investing. These include that it is additive to asset management theory and does not refer to a rejection of foundational ideas. Additionally, that it creates deeper insights concerning how value will be established going forward utilising ESG considerations and sustainable investing considers various stakeholders, consistent with how companies are growing and developing.

Why is socially responsible investing important? 

It is no wonder why more individuals are looking into more socially responsible ways to invest their money. There is an increased awareness of the environmental and social issues we are currently facing, and people want to take action and have a positive impact. According to a Morgan Stanley study, millennial investors are almost twice as likely to invest in businesses or funds that target specific environmental or social outcomes. Millennials are accumulating wealth, and firms need to respond to this by shifting their investment strategies to incorporate the desires of socially responsible investors. 

By investing in businesses that put not only their customers on the priority list, but also the planet, you can help ethically driven businesses and societies develop, grow, and spark change. Sustainable investing is on the rise, and it is a good thing because sustainable investing has huge potential when it comes to climate change and social justice. It can both mitigate investment risk and aid companies in taking active roles in these key issues. Investors can leverage their funds to alter business priorities and boost awareness of ESG issues. 

Summary

Sustainable investing couldn’t make more sense in today’s climate where customers are demanding businesses take climate action. However, adapting to a sustainable investing environment, a key aspect of business sustainability, will be a challenge for organisations and require changes to the existing technology, processes, and culture. In saying that, it is a challenge worth taking for the benefits it reaps for businesses, members of society, and the planet.