The Future of Sustainable Investing: What Investors Need to Know About ESG and Impact Investing

As climate change, social inequality, and corporate governance issues continue to dominate the headlines, investors increasingly seek to put their money to work in companies that prioritise sustainability and responsibility. Two popular strategies for doing so are ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing and impact investing. We explore what these approaches entail, how they differ, and what investors should consider when incorporating them into their portfolios: the Future of Sustainable Investing.

What is ESG Investing?

ESG investing is a strategy that involves evaluating companies based on their environmental, social, and governance practices. These factors are considered alongside traditional financial metrics to understand better a company’s overall performance and potential risks and opportunities.

Environmental factors include a company’s carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and waste reduction efforts. Social factors include the company’s labour practices, diversity and inclusion policies, and community engagement. Finally, governance factors include executive compensation practices, board diversity, and shareholder rights.

Investors who embrace ESG investing believe that companies with substantial environmental, social, and governance practices are more likely to be successful over the long term. They may also think these companies are better positioned to manage risks, attract and retain top talent, and foster positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and regulators.

ESG investing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more investors seeking to align their portfolios with their values and priorities. According to Morningstar, global assets in ESG funds reached a record $1.7 trillion in 2020, up from $617 billion five years earlier.

What is Impact Investing?

While ESG investing evaluates companies based on their sustainability practices, impact investing takes a more proactive approach. Impact investors seek out companies and organisations working to address specific social and environmental challenges and invest in them to generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental outcomes.

Impact investing can take many forms, from investing in companies developing clean energy technologies to supporting community development projects in underserved areas. Investors invest with the explicit goal of creating a measurable, positive impact and generating financial returns.

Impact investing has also seen significant growth in recent years. The Global Impact Investing Network estimates that over 1,720 impact investors manage over $700 billion in assets.

What are the Differences Between ESG and Impact Investing?

While ESG and impact investing share some similarities, there are essential differences between the two approaches.

ESG investing focuses on evaluating companies based on their sustainability practices, while impact investing focuses on investing in companies and projects that work towards creating positive social or environmental outcomes, making it a critical difference between the two approaches.

Another difference is that ESG investing is typically integrated into a broader investment strategy, while impact investing is often more targeted and intentional. For example, when evaluating a company’s overall financial health, investors may consider ESG factors but make impact investments to support a particular cause or mission.

Lastly, while many mainstream investors have embraced ESG investing, impact investing is often associated with more niche or specialised investors with a specific interest in using their capital to drive social or environmental change.

What Should Investors Consider When Incorporating ESG and Impact Investing Into Their Portfolios?

As interest in ESG and impact investing continues growing, more and more investors are looking to incorporate these approaches into their portfolios. Here are some key factors to consider when doing so:

Clarify Your Goals and Priorities

Before incorporating ESG or impact investments into your portfolio, clarifying your goals and priorities is essential. For example, do you want to prioritise environmental sustainability? Social justice? Good governance? Or some combination of these factors? By identifying your preferences, you can ensure that your investments align with your values and goals.

Conduct Thorough Due Diligence

Whether considering an ESG or impact investment, conducting thorough due diligence is essential to ensure that the acquisition aligns with your goals and priorities and is financially sound. This may involve researching the company’s sustainability practices, analysing its financial statements and performance metrics, and evaluating potential risks or opportunities.

Consider Diversification

As with any investment strategy, it’s important to consider diversification when incorporating ESG or impact investments into your portfolio. By spreading your assets across various companies and sectors, you can reduce your exposure to individual risks and increase your potential for long-term returns.

Understand the Potential Trade-Offs

It’s important to understand that ESG and impact investing may involve some trade-offs. For example, a company with strong environmental practices may be less profitable in the short term, or an impact investment may carry higher risks than a more traditional investment. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh these potential trade-offs against your goals and priorities and make informed investment decisions accordingly.

Seek Out Professional Guidance

Finally, if you’re considering incorporating ESG or impact investments into your portfolio, seeking professional guidance from a financial advisor specialising in these approaches may be helpful. A knowledgeable advisor can help you identify potential opportunities and risks, clarify your goals and priorities, and make informed investment decisions that align with your values and financial goals.