Sustainable investment must extend beyond investor commitments

ESG factors now worth $35trn, report says

The Global Sustainable Investment Report 2020 shows investments that consider environmental, social and governance factors in their portfolio selection topped $35trn in 2020 - equating to 36% of global professionally managed assets.

While sustainable investment is clearly becoming a significant force in global capital markets, the industry is plagued by accusations of 'greenwashing'. To avoid distrust, therefore, investors must offer products that are investing responsibly to the highest standards, that are transparent, and true-to-label. We think there is cause for optimism as responsible investors increasingly seek out products that deliver positive, measurable social and environmental outcomes and, at a minimum, avoid harm to people and the planet. As the report highlights, this is an industry in transition, w...