Menu Log on HSBC UK Wealth Guides to investing What is sustainable investing? What is sustainable investing? Sustainable investing allows you to invest in companies that are striving to have a positive impact on the world. From tackling climate change, to equal rights and animal welfare – you can select investments based on your values, in a way that could help you achieve your long-term financial goals. Why sustainable investing is important Sustainable investing can benefit society Investors are increasingly choosing sustainable funds as a way to help create a better world.1 1 view footnote 1 Your investment can help nations, companies and societies to develop, innovate and grow. This means you’re not only investing in your own future, but investing in positive change and progress too. Sustainable investing benefits you As an investor, you’re likely to want to know where your money is going. When you invest sustainably, more of your money is aligned with companies that are making a difference. Sustainable investing also recognises that companies that aim to solve the world’s biggest challenges could be those best positioned to grow. Is sustainable investing profitable? It’s possible to invest with a conscience and make a profit at the same time. Environmental and societal issues can impact share prices. Factoring these into your investments could help: reduce the level of risk increase the resilience of your investments deliver long-term capital growth Companies that can create value for all stakeholders (including the environment and society) are more likely to succeed in the long term and deliver stronger financial returns for shareholders and investors.2 2 view footnote 2 Remember, the value of any type of investment can fall as well as rise and you may not get back what you invest. Sustainable investment should be seen as a medium to long-term commitment, meaning you should be prepared to invest for at least five years. Types of sustainable investing Sustainable investing can use different methodologies and may be referred to as: ethical investing environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing impact investing socially responsible investing (SRI) values-based investing conscious investing green investing While they broadly mean the same, there are some key differences in the way they work, which are important to know before you choose how to invest. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main approaches and what they involve. Ethical investing Ethical investing tries to actively avoid companies or industries that might have a negative impact on society and the environment. This is called negative screening. Sectors such as tobacco, animal testing, gambling and oil and gas are typically excluded from this type of investing. ESG investing ESG investing actively selects companies that meet specific environmental, social and governance requirements. It’s less restrictive than ethical investing as it considers companies that are adapting, such as oil companies that invest in clean energy. Impact investing Impact investing actively selects companies whose positive impact on the world can be measured. For example, those who generate a specific amount of recycling or save a certain amount of water. Sustainable investing at HSBC HSBC uses the ESG framework to measure the level at which a company is tackling environmental, social and governance issues. HSBC's ESG framework Environmental Example What impact does the company have on the environment? Factors include: • climate change • air and water pollution • waste management • energy efficiency • water shortage Social Example How is the company supporting its employees, clients and communities? Factors include: • human rights • consumer privacy • gender equality • data security • health and safety Governance Example How is the company governed or managed? Factors include: • board structure • company ownership • financial reporting • business ethics and culture • executive remuneration How to get started If you’re considering sustainable investing, we can help you get started. To keep things simple, we offer 2 routes: Ready-made sustainable portfolios Choose from our sustainable investment portfolios to find the one that could suit you. You can be confident your money is behind companies trying to make a difference – at a level of risk you’re comfortable with. Build your own portfolio If you’d like to make your own investment decisions, our online fund platform (Global Investment Centre) has a range of funds to choose from. There’s no commitment and you can take all the time you need to research what’s there. To invest with us, you need to have an HSBC current account or savings account. Eligibility criteria and charges apply. 1 Source: Schroders: Global Investor Study 2020 Global Investor Study 2020 This link will open in a new window 2 Source: STERN: ESG and Financial Performance ESG and Financial Performance This link will open in a new window Back to top Share Explore more Guide to DIY investing New to investing? Investment calculator HSBC Group HSBC Group This link will open in a new window | © Copyright HSBC Group 2002-2021. All rights reserved This website is designed for use in the United Kingdom. Need help? Cookies on this website At HSBC we use cookies to help ensure that our website and services are able to function properly. These cookies are necessary and so are set automatically. We would also like to use some cookies to: make your visit more personal improve our website based on how you use it support our marketing These cookies are optional and you can choose which types you'd like to accept. To do this, select 'Manage cookie settings'. If you'd like to accept all optional cookies, select 'Accept all cookies'. To learn more about how we use cookies, visit our Cookie notice. Manage cookie settings Accept all cookies