Sustainable Investing: What is It, Exactly?

Julie Starr • May 26, 2020



A growing number of investors focus on sustainable organizations and eco-friendly projects. You may have heard about sustainable investing but aren’t sure quite what it means. If so, these details can help you.

Defining Sustainable Investing

Building wealth through sustainable investing involves putting your investment in the future. Essentially, as an investor, you are putting your money toward companies that dedicate themselves toward challenges that impact the world’s future.

By investing in this way, your money can go toward helping future generations and creating a better world for those who are here now too. It’s also a smart investment given that caring for the future is never going to go out of style.

By taking this approach, you have a bigger purpose than only profit. You consider social, environmental, and governance (ESG) insights with traditional processes to create outcomes over the long-term.

Deciding Where, When, and How to Invest

Whether you are a new or more experienced investor, making decisions about investment strategies can feel overwhelming. To help make the process easier, tap into online resources for investors and landlords . Look for resources that update often so you always get the latest information to reflect the current landscape.  You could look at the latest indices trading options, for example.

Sustainable Investing: Three Main Considerations

For your long-term investment outcome to be positive, you as the sustainable investor will consider:

Environmental

Climate risks and clean energy are key considerations here.

Social

Human rights and cybersecurity are two examples.

Governance

Business ethics and, at the opposite end, corruption, are among the ones to consider.

Putting Value on Sustainable Investing Assets

The 2018 Global Sustainable Investment Review found the value of sustainable investing assets is growing worldwide and has been since 2016. Europe has the highest concentration of this type of asset globally, totaling 14.1 trillion.

That same report identified the US as the second biggest region based on its value on sustainable investing assets. The assets went from $8.7 trillion in the beginning of 2016 to $12 trillion just two years later.

Japan’s numbers also increased significantly, quadrupling from 2016 to 2018. That makes Japan the third largest sustainable investing center, on the heels of Europe and the US.

While sustainable investments are not new, the popularity of them is a recent trend. Many investors are starting to realize the benefits of investing for impact.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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