ESG Investing: Making a Difference

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing is a strategy that considers a company’s policies and actions and how well they serve workers, communities, customers, shareholders, and the environment.

ESG investing uses independent ratings to help investors assess a company’s commitment to environmental performance, social impact, and governance issues. Employing an ESG strategy helps investors compare investment vehicles to ensure their portfolio reflects their priorities.

Rating agencies use the criteria below to evaluate companies for ESG investing.

The Environment

A company’s impact on the environment is one of the criteria used to choose companies for ESG investing. It includes natural resource conservation, treatment of animals, use of renewable energy, waste and pollution and steps taken to mitigate those risks. Mitigation practices may encompass water usage, use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing processes, resource management and overall environmental stewardship, carbon footprint and any employee incentives that reduce the carbon footprint, such as car sharing and bicycle commuting.

Social Impact

Criteria include steps taken by a company to improve its social impact, both within the company and in the community. The company’s hiring practices, commitment to racial and gender diversity, corporate giving strategy, employee health and safety, accessibility to employee benefits, volunteer programs, and supply-chain ethics are factors used in ESG ratings.

Governance

ESG ratings consider whether a company’s management and board strive for positive change. Areas of concern include executive pay, leadership diversity, business ethics, conflicts of interest, political activity, shareholder input, accurate and transparent accounting methods, and a well-run management structure.

How to Invest

Your financial professional can guide you in finding ESG-centered exchanged traded funds (ETFs)* and mutual funds* that meet your investing goals. Expenses may be higher than with other funds, so look for ESG funds whose performance compensates for the higher costs.

*Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. Contact the issuing firm to obtain a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing or sending money. Because mutual fund values fluctuate, redeemed shares may be worth more or less than their original value. Past performance won’t guarantee future results. An investment in mutual funds may result in the loss of principal.