Understand the level of risk first
Investing offers the potential for better returns than cash savings over the long term (5+ years). But there are risks, the value of your investments may go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you’ve paid in.
What is sustainable investing?
If you'd like peace of mind that the money you invest is invested in companies that match your values, then sustainable investing may be an option.
Support positive change 
Sustainable investing aims to focus on companies that put issues like the environment or how they treat their employees at the heart of their business. Engagement with businesses to help them enact better practices can also play an important role in sustainable investment.
A balanced approach 
With sustainable investing you don't need to sacrifice returns when you invest sustainability.
Look for the labels 
To help people identify sustainable funds, the Financial Conduct Authority has introduced sustainability labels. They're designed to help you better understand how a fund invests sustainably to best suit your priorities and reflect your principles.
The three 'ESG' measures we use to help us invest sustainably
Sustainable investing looks at business credentials across three measures: the environment, societal issues and how businesses are run (their governance).
Environmental issues
This includes things like a company’s carbon footprint, their use of renewable energy and their waste management policies.
Social
This covers labour standards among the businesses in a company's supply chain, secure data protection and the health and safety of a company's employees.
Governance
This focuses on conflicts of interest and who's on a company's board of directors, political lobbying, bribery and corruption.
Common investment strategies
Beyond ESG investing, there are other strategies you can consider when investing. Here are some of the common ones.
Ethical investing
This means investing in funds that exclude certain companies which aren't aligned with your values such as alcohol, tobacco, defence, oil, gas and animal testing. Making returns on your investment is not the priority.
Impact investing
This involves investing in funds that aim to deliver positive social or environmental benefits, like tackling climate change.
Thematic investing
Here you choose companies that follow a particular economic, social or technology trend. For example, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.
Invest your way with Aviva
From absolute beginner all the way to a seasoned investor, we have a wide range of investment options. Choose one or mix and match and filter for sustainability funds.
Funds
Funds - Universal Retirement Fund - our simplest way to invest in your pension, it changes your investments based on your chosen retirement date. Look at whether funds take ESG factors into consideration.
- Ready-made funds – ideal if you want an easy option, these fully-managed funds have four different choices to match your risk appetite and goals. While ready-made funds don't necessarily target specific ESG outcomes, the fund managers do take ESG factors into consideration, and therefore a company's plans to tackle climate change for example, as part of the management of the funds.
- Experts’ shortlist – a selection of 80 funds that experts at Aviva Investors think have the greatest chance of good income or capital growth over the long-term. Built using a tried-and-tested process with ESG considerations at every step. There is also other criteria (not just ESG) that we think about when we choose investments.
- Self-select funds – if you're an experienced investor, confident you understand risk and happy to take control, then you can buy and sell from our full list of over 5,000 funds. Choose funds that our experts have rated the best for managing the biggest ESG risks and opportunities.
Shares
Shares - Shares - buy and sell shares in UK companies you’re interested in.
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) - like investment funds, these are groups of assets bundled together, but they can be bought and sold like shares.
- Investment trusts - this is a type of fund that sells shares to invest in a portfolio of assets, with the aim of producing returns.
Investment charges with Aviva
0.35% annual fee
The Aviva Charge for looking after your investments is 0.35% up to £500,000. For example, if your investments are worth £100,000, it will be £350 a year.
Share deal for £4.99
If you buy or sell UK shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or investment trusts with us you'll be charged a flat fee of £4.99 per trade.
Other charges
Depending on the investments you choose, you may have other charges, like fund management charges. You can find a full list of possible charges here.
Learn about investing
We have a range of useful guides and calculators that can take the mystery out of investing so you can choose funds with confidence.
Basics
Investing in funds: the basics
Thinking of investing? Here’s what you need to know about funds.
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Basics
How do we come up with our Experts' shortlist of investment funds?
If you'd like to know more about how we choose these funds you can find out here.
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Risks
What are the risks and rewards of investing?
Some things to consider before you begin investing.
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Strategies
Pension portfolios – how to balance risk vs return
How to create a balanced pension that gives you more control over your money.
Charges Calculator
Work out the charges you may pay with us.
Risk
profiler
Understand your attitude to risk and investing.
Investment preference tool
Find investments that fit your values.
Frequently asked questions
What is ESG investing?
ESG investing stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance investing. It is an investment approach that considers a company’s impact on the environment, its social responsibilities, and the quality of its governance practices alongside financial performance.
Investors use ESG criteria to identify companies that operate sustainably, treat employees and communities well, and maintain transparent, accountable management. This approach aims to promote long-term value creation while encouraging positive corporate behaviour.
How do I invest sustainably?
Investing sustainably means putting your money into companies or funds that care about the planet, people, and good management rather than just focusing on returns. Start by looking for funds that take ESG factors into consideration, and which screen companies based on their environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance.
You can choose to invest in funds that take these factors into consideration. It's about balancing your financial goals with your values, so you're supporting companies making a positive difference while growing your money in a sustainable way.
Are returns from sustainable investments lower?
Returns from sustainable investments can be just as strong as other investments. Companies that focus on the environment, social responsibility, and strong governance may manage their risks better, which can lead to solid long-term growth. Some sustainable funds might have slightly higher fees, and performance will always vary based on the choices you make, market conditions and the same risks apply.
The next steps to sustainable investing
If you're ready to start investing our Aviva SIPP, ISA or Investment account can help you do it in a way that suits your goals.
Open an Aviva Stocks & Shares ISA 
If you haven't used your annual ISA allowance, starting an Aviva Stocks & Shares ISA will let you invest in a tax-free way.
Invest in a SIPP 
With our self-invested personal pension (SIPP) you can save for retirement in a way that suits you. And start from £25 a month.
Open an Aviva Investment Account 
If you have exceeded your ISA allowance this year, continue investing with our Investment Account.
Contact us
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