Abbey Shultz, Reporter. Barrons.com

According to the 2018 biennial Report on U.S. Sustainable, Responsible and Impact Investing Trends, total U.S.-domiciled assets under management (AUM) using sustainable investment strategies grew from $8.7 trillion at the start of 2016 to $12.0 trillion at the start of 2018, a 38 percent increase. This significant increase represents 26 percent — or one in four dollars — of the total U.S. assets under professional management.

If this trend in impact investing continues, it bodes well for entrepreneurs and others who seek to raise money in their quest to make the world a better place for our children, grandkids and generations to come.

Impact investing connects the investor and her/his money in new and different ways. Impact Investing is about supporting social and environmental change. According to Morningstar, it’s the younger millennial investors in particular who are embracing sustainability by investing more than older investors.

Sustainable investing can produce a decent return for the investor. Evidence shows sustainable investment returns have historically been comparable to conventional ones.

The world faces many serious challenges: hunger, unsatisfactory healthcare, unsafe water, inequality and expensive, dangerous fossil-fuel generated electricity contributing to challenges associated with climate change.

Entrepreneurs and companies who are at the forefront of introducing new sustainable technologies need funding support just like any other new business. Supporting these new forward-thinking technologies can make the world a better place for all mankind.

Impact investing is growing.  It’s not just about making a difference in ways that can be measured, it’s also about potentially decent returns.

Impact investing is poised for growth.

© Jeremy P. Feakins. All Rights Reserved.