How to avoid the ’greenwash’

Sustainable investing has entered into the mainstream. With issues such as climate change and plastic pollution dominating the headlines, many investors are now much more aware of how their money is being put to use and want to align this with their values.

But when it comes actually to investing sustainably, it can be difficult to know where to start.

The problem is made worse by the multitude of funds now proclaiming sustainability credentials — the so-called ‘greenwashing’ effect. Fortunately, legislation coming soon should bring greater clarity for investors on this issue, but we believe there are some other, simple steps to help gauge a fund’s commitment to sustainability:

Sustainability pedigree

It’s good to know which asset managers actually have long-standing, rather than just recent, experience in this area. Look for early commitments to the PRI and being signatories to stewardship codes as an indication of their commitment before it became ‘fashionable’.

What do others say?

A simple guide to assess an asset manager’s focus on sustainability can be gleaned from how others rate them. For instance, Martin Currie has been awarded the highest level UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) rating (triple A+) for four years in a row, which means it is well regarded within the asset management industry.

Beware the labels

Likewise, don’t be taken in by the appeal of ‘green-sounding’ fund names. Instead, trust independent ratings agencies to provide a reliable calculation of a portfolio’s sustainability. For example, the Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust is the holder of the highest Morningstar Sustainability Rating™* – recognition of the high standards and in-depth analysis undertaken as part of its stock selection process.

The trust is also in the top 2% of all the 6,747 products categorised by Morningstar as Global Equity Large Cap*.

Positive outcomes

All sustainable investors will want to know that they are making a positive difference, in particular on the issue of climate change. Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust has been awarded a low carbon designation and accounts for
a fraction of the emissions of the benchmark index.

Go active

An active asset manager (rather than a fund that just passively tracks stocks in an index) has the ability to operate in a much more sustainable manner. Many ‘engage’ with companies, pushing for best practice and holding them accountable to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

Sustainable investing is a fundamental part of Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust’s philosophy. Find out more about its approach to ESG and stewardship at www.martincurrieglobal.com

^{Important information
Past performance is not a guide to future returns.}

^{Capital at risk. Values can go up and down. We do not target particular sustainability outcomes. This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’). It does not constitute investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.}

^{Martin Currie Investment Management Limited, registered in Scotland (no SC066107). Registered office: Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2ES. Tel: 0808 100 2125 | Fax: 0870 888 3035 | www.martincurrie.com.
This company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Please note that calls to the above number may be recorded.}

^{*© 2021 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved.}