--- title: "Sustainable Investing in 2025: A Mainstream Movement" description: Sustainable investing has transitioned from a niche interest to a mainstream financial strategy. image: https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/investing.jpg --- - [Why Choose SCM?](https://scmadvice.com/why-scm/) - [Our Commitment to You](https://scmadvice.com/our-commitment-to-you/) - [Our Fees](https://scmadvice.com/our-fees/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [401(k) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/401k-plan-management/) - [403(b) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/403b-plan-management/) - [Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Management](https://scmadvice.com/thrift-savings-plan-tsp-management/) - [Health Savings Account (HSA) Management](https://scmadvice.com/health-savings-account-hsa-management/) - [Wealth Management](https://scmadvice.com/wealth-management/) - [Financial Planning](https://scmadvice.com/financial-planning/) - [Pension Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/pension-analysis/) - [Social Security Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/social-security-analysis/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/) - [Our Story](https://scmadvice.com/our-story/) - [Our Team](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/our-team/) - [Quick Facts](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/quick-facts/) [![Scarborough Capital Management](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/themes/scarborough/assets/images/logo-35th-2x.png)](https://scmadvice.com/) - [Who We Help](https://scmadvice.com/our-clients/) - [Free Resources](https://scmadvice.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.scmadvice.com/) - [eBooks](https://scmadvice.com/resources/ebooks/) - [Quick Guides](https://scmadvice.com/quick-guides/) - [Start Now](https://info.scmadvice.com/contact-us) - [Why Choose SCM?](https://scmadvice.com/why-scm/) - [Our Commitment to You](https://scmadvice.com/our-commitment-to-you/) - [Our Fees](https://scmadvice.com/our-fees/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [401(k) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/401k-plan-management/) - [403(b) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/403b-plan-management/) - [Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Management](https://scmadvice.com/thrift-savings-plan-tsp-management/) - [Health Savings Account (HSA) Management](https://scmadvice.com/health-savings-account-hsa-management/) - [Wealth Management](https://scmadvice.com/wealth-management/) - [Financial Planning](https://scmadvice.com/financial-planning/) - [Pension Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/pension-analysis/) - [Social Security Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/social-security-analysis/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [Our Story](https://scmadvice.com/our-story/) - [Our Team](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/our-team/) - [Quick Facts](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/quick-facts/) - [Who We Help](https://scmadvice.com/our-clients/) - [Getting Organized and On Track](https://scmadvice.com/getting-organized-and-on-track/) - [When Can We Retire?](https://scmadvice.com/when-can-we-retire/) - [Free Resources](https://scmadvice.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.scmadvice.com/) - [Start Now](https://info.scmadvice.com/contact-us) - [Why Choose SCM?](https://scmadvice.com/why-scm/) - [Our Commitment to You](https://scmadvice.com/our-commitment-to-you/) - [Our Fees](https://scmadvice.com/our-fees/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [401(k) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/401k-plan-management/) - [403(b) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/403b-plan-management/) - [Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Management](https://scmadvice.com/thrift-savings-plan-tsp-management/) - [Health Savings Account (HSA) Management](https://scmadvice.com/health-savings-account-hsa-management/) - [Wealth Management](https://scmadvice.com/wealth-management/) - [Financial Planning](https://scmadvice.com/financial-planning/) - [Pension Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/pension-analysis/) - [Social Security Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/social-security-analysis/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/) - [Our Story](https://scmadvice.com/our-story/) - [Our Team](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/our-team/) - [Quick Facts](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/quick-facts/) - [Who We Help](https://scmadvice.com/our-clients/) - [Getting Organized and On Track](https://scmadvice.com/getting-organized-and-on-track/) - [When Can We Retire?](https://scmadvice.com/when-can-we-retire/) - [Free Resources](https://scmadvice.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.scmadvice.com/) - [Quick Guides](https://scmadvice.com/quick-guides/) - [Start Now](https://info.scmadvice.com/contact-us) [![Scarborough Capital Management](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/ScarboroughCapitalManagement_June2019/Images/logo.png)](http://134.209.5.42) Menu ### Newsletter Subscribe to our monthly newsletter ### Categories - [financial advisor (41)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/financial-advisor) - [wealth management annapolis (38)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/wealth-management-annapolis) - [Personal Finance (37)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/personal-finance) - [Retirement (14)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/retirement) - [Retirement Planning (5)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/retirement-planning) - [Annapolis (4)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/annapolis) - [College Savings (2)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/college-savings) - [401(k) (1)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/401k) - [Investing (1)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/investing) See all ### Popular posts - [![What To Do Now That You’ve Received Your Inheritance](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/SCM-inheritance.jpg)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/now-that-youve-received-your-inheritance) [What To Do Now That You’ve Received Your Inheritance](https://blog.scmadvice.com/now-that-youve-received-your-inheritance) by [Shawn J. Walker](https://blog.scmadvice.com/author/shawn-j-walker) - [![Optimizing 401(k) Contributions In 2026: Pre-Tax Or Roth?](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/401k.jpeg)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/optimizing-401k-contributions-in-2026-pre-tax-or-roth) [Optimizing 401(k) Contributions In 2026: Pre-Tax Or Roth?](https://blog.scmadvice.com/optimizing-401k-contributions-in-2026-pre-tax-or-roth) by [Gregory S. Ostrowski](https://blog.scmadvice.com/author/gregory-s-ostrowski) - [![12 Threats to Retirement Many People Aren't Prepared For](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/April4.jpg)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/12-threats-to-retirement-many-people-arent-prepared-for-1) [12 Threats to Retirement Many People Aren't Prepared For](https://blog.scmadvice.com/12-threats-to-retirement-many-people-arent-prepared-for-1) by [Jon Szostek](https://blog.scmadvice.com/author/jonathan-w-szostek) - [![Seven of Scarborough's Financial Advisors Named Five-Star Wealth Managers](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/SCM-FiveStar-1%20(1).png)](https://blog.scmadvice.com/seven-of-scarboroughs-financial-advisors-named-five-star-wealth-managers) [Seven of Scarborough's Financial Advisors Named Five-Star Wealth Managers](https://blog.scmadvice.com/seven-of-scarboroughs-financial-advisors-named-five-star-wealth-managers) by [Scarborough Capital Management](https://blog.scmadvice.com/author/scarborough-capital-management) ![](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/investing.jpg) ![Scarborough Capital Management](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/cropped-fav-32x32.jpg) ###### by [Scarborough Capital Management](https://blog.scmadvice.com/author/scarborough-capital-management) on August 20, 2025 ###### Categories: - [Personal Finance](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/personal-finance) - [financial advisor](https://blog.scmadvice.com/tag/financial-advisor) # Sustainable Investing in 2025: A Mainstream Movement *Originally published in* [*U.S. News & World Report*](https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-smarter-mutual-fund-investor/2015/09/15/the-rise-of-sustainable-investing) *on June 15, 2015 – Updated for clarity and timeliness in 2025.*   Sustainable investing has transitioned from a niche interest to a mainstream financial strategy. Once a topic of discussion among a select group, it is now a significant factor in investment decisions, driven by evolving investor values and a growing body of research supporting its viability.   **What Is Sustainable Investing?** Sustainable investing involves allocating capital to companies or projects that not only aim to achieve market-rate financial returns but also pursue positive social and environmental impacts. This approach integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into investment analysis and decision-making processes. Historically, investors focused primarily on financial performance. Today, there's a broader recognition that companies with strong ESG practices may offer better long-term returns by effectively managing risks and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.   **The Rise of Sustainable Investing** As of 2024, sustainable investing assets in the U.S. reached approximately [**$6.5 trillion**](https://www.ussif.org/news/press-release/us-sif-trends-report-documents-sustainable-investment-assets), reflecting a significant increase from previous years. This growth is attributed to factors such as heightened awareness of climate risks, regulatory developments, and a shift in investor preferences towards more responsible investment practices.   **Millennial Influence on Sustainable Investing** Millennials continue to be at the forefront of the sustainable investing movement. A 2024 survey by Morgan Stanley revealed that [**96% of Millennial investors**](https://www.morganstanley.com/content/dam/msdotcom/en/assets/pdfs/MSInstituteforSustainableInvesting-SustainableSignals-Individuals-2024.pdf) are interested in sustainable investing, with many viewing it as a means to align their financial goals with their values. This generation's commitment is evident in their investment choices and their demand for more sustainable options in retirement plans. Approximately [**90% of Millennials**](https://www.morganstanley.com/content/dam/msdotcom/ideas/sustainable-signals/pdf/Sustainable_Signals_Whitepaper.pdf) expressed interest in having sustainable investment options available within their 401(k) portfolios.   **Women's Growing Role in Sustainable Investing** Women are increasingly leading the charge in sustainable investing. Research indicates that [**71% of women**](https://newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/new-research-from-fidelity--shows-71--of-women-own-investments-in-the-stock-market/s/db3a5765-9b69-4e51-a315-66ecc51e0066) invest in the stock market, with a significant portion focusing on sustainable investment opportunities. Furthermore, women are more likely than men to consider ESG factors in their investment decisions, reflecting a broader trend of women driving change in the investment landscape.   **The Future of Sustainable Investing** Looking ahead, sustainable investing is poised for continued growth. Factors such as the transfer of wealth to younger generations, increased demand for ESG-compliant investment products, and ongoing regulatory support are expected to contribute to the expansion of sustainable investment practices. Investors interested in aligning their portfolios with sustainable principles should consider consulting with financial advisors to explore appropriate strategies and investment vehicles. If you’re interested in exploring how sustainable investing could fit into your overall financial strategy, consider speaking with a professional. At [**Scarborough Capital Management**](https://scmadvice.com/contact-us/)**,** our advisors are experienced in helping clients align their investment portfolios with their personal values. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach, contact a Scarborough advisor today to learn how you can build a portfolio that reflects both your goals and your principles.   *Impact investing and/or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) takes into consideration factors beyond traditional financial information to select securities, which could result in relative investment performance deviating from other strategies or broad market benchmarks, depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Further, ESG strategies may rely on certain values-based criteria to eliminate exposures found in similar strategies or broad market benchmarks, which could also result in relative investment performance deviating.*   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5952573/c5e82adc-81d5-4120-9a90-03c58ac2fea1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5952573/c5e82adc-81d5-4120-9a90-03c58ac2fea1)   [![Scarborough Capital Management](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/ScarboroughCapitalManagement_June2019/Images/logo.png)](https://scmadvice.com/) For over 35 years, Scarborough Capital Management has been seeking to help busy people make the most of their money. With affordable 401(k) management services plus full-service financial planning and wealth management, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your financial goals… now and in the future. #### Contact - 1906 Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 260 Annapolis, MD 21401 - **Call:** 410-573-5700 or 800-200-3870 **Fax:** 410-573-5708 #### Navigate - [Why Choose SCM?](https://scmadvice.com/why-scm/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/) - [Who We Help](https://scmadvice.com/our-clients/) - [Free Resources](https://scmadvice.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.scmadvice.com/) - [Contact Us](https://scmadvice.com/contact-us/) ##### Find on Social: - - **![Broker Check logo](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Broker%20Check%20logo.png?width=140&name=Broker%20Check%20logo.png)** **Important consumer information** This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation or offering of any security and: Representatives of Registered Broker-Dealer ("BD") or Registered Investment Advisor ("IA") may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the BD and IA they represent (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, that state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from that state's registration requirements. Representatives of a BD or IA are deemed to conduct business in a state to the extent that they would provide individualized responses to investor inquiries that involve (a) effecting, or attempting to effect, transactions in securities; or (b) rendering personalized investment advice for compensation. We are registered to offer securities in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY. Securities offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer. Member [FINRA](https://www.finra.org/) / [SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/). Advisory services offered through Scarborough Capital Management, a federally registered investment Adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. IFG and Scarborough Capital Management are unaffiliated entities Information provided is from sources believed to be reliable however, we cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Because situations vary, any information provided on this site is not intended to indicate suitability for any particular investor. Hyperlinks are provided as a courtesy and should not be deemed as an endorsement. When you link to a third-party website you are leaving our site and assume total responsibility for your use or activity on the third-party sites. [View Part 2 of Our ADV](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SCM-Part-2A-of-Form-ADV-04012025.pdf)     [View Our CRS](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SCM-CRS-3-22-2024.pdf)     [SCM Privacy Policy](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Privacy-Policy-3.2024.pdf) Copyright 2025. Scarborough Capital Management. All rights reserved.