Although the largest share of our money tends to be tied up in mortgages and pensions, we seldom consider where our money is invested. However, these investments are a major contributor to your carbon footprint, and every financial decision we make represents a vote for the type of future we want to see.
The popularity of ethical investments has grown hugely in recent years, with many pension providers now offering an ethical fund separate from the default option. If you have a workplace pension, your annual pension statement should tell you where the fund is invested, and switching is a relatively simple affair. Personal pensions afford greater flexibility, with a wider variety of investment options.
There is currently no single definition of an ‘ethical pension’ so it is important to consider the investment criteria and work out whether they align with your own values. Many ethical funds have been outperforming traditional funds for some time, but it is well worth consulting an independent financial advisor before switching. For more information, click here.
BEVA has taken a broad ethical approach to its own investments, and we hope that it can lead the way on this important issue going forward.