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What are Green Investments?

Charity Delich
Charity Delich

Green investments are financial ventures that investors make in environmentally responsible companies. Most green investments seek to promote a green economy while maximizing financial returns for investors. A green investment may also be referred to as a sustainable investment and is a type of socially responsible investment.

Green investing is usually accomplished by putting money into common investment tools, like the stock market or an investment fund, that target environmentally conscious businesses. For example, green investments may include purchasing stock in a company that promotes sustainability practices or in a business that is committed to developing alternative energy sources. While many green investment strategies focus on the renewable energy sector, a host of other green investments exist. Companies that promote energy efficiency, recycling, or water pollution and waste control can all offer opportunities for green investments.

Investing in solar power is a green investment.
Investing in solar power is a green investment.

Most major stock exchanges allow investors to trade stock in green companies. A green stock investment can involve purchasing shares in a company that directly provides environmentally friendly products or services. For example, an investor may make a green stock investment in a company that manufactures solar panels, wind energy, or biofuels. Green stock investments can also entail purchasing shares in a company that promotes sustainable business practices, even if that company does not directly provide green products or services.

Green investment funds have become popular among those concerned about the environment.
Green investment funds have become popular among those concerned about the environment.

Green investment funds are becoming popular investment vehicles for investors who are concerned about the environment. A green investment fund can include either an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or a mutual fund. A green exchange-traded fund typically trades like a stock on an exchange but tracks an index made up of environmentally conscious companies.

A green mutual fund is a type of mutual fund in which investors pool their funds in order to invest in businesses that benefit or support the environment in some fashion. The fund’s investment manager allocates green assets in accordance with the fund’s prospectus. Similar to traditional mutual funds, the fund manager invests the pooled capital in stocks, bonds, or other kinds of investments. Investors realize returns proportionate to their initial investment in the fund.

Green investment funds often have varying definitions of "green." Some green investment funds consider buying stock in businesses that have adopted green business models a green investment. Other funds only invest in businesses that directly promote a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy, such as companies that recycle or develop biomass or geothermal energy. Given this differing definition of green, environmentally conscious investors should carefully review a green fund’s prospectus and stock filings prior to making an investment.

Discussion Comments

Ana1234

@KoiwiGal - It is becoming more and more normal for people to try and check up on their investments now though. I mean, you've got to realize that the best green investments are also going to be stable in the community. On the other hand I wouldn't want to be investing in someone who is trashing their local community. What with the internet these days anyone who tries anything particularly bad is eventually going to get outed and may even get sued. And that's bad for business.

If you go with green company investments you don't have to worry about that aspect. So even from a greedy point of view they are worth investigating.

KoiwiGal

@clintflint - I suspect there are two problems with people investing in green companies. One is that they don't realize that anyone who isn't fervently advertising that they are green in order to get an edge on the competition is most likely not a green company (and even some of those who are claiming to be green aren't really that great). People invest in ignorance, they don't expect to have to figure out whether a company is dumping chemicals into the water supplies or not.

And two is that people are greedy. Not evil, but just greedy enough that if they see a good investment, they aren't going to ask a lot of questions. They will invest and not worry about the rest.

clintflint

It really annoys me that this is considered unusual in this day and age. This should be the norm and people who invest in places that aren't environmentally friendly should be considered to be the outliers.

I mean, why would you ever put money into a company that is ruining the world around you? I like to think that investing in green is only going to be considered radical for a little while longer and that people will eventually realize it's the only sensible thing to do.

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    • Investing in solar power is a green investment.
      By: Aania
      Investing in solar power is a green investment.
    • Green investment funds have become popular among those concerned about the environment.
      By: NAN
      Green investment funds have become popular among those concerned about the environment.