Business · Markets · 6 hrs ago
76% of UK investors expect sustainability to shape business decisions
A new report from Aberdeen Investments says 76% of UK investors expect sustainability to shape business decisions.
It also found that 57% of retail investors are interested in companies’ sustainable investment credentials, and 55% consider sustainability when investing.
Governance is a leading concern, with 71% saying companies’ governance should be actively considered and 73% citing tax transparency as important.
Environmental protection and renewable energy also matter to investors, cited by 66% and 64%, respectively.
These findings come as some describe the current business climate as an “ESG winter,” but the report says sustainable investing has become more selective rather than disappearing.
Investors are assessing long-term risks and value, including business practices, energy security and resilience.
The report expects social issues to gain importance in coming years, as companies manage reputational risks and compete for talent.
A study reported that 76% of UK investors expect sustainability to shape business decisions.
The Aberdeen Investments report said sustainability is evolving rather than disappearing despite what some call an “ESG winter”.
It found that 57% of retail investors are interested in sustainable investment credentials and 55% consider sustainability when investing.
Governance was a major focus, with 73% saying strong tax transparency should be considered when deciding whether to invest.
- Who
- UK investors.
- What
- A study found that 76% expect sustainability to shape business decisions.
- When
- The article was published on 14 October 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- The report says investors increasingly view sustainability as a way to assess risk, resilience and long-term value.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Investors expecting sustainability to shape decisions
- 76%
- Retail investors interested in sustainable investment credentials
- 57%
- Retail investors considering sustainability when investing
- 55%
- Strong tax transparency
- 73% say it should be considered when deciding whether to invest
- Article publication
- 14 October 2026
What people are saying
The sustainability debate has evolved into what we call ‘grounded sustainability’. Investors increasingly see sustainability not as a separate theme, but as a lens for assessing risk, resilience and long-term value creation.
Demand for sustainable investing has not collapsed; it has become more selective and evidence-based.