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Examining the Top 5 UK ESG Investment Funds

At Sustainable Times, we are dedicated to supporting the UK's transition towards a more sustainable economy. Our role involves bridging the gap between innovative sustainable enterprises and impact-focused investors, by providing essential insights and facilitating connections. We aim to connect key stakeholders who are driving progress in sustainable business and investment, empowering investors with actionable opportunities and enabling entrepreneurs to scale their solutions.


The imperative for sustainable investing has never been more evident. In 2025, the United Kingdom continues to demonstrate significant contributions to responsible capital. Investment funds are increasingly proving that sound financial returns can, and should, align with contributing to a more socially equitable and environmentally responsible future. Acknowledging leadership within this evolving landscape is therefore essential.


UK's Leading ESG Investment Funds in 2025


For professional investors, navigating the ESG landscape requires meticulous due diligence, especially given the industry-wide focus on combating ‘greenwashing’. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been instrumental in this, introducing measures such as the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime to ensure greater transparency and authenticity in sustainable investment claims.


The funds highlighted below are all either UK-domiciled or managed by UK-headquartered asset management firms with a strong UK presence. They represent a commitment to robust methodologies, transparent reporting, and active engagement with the evolving regulatory framework to ensure their ESG credentials are genuine and impactful.


These funds exemplify distinct approaches to integrating ESG principles, aiming to deliver both financial performance and demonstrable impact.



Focus: Global problem-solvers in social inclusion and education, environment and resource needs, healthcare and quality of life.

Impact & Performance: Aims to outperform the MSCI ACWI Index by at least 2% per annum over rolling five-year periods. Demonstrates strong long-term returns from companies contributing to positive change.

Credibility: Achieved the UK FCA’s new Sustainability Impact label in December 2024; consistently highly rated by analysts for authentic impact and performance.



Focus: Long-term capital growth from companies contributing to sustainable development (environmental, social, economic) through a thematic approach.

Impact & Performance: Aims to deliver capital growth over the long term (5 years or more) and outperform its Investment Association peer group. It invests in businesses positioned for a sustainable global economy.

Credibility: Recognised for robust investment processes and long-standing commitment to sustainability. The fund adopted the Sustainability Focus label under the FCA's SDR from April 1, 2025.



Focus: Predominantly UK-listed companies making positive societal contributions, adhering to strict ethical and sustainable policies.

Impact & Performance: Objective is capital growth over the medium term (3-5 years) by investing predominantly in UK companies adhering to its ethical and sustainable investment policy. It often outperforms its Morningstar UK All Cap TME benchmark. Targets UK businesses driving change (e.g., renewables).

Credibility: Frequently cited as a top-performing ethical fund in the UK, lauded for long-term consistency in returns and societal impact. Adopted the FCA's Sustainability Focus label from April 2025.



Focus: Global companies making positive social and environmental impact, integrating ESG rigorously for competitive returns.

Impact & Performance: Committed to active ownership for improved ESG outcomes. Managed substantial AUM in EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation Article 8/9 funds (Dec 2024), targeting leaders in the sustainable economy transition. Aims to exceed the MSCI All Countries World Index over rolling five-year periods.

Credibility: Recognised as a leading ESG asset manager for comprehensive research and net-zero commitments. The fund has adopted the FCA's Sustainability Focus label.



Focus: Long-term capital appreciation from global equities genuinely contributing to sustainable development. Prioritises quality, well-managed, responsible businesses.

Impact & Performance: Deep ESG integration; avoids controversial sectors. Aims to deliver consistent long-term sustainable growth and exceed the MSCI All Country World Index over rolling five-year periods.

Credibility: Highly regarded for thorough research and a patient approach; recognised for rigorous ESG integration and robust exclusion policies.



Focus: Pure-play impact investor. Exclusively invests in companies solving sustainability challenges across nine themes (e.g., Cleaner Energy, Water Management).

Impact & Performance: Rigorous impact measurement and transparent reporting. Portfolio includes Autodesk (resource efficiency) and Bureau Veritas (certification). Aims for capital growth by backing solutions over a five-year period.

Credibility: Frequently lauded for deep commitment to impact investing and transparent reporting, standing out as a leader against greenwashing.



The UK continues to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable finance, with prominent investment funds proving that rigorous ESG integration can deliver both compelling financial returns and measurable impact. In an evolving regulatory environment, exemplified by the FCA's SDR, the emphasis on genuine sustainable practices is paramount. Sustainable Times monitors this landscape, offering insights and establishing benchmarks for excellence within the sector.


The RISE Awards: Best ESG Investment Fund

Invitation to Participate


Does your investment fund demonstrate a strong commitment to ESG principles while consistently delivering compelling financial returns? Do you believe your team's strategies and impact merit industry recognition?


The Sustainable Times RISE Awards provide a significant platform to acknowledge these achievements. Participating offers the opportunity to:


  • Showcase your fund's commitment: Highlight your innovative ESG strategies and the demonstrable impact of your investments.

  • Achieve industry recognition: Be acknowledged as a leader within the evolving field of sustainable finance.

  • Foster strategic connections: The awards ceremony offers a unique networking environment with over 400 investors, founders, and industry professionals. This critically includes sustainable startups who will have entered through our dedicated startup categories. This direct interaction provides fund managers with an opportunity to identify potential future investments and establish relationships with emerging enterprises.

  • Enhance market visibility: Increase your fund's profile and appeal to a broader audience of ESG-conscious investors seeking both financial returns and positive impact.

  • Awards Ceremony Information:



We encourage you to consider this opportunity to highlight your team's achievements and solidify your standing in ESG investment, while connecting with promising UK sustainable startups.


To learn more and submit your application for the 'Best ESG Investment Fund' category, please visit the Sustainable Times RISE Awards website. 



Footnote:

Disclaimer: The information provided on the funds below is for illustrative and informational purposes only, based on publicly available data as of June 2025. Fund details, performance, and investment strategies can change. Sustainable Times does not endorse or recommend any specific fund. Investors should always conduct their own thorough due diligence and consult the most current official fund documentation, such as factsheets and prospectuses, from the respective fund managers before making any investment decisions.


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