
HOW WE INVEST RESPONSIBLY
We aim to help you make the most of your wealth without harming the environment and society over time. Here’s how we do it.

HOW WE INVEST RESPONSIBLY
We aim to help you make the most of your wealth without harming the environment and society over time. Here’s how we do it.
SUSTAINABLE STOCKS
We assess all sustainability-related risks and opportunities a company presents before we decide whether or not to invest in it. Every single time.
FUTURE-LOOKING FUNDS
Funds managed by third parties are a big part of our client portfolios. When selecting them, we assess how closely their responsible investing approach matches our own.
ONGOING MONITORING
We keep a close eye on the companies and funds in our client portfolios through regular reports and annual reviews.
sustainable STOCKS
We assess all sustainability-related risks and opportunities a company presents before we decide whether or not to invest in it. Every single time.
FUTURE-LOOKING FUNDS
Funds managed by third parties are a big part of our client portfolios. When selecting them, we assess how closely their responsible investing approach matches our own.
ONGOING MONITORING
We keep a close eye on the companies and funds in our client portfolios through regular reports and annual reviews.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
For us, sustainability is about achieving today’s goals without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
Responsible investing is one of three pillars that underpin our entire process for deciding where to invest your money – along with managing risk and managing costs.
We believe companies that look to protect the future have greater potential to become more profitable in the long term.
WORKING WITH THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
We understand that sustainability is a shared responsibility.
This is why we work with the world’s leading ESG groups to help improve the world we live in.
What is ESG?
Key responsible investing terms and what they mean.
SUSTAINABILITY
This means achieving today's goals without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. In an investing context, it means striving to provide financial returns without negatively impacting the environment and society over the long term.
ESG
Stands for Environmental, Social and Governance - the three key categories that investors use to classify the topics they address to create a sustainable future.
SOCIAL
The impact a company has on society. This includes how it treats staff, making sure supply chains avoid unethical labour practices, and the health impact of its products.
CARBON INTENSITY
Standard measure of how much carbon a company emits per million dollars of revenue.
CLIMATE ACTION 100+
A global body, run by five leading environmental organisations, with the world's biggest corporate greenhouse gas emitters firmly in its sights. It works with investors to ensure the relevant companies take appropriate action to tackle climate change.
THE UK STEWARDSHIP CODE
Created by the Financial Reporting Council, the code aims to enhance engagement between investors and companies.
Environmental
The impact a company has on the environment. This includes carbon emissions, deforestation, water usage and packaging.
GOVERNANCE
The impact a company has on the business environment. This includes its accounting practices, how it negotiates with suppliers, its attitude to diversity and how it contributes to a fair and stable market environment.
LOW CARBON ECONOMY
An economy that sees the energy businesses need to operate generated from renewable, sustainable sources such as wind, water and solar power.
THE PARIS AGREEMENT
A United Nations agreement - also known as COP 21 - which sets out an action plan to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT (PRI)
The world's leading organisation on responsible investing, the PRI encourages investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage risks. It is an independent body that's supported by the United Nations.
When investing, the value of your investments, and the income you receive from them, can go down as well as up and you may not get back as much as you invested.
Contact Us
Become a client
When you become a client of Coutts, you join a network of exceptional people. Get in touch online or call +44 (0)20 7753 1365 to find out more about our services.
Already a client?
Contact your private banker at any time or call +44 (0)20 7957 2424 for more information.
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