Impact investing is using capital to make a social or environmental impact, in addition to making financial returns. There are a variety of different sectors and issues that you can tackle: anything that you have a passion for or interests you can be your area of impact investing. In 2018, there was $228 billion in impact investing assets. Now more than ever, using assets and organizational leadership for good is important. Here are 6 companies investing in projects that are helping to make a positive impact in the world.
AT&T
AT&T is doing its part in helping the world through its own investment projects. Some of the corporation's steps have included purchasing 1.5 Gigawatts of renewable energy in 2019, supporting careers in sustainable energy for students, and providing jobs and opportunities for local communities through AT&T Windstrong. AT&T hopes to create a “better, more environmentally sustainable world” through its ventures in renewable energy.
Bayer
Bayer has made it a mission to include sustainability in its corporate activities starting in 2020. Through deliberative, systematic dialogue, Bayer is hoping to engage companies and investment opportunities with ecological and social goals. With its own company, Bayer has stated that it has goals to become carbon-neutral by 2030, provide access to health and nutrition to low- and middle-income communities, and create sustainability targets.
Best Buy
Best Buy has goals involving sustainability to create a positive impact in the world. Their 2030 goals include reducing carbon emissions in operations by 75%, and carbon emissions for customers by 20%. Through collaboration with companies in sustainability projects such as beehives, sanitation, and solar fields, the consumer electronics retailer is investing in ventures that will make a difference in the environment.
Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises supports programs such as Techstars Atlanta, Engage Ventures, Endeavor, and Startup Runway. Through its focus on Atlanta and the tech industry, Cox is giving entrepreneurs a chance to create jobs and build innovative networks. The projects target issues such as business and product development, social and environmental challenges, and mentorship programs.
Intel
Intel has been a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing beginning its work with creating a positive social impact through investments more than 20 years ago. The technology company is currently focusing on issues such as environmental sustainability, supply chain responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and social impact.
Microsoft
Microsoft has been awarded for its environmental and social work for many years, with various issues in the world being targeted by its social corporate responsibility programs. Key areas of interest for the company’s investments include privacy and cybersecurity, employability, environmental sustainability, and technology for nonprofits.
There are a variety of different ways to get involved in the impact investing sector. Both individuals and corporations can make a difference. Check out Net Impact’s Impact Investing Guide to learn more about what impact investing really is, what sectors are available, examples of impact investing, and more.
