5 Best Sustainable Investment Platforms for UK Investors

5 Best Sustainable Investment Platforms for UK Investors

Ruby Layram


29th May 2025

Looking to make your money do some good while growing your wealth? Sustainable investing is all the rage in 2025, and the UK has a fantastic selection of platforms to help you align your investments with your values. Whether you’re after green energy, ethical funds, or impact-driven projects, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a roundup of the best sustainable investment platforms for UK investors this year.

1. The Big Exchange

Co-founded by The Big Issue, The Big Exchange is a trailblazer in ethical investing. It offers a curated selection of funds that are rated for their positive impact on people and the planet.

What’s more, it provides full transparency by showing every company each fund invests in, not just the top ten. You can start investing with as little as £25 a month or a £100 lump sum.

2. Interactive Investor

Interactive Investor stands out with its ACE40 list- a selection of ethical funds categorised by their approach to sustainability, whether they avoid certain industries, consider ESG factors, or actively embrace positive impact. As the UK’s largest flat-fee investment platform, it offers a cost-effective way to build a sustainable portfolio.

3. AJ Bell

AJ Bell provides access to a range of sustainable funds, including popular choices like Liontrust Sustainable Future Global Growth and Royal London Sustainable Leaders. It also offers various account types, such as Stocks and Shares ISAs and SIPPs, making it a versatile option for ethical investors.

4. Wealthify

For those who prefer a hands-off approach, Wealthify is a robo-advisor that offers ethical investment plans. You can start with just £1, and the platform handles all the investment decisions for you, aligning your portfolio with sustainable and ethical criteria.

5. Ethex

Ethex is a platform that allows you to invest directly in impactful UK-based projects, such as community energy initiatives and social enterprises. With over £120 million invested in more than 200 projects, it’s a great choice for those looking to make a tangible difference.

6. Abundance Investment

Abundance Investment specialises in green and social infrastructure projects, including renewable energy and local council initiatives. It’s known for its Community Municipal Investments, which support local authorities in achieving net-zero goals.

How to Use a Sustainable Investment Platform

Getting started with a sustainable investment platform is relatively simple. However, you will need a few things to hand:

  • A valid form of ID
  • Proof of address
  • A debit card or the details of your UK bank account

Step 1: Choose your platform

First things first, pick the platform that ticks all your boxes.

Do you want a hands-off approach with a robo-advisor like Wealthify? Or are you keen to choose your own funds through Interactive Investor or AJ Bell?

Take a peek at what each platform offers and decide which one suits your investing style and budget.

Step 2: Open an account

Head over to the platform’s website and click that shiny “Sign Up” or “Get Started” button.

You’ll need to pop in some basic info, like your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number.

It’s all standard stuff to keep things secure and above board.

Step 3: Choose your account type

Depending on your goals, you might choose a Stocks & Shares ISA (for tax-free growth), a General Investment Account (for flexibility), or even a SIPP (for retirement savings). Most platforms offer these, so pick the one that best fits your investing goals.

Step 4: Fund your account

Now it’s time to add some cash! Most platforms let you fund your account with a bank transfer or direct debit. You don’t need to start big, some platforms let you begin with as little as £1!

Step 5: Pick your investments

This is where the fun begins. You can browse ethical funds, sustainable ETFs, or even individual shares that match your values.

Take a look at our guide on ethical investing to get started.

Many platforms have helpful tools to guide you, or you can check out their “best of” lists for some inspiration.

Step 6: Review & confirm

Before you hit the “Invest” button, take a moment to review your choices and double-check everything’s in order.

Once you’re happy, go ahead and confirm your investments.

Step 7: Sit back & watch it grow

And that’s it! You’re officially an ethical investor. Keep an eye on your portfolio, review it every so often, and enjoy the fact that your money is working for both your future and the planet.

How to Pick Sustainable Investments

Now that you’ve signed up for a sustainable investment platform, the next step is to pick your first investment.

Here are a few things to look for:

Check the sustainability credentials

Look for investments that are labelled as “ESG” (Environmental, Social and Governance), “green,” or “sustainable.”

These are funds or shares that have been carefully chosen for their positive impact on the planet and society. Some platforms even have special “sustainability scores” to help you spot the greenest options.

Be aware of greenwashing! The name of a fund is just that start. Once you find a few ESG investments to consider, spend time reviewing the finer details to double check that they are in fact ‘sustainable’.

Dig into the fund’s holdings

It’s worth having a peek under the bonnet, see exactly which companies are included. Are they renewable energy firms? Green tech pioneers? Socially responsible businesses? Make sure the investments align with your values.

Also read: How to research stocks like a pro

Check the risk level

Like any investment, sustainable funds come with different levels of risk. If you’re just starting out, you might prefer a more balanced or cautious approach. If you’re feeling bolder, you could go for something a bit more growth-focused.

Look at past performance

Remember, past performance isn’t everything, but it can give you an idea of how the investment has performed in different market conditions. Just don’t get too hung up on it—sustainability is often a long-term game!

Consider the fees

Keep an eye on the costs. Even in the world of sustainable investing, fees can eat into your returns over time. Lower fees usually mean more of your money stays invested and working for you.

Think long-term

Finally, remember that investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable funds are about long-term growth, so don’t stress if your investments don’t skyrocket overnight. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture!

If you’re still not sure where to start, many platforms have ready-made sustainable portfolios—great for beginners who want to keep things simple!

Next steps

Now that you’ve got a good idea of the best sustainable investment platforms and how to find sustainable stocks and shares, it’s time to make your first investment!

Make sure that you only invest with money that you can afford to lose, and talk to an expert before putting any money on the line.

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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here, including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies, are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.

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