--- title: "Create a better world to live and retire in | Pensions Advice UK" url: https://pensionsadviceuk.com/create-a-better-world/ description: "Pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet. Almost two-thirds (64%) of UK pension holders say that didn’t know their pension could be invested…" last_updated: 2023-10-19 publisher: "Pensions Advice UK (a trading name of GAP-GNX Ltd)" language: en-GB --- Guide # Create a better world to live and retire in Pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet Last updated 19 October 2023 **Written October 2023.** Tax allowances, limits and pension rules may have changed since then, so some figures here could be out of date. For current information, see our guide to [working out if you can afford to retire](https://pensionsadviceuk.com/can-i-afford-to-retire/). ### Few people are aware of what their workplace pension invests in, let alone how their pension provider incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters into the process. Almost two-thirds (64%) of UK pension holders say that didn’t know their pension could be invested in ways to help fight climate change. One in six (17%) of UK pension holders currently invest their pension responsibly, but 41% say they would like their pension to be invested responsibly, new research has revealed[1]. ## Collective power Over three quarters (77%) of UK adults class themselves as ‘climate conscious.’ Three out of five (59%) UK adults are familiar with the term ‘responsible investment,’ but only 26 per cent actually know what it means and understand its collective power to protect the planet. Men are more likely to be familiar with the term responsible investment than women (69% vs 50%). More than half (56%) of pension holders said they would consider investing a portion of their pension responsibly. Around a quarter (23%) were willing for at least half their pension to be invested responsibly. With one in ten (11%) wanting between 90% and 100% of their pension invested responsibly. ## Protecting the environment With over half (57%) of 18-24-year-olds wanting their pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet, compared to just over a quarter (29%) of 65-year-olds and over, it’s clear there is still more that can be done to build a better understanding of inter-generational financial resilience for the future. Pension holders were also asked what criteria they would like a responsibly invested pension to consider, with climate change and protecting the environment (42%) being highly rated. Social factors such as health and safety (29%) and use of plastic (28%) followed closely behind. The research also found more than half (53%) of pension holders do not know how their pension funds are invested. **Source data:** *[1] Royal London commissioned survey by Opinium between 18th to 22nd October 2021 with a sample of 2,000 nationally* ### Would you like to speak to an adviser? Tell us what you need help with and we’ll introduce you to an FCA-authorised adviser. It’s free to enquire. [Get started](https://pensionsadviceuk.com/qualified-advice-request/) ### Important information This content is for information only and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. Pensions Advice UK is a trading name of GAP-GNX Ltd. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and act solely as an introducer. The value of pensions and investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you put in. Tax rules can change and depend on your circumstances. ## Speak to an FCA-authorised adviser Tell us what you need help with and we’ll introduce you to a qualified specialist. Start your enquiry 020 3778 0939 We’re an introducer, not an adviser. [Call us](tel:+442037780939) [Enquire](https://pensionsadviceuk.com/qualified-advice-request/) --- Pensions Advice UK (a trading name of GAP-GNX Ltd) connects UK residents with FCA-authorised pension advisers and pension tracing services. It is not FCA-authorised and does not give financial or tax advice. It acts solely as an introducer to FCA-authorised firms, who provide any advice and explain any fees before you proceed. This is the text version of https://pensionsadviceuk.com/create-a-better-world/. More pages: https://pensionsadviceuk.com/llms.txt