Institutional investors are not abandoning sustainability and ESG programs despite political pressures around the globe to do so and many see growth in those programs accelerating the second half of this decade, a survey out this week from BNP Paribas shows.

The survey found that 87% of respondents have not changed their ESG and sustainability objectives and  84% believe the pace of progress of sustainability is either going to continue or accelerate between now and 2030.

But 41% of on the institutional investors surveyed did say they were less likely to play up those goals in public communications.

“In a world marked by uncertainty, the 2025 edition of BNP Paribas’ biennial ESG survey shows institutional investors remain committed to sustainable investing. The approach is key to their investment strategies, with growing recognition of holistic approaches and links between climate, biodiversity and social impact,” the introduction to the report says.

Top investing pros from around the globe

The survey, conducted by CoreData Research, gathered the views of 420 asset owners, asset managers and private capital executives on their attitudes and practices relating to ESG and sustainable investing in 29 locations worldwide. The data was collected between the end of November 2024 and end of January 2025 and supplemented by later in-depth interviews with industry experts.

Among the other highlights:

• There is a move away from “generalist ESG investing,” with 85% of respondents saying they integrate sustainability-related criteria into their overall investment decisions.
• Thematics have become more critical for investors, as they look to ensure both return and impact, and move away from generalist ESG investing. The thematic approach, used by 59% of respondents, is a more holistic one where themes are not treated in silos but as a part of a connected investment strategy.
• Investing in the energy transition was the top ESG/sustainability goal for institutions, with 49% expecting to increase their allocations there. Decarbonization, both from investing in low-carbon assets and divesting from high-carbon positions, was also a top goal (46%).
• Investors in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa, are more likely to embrace the different aspects of sustainable investing, helping to shape standards and financial eco-systems. North American investors are focusing on the value creation that energy transition and decarbonization can offer.
• Private capital managers are emerging as central supporters of ESG and sustainability. Their influence continues to grow, with many embedding sustainability at the heart of their strategies and fostering internal engagement. The data highlights how staff members within these organizations are a driver for progress and sustainability, along with their investors.

“This year’s survey confirms that ESG and sustainability are deeply embedded within many institutional investors, who now see it as a core part of their investment mission. Institutional investors are obviously willing to play their part in the efforts to meet goals such a reaching net-zero carbon emission by 2050, considering that the next few years are critical in that respect,” the report noted.

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