We talk more and more often about sustainable finance, but what is it really and why is it so important for our economic future? Sustainable finance does not concern only investments, but the entire financial system: companies, banks, savers. The goal is to generate lasting value, integrating environmental, social, and governance sustainability.
In fact, the term “sustainable finance” refers to all activities that aim to create value over time, taking into account not only economic returns but also the effects on the planet and communities. The roots of the concept go back to the 17th century, when some religious groups, for example the Methodists, excluded from their investments activities considered unethical, such as the trade of weapons or tobacco.
Over time, these practices evolved into the so-called sustainable and responsible investments (SRI), which are based on three fundamental pillars:
• generating a return for the investor;
• maintaining a medium-long term perspective;
• integrating ESG criteria in the selection of securities.
Alongside these, there is impact investing, that type of investment which, in addition to ensuring an economic performance, aims to produce a positive social and environmental impact, measurable according to the parameters of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.
What ESG criteria are
At the base of sustainable finance are the ESG criteria, an acronym that stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three areas represent the indicators used to assess whether a company is sustainable or not, going beyond simple financial numbers.
- Environmental criteria analyze aspects such as CO₂ emissions, use of natural resources, impact on biodiversity, or energy efficiency;
- Social criteria concern the respect of human and workers’ rights, gender equality, and working conditions along the entire supply chain;
- Governance evaluates transparency in corporate management, the presence of ethical policies, the composition of the board of directors, and the absence of corrupt practices.
The protagonists of the sustainable transition
The transition toward sustainable finance involves all actors of the economic system, no one excluded.
For large companies, it is often a matter of responding to regulatory and reputational obligations; for SMEs, it can be a strategic choice to access new market and financing opportunities. Citizens also play a decisive role. Understanding what sustainable finance is and how to apply it in the management of their savings makes them active protagonists of the transition, capable of directing capital toward valuable choices.
The role of financial culture and education
There is still a long way to go to make the concepts of sustainable finance understandable and accessible to everyone. For this reason, it is essential to invest in financial education, starting from the youngest. Understanding how and where to invest money means acquiring awareness, exercising economic power, and contributing to a fairer future.
The Museum of Saving has always been committed to spreading an economic-financial culture based on responsibility, sustainability, and active citizenship. Through paths, workshops, and educational content, it helps adults and youngsters develop a conscious vision of saving and investment.
In particular, the theme of sustainability is at the core of the S.A.V.E. program (Sustainability, Action, Voyage, Experience), which the Museum created with the goal of raising awareness among students at all school levels on the topics of circular economy, conscious use of money, and social inclusion, in order to help them become active citizens capable of building a better future for everyone.
Sustainable finance is today a concrete lever to transform the economy, face environmental crises, and promote more balanced and inclusive development. A change of mindset that concerns everyone: companies, institutions, families, and individual citizens.
On the blog of the Museum of Saving you can find other insights on finance, environment, and economic responsibility. Keep exploring our content to make more conscious choices, and do not forget to visit our website (www.museodelrisparmio.it) to consult the available and freely downloadable materials.
August 20, 2025