Sustainable Investment Calculator: ESG Returns & Carbon Impact

Written byAhmet C. Toplutaş

Site Owner & Editor

Sustainable Investing Overview

Compare an ESG portfolio against a conventional benchmark. Include fee drag and carbon intensity reduction to evaluate financial and environmental outcomes together.

What is ESG?

Environmental
Emissions, energy, water, waste, biodiversity

Social
Labor standards, product safety, community impact

Governance
Board independence, ethics, shareholder rights

Returns, Fees & Tracking Error

Fees: Some ESG funds carry higher expense ratios; we model this as fee drag (bps).
Returns: Long‑term returns can be similar to broad markets but vary with methodology.
Tracking Error: ESG screens can deviate from the benchmark; consider diversified exposure.

Carbon Impact Methodology

We use a simplified carbon‑intensity proxy to illustrate directional impact. For rigorous analysis, use issuer‑level scope 1–3 data and portfolio‑weighted intensities.

Baseline Intensity (kg CO2e per $1k invested) × Portfolio Value → Estimated emissions.

Reduction = Baseline × ESG Reduction %.

How to Use the Calculator

Enter initial investment, monthly contribution, and time horizon.
Provide expected returns for ESG and conventional portfolios and any ESG fee drag (bps).
Set baseline carbon intensity and expected reduction for ESG approach.
Calculate to view projected values and estimated carbon impact reduction.

Example Portfolios

ESG Index Fund

Return 7.0%, fee drag 10 bps, 35% carbon intensity reduction. Comparable long‑term returns with lower footprint.

Thematic Clean Energy Tilt

Return 7.5%, fee drag 30 bps, 60% intensity reduction. Higher volatility and tracking error vs. broad benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fee drag in bps?

Basis points (bps) are hundredths of a percent. 20 bps = 0.20% per year.

How is carbon impact estimated?

We use a simplified intensity‑based proxy to illustrate directional impact, not a comprehensive lifecycle assessment.