Slough: A Rising Hub for Sustainable Investment.

Slough is building on its strong corporate foundation and international connectivity to position itself as a destination where sustainable finance and green investment can thrive. As global markets accelerate the shift towards ESG-focused funds, green bonds, and climate-positive investment strategies, Slough provides the right environment for capital to be mobilised in ways that generate both financial returns and lasting social value.

By linking regeneration and innovation with community benefit, Slough is demonstrating how sustainable investment can improve quality of life, create opportunities, and build resilience, ensuring growth is inclusive as well as green.

The Momentum Behind Sustainable Investment

The rise of sustainable investment is undeniable. According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, sustainable assets under management reached $30 trillion in 2022, representing over a third of all professionally managed assets worldwide. In non-US markets, sustainable investment assets have grown by 20% since 2020.

Research from the British Business Bank shows investors are increasingly considering environmental factors in their decisions. A survey of UK VC fund managers found that 83% now factor in environmental considerations, and 52% see ESG as a significant part of their strategy. This has driven a notable increase in clean tech investment — a trend that aligns closely with Slough’s regeneration pipeline.

A Hub for Green Growth

The UK government underscored the importance of sustainable capital by launching its first sovereign green bond in 2021, raising £16 billion to support clean transport, renewable energy, and climate adaptation.

Slough is well-positioned to harness this momentum. Its ongoing regeneration, infrastructure upgrades, and net-zero strategies create an environment where businesses and investors can deliver commercial growth while advancing environmental and social goals.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council, says: “Slough is committed to creating a sustainable, forward-looking town where investment drives both economic growth and environmental responsibility. By combining smart infrastructure, ambitious regeneration, and net-zero initiatives, we are building a community where businesses can thrive while contributing to a greener future.”

Slough’s Commitment to Sustainability

Key projects already demonstrate the town’s sustainable investment potential:

• North West Quadrant Development: Up to 1,600 new homes, workspaces, retail, and public space in the town centre.

• SEGRO’s Sustainable Units: Nine new industrial units at Slough Trading Estate built to high sustainability standards.

• Yondr’s Sustainable Data Centre: A high-performance, energy-efficient facility adhering to stringent sustainability criteria.

  
  

These projects show how sustainable capital can deliver long-term community value: new housing, better public spaces, cleaner industry, and jobs in future-ready sectors.

Unlocking ESG and Impact Capital

Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes alongside competitive returns. Slough offers a pipeline of projects that align with these objectives — from green housing and low-carbon infrastructure to smart mobility and clean technology innovation.

For ESG and impact funds (such as Generation Investment Management and Impax Asset Management), green bond issuers (sovereign funds, pension funds), and international banks with sustainability mandates (including HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, and the EIB), Slough provides a testbed where sustainable capital can be deployed at scale to drive measurable impact.

Building on Corporate Strength

Slough is home to one of the UK’s most significant corporate clusters, with global firms across multiple sectors. This business ecosystem underpins investor confidence and creates natural opportunities for collaboration. By aligning regeneration strategies with the net-zero commitments of both local authorities and corporations, Slough offers a platform where sustainable innovation can be financed, piloted, and scaled internationally.

Opportunities and Potential

The financial system is undergoing a transformation: ESG and sustainable finance are no longer niche, but mainstream. By combining its regeneration pipeline, corporate base, and strategic location, Slough has the potential to be a UK leader in attracting and deploying sustainable capital.

For investors seeking both returns and impact, Slough represents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the transition to a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive economy.