The Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) team focus on six green investment themes which they believe could show significant profits to investors in future years.
Clean Energy
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) as global energy demand is expected to rise more than 45% by 2030, concerns have heightened about the security and longevity of supplies. The focus on investment in alternative energy and energy efficiency has never been greater. We look for investments in technologies, such as wind, solar and fuel cells, as well as emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
Environmental Services
Increasing environmental health and safety regulations around the globe has resulted in new markets for companies providing solutions for environmental and social problems. Examples include environmental consultancies and providers of specialist safety equipment.
Green Transport
The IEA figures indicate transport accounts for 13% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A wide range of innovative measures are required to make a transition to cleaner and more efficient modes of mass transport. We invest in companies providing public transport services and also technologies aimed at reducing vehicle emissions.
Waste Management
Dealing with waste presents a serious challenge for society. In efforts to divert waste from landfill, governments are setting recycling and waste minimisation targets that increase alternative waste treatment and recycling. Technologies designed to reduce waste, recover energy and recycle valuable materials present clear investment opportunities.
Sustainable Living
Combined with an ageing population, the trend for healthy lifestyles has created investment opportunities in organic food, complementary medicines and bio-analytical and safety testing.
Water Management
According to the UN, within 20 years the average global water supply is expected to drop by 30%. The UN also says by 2025 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two thirds of the world's population could be under stress conditions. This has created opportunities for companies that widen access to clean water, by operating infrastructure systems or through new purification technologies. Water conservation, water and waste-water services are also providing investment opportunities.