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Sustainable Investing: Make Money Doing the Right Thing

Sustainability became a buzzword in recent years as more people understand the importance of minimizing our impact on the environment. Sustainable investing also is growing in popularity. It refers to consideration of environmental, social and governance factors of investments while still growing value.  

We recommend that clients consider sustainability as a key component of their overall investment strategy. Companies with an environmental focus are well-positioned for solid growth in the coming years.  

Below are three examples of sustainability concepts that are emerging in investment portfolios. 

Sustainable Investing: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle 

Many businesses and households have become avid recyclers, keeping items like electronics, paper, plastics, and glass out of landfills. They also are purchasing items made from recycled products and supporting companies that prioritize the environment.  

Tremendous economic opportunity exists for using old, used, or surplus products as raw materials. This practice that helps avoid environmental damage caused by mining while also reducing overall costs and waste. We hold an investment position in TREX, the leader in composite decking made from sawdust and plastic bags. Two steel companies, Nucor and Schnitzer Steel, use recycled metals as their raw materials instead of mining for iron ore. All three companies enjoy profitability that exceeds industry averages. This suggests that recycling offers an economic advantage over companies that mine raw materials. 

Sustainable Investing: Pandemic Safety 

COVID-19 created economic opportunities for businesses that promote healthy indoor air quality. For instance, air conditioning contractors can install ultraviolet (UV) lighting in air filtration systems to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, as well as combatting mold, mildew, and other contaminants. The result is a cleaner, healthier environment to work and live. 

Our firm was an early investor in Carrier Corp., a leading global manufacturer and distributor of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems with an increased focus on clean air. Social responsibility helped drive the initial investment, but the opportunity grew as Carrier emerged as a leading provider of clean indoor air. 

Sustainable Investing: Electric Vehicles and Solar Energy 

Automotive technology has continued to make strides as manufacturers introduce hybrid and all-electric vehicles. The recent Colonial Pipeline hack, which created widespread fuel shortages throughout the Southeast, may influence car-buying trends for years to come. National media and politicians have increasingly emphasized electric vehicles and renewable energy as a means of reducing greenhouse gases. It is also an effective strategy to offset the rising cases of lung cancer among non-smokers.  

Sales at Tesla, an American electric vehicle and clean energy company, doubled from 2018 to 2020. Meanwhile, Tesla’s newly redesigned solar roof and battery storage are emerging business lines that complement its car division. In client portfolios, Tesla was a core holding until earlier this year, when our firm harvested significant profits. We also reduced our position in NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light, as it may soon need to compete with more solar installations.  

While the goal for any investor is to enjoy financial growth, sustainable investing is a concept that can offer both financial and environmental benefits. As more Americans integrate sustainability practices into their lifestyles, investors have an opportunity to experience positive returns while having a positive, long-term impact on society, environment, and the performance of a business. 

About the Author 

Andrew Hill, CFA, is president and co-founder of Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, 

Founded in 2010, Andrew Hill Investment Advisors is a Naples-based financial and portfolio advisory firm that delivers exceptional service, detailed wealth management research and strategic estate planning.
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Jennifer Figurelli, CTFA

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Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, Inc. (“AHIA”) maintains a Business Continuity and Succession Plan (“BCP”) that has been developed with the goal of protecting the health and safety of our employees and maintaining continuity of service for our clients. Our Plan is designed to ensure that we are prepared to operate through significant business disruptions, so that our clients can access their accounts without significant interruption under most circumstances.
Key elements of our BCP include the following:

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If your account requires servicing during a significant business disruption and we are unable to assist you, please call Fidelity Investments at 1-800-523-1203 and a dedicated team member will be able to assist you. It is impossible for us to anticipate every potential problem that may occur, but we believe our BCP will enable us to conduct business in the event of a variety of possible business disruptions. We review and test our BCP at least annually and it is subject to modification based on changing circumstances and assessment of need.

As a fiduciary, AHIA has certain legal obligations, including the obligation to act in client’s best interest. AHIA seeks to avoid a disruption of service to clients in the event of an unforeseen loss of key personnel, due to disability or death. To that end, AHIA has entered into a succession agreement with The Colony Group, LLC, effective May 24, 2019. AHIA can provide additional information to any current or prospective client upon request to Andrew D.W. Hill, President at 239-777-3188 or [email protected]

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Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, Inc. (“AHIA”) believes it is essential that we maintain the privacy of the nonpublic personal information provided to us and that we obtain in connection with providing our products and services to clients.  AHIA views protecting its customers’ private information as a top priority subject to the requirements of the Federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.  AHIA has instituted policies and procedures to ensure that client information is kept private and secure. 

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AHIA reserves the right to change these Privacy Principles, and any of the policies or procedures described above, at any time without prior notice. However, clients will be promptly provided with a current copy of our privacy notice upon material changes or upon request.  Active clients will receive a current copy of our privacy notice at least annually. These Privacy Principles are for general guidance and do not constitute a contract or create legal rights, and do not modify or amend any agreements.   If you have questions about this privacy policy, or if you wish to amend or rescind your written instructions with us at any time, please call us at (239) 777-3188.