In this episode of Planet Profits Podcast, we delve into the inspiring (and very Philly) story of Kendall Bedford, who utilized a world class education at Friends Central, Princeton, and the Wharton School at Penn, to become a venture capital investor at Sustain VC. Discover how her passion for sustainability (and her compassion for giraffes) led her to impact investing. Kendall shares insights into her unique path, the challenges she faced, and the innovative work being done at Sustain VC to drive positive change. Tune in to learn how Kendall's values and experiences have shaped her approach to investing in businesses that make a difference.
The one in which we talk to Devi about her organization's work supporting a just, green, and thriving economy in the Philadelphia area.
Gabe Rissman, Co-Founder and President of YourStake, shares his journey into sustainable investing and the mission of his company.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode of the Planet Profits Podcast, Joe Pelusi interviews Professor Allen Webb, an English professor and climate activist. Professor Webb shares his background and how he got involved in climate activism. He discusses the importance of teaching climate change in English classes and the connection between the climate crisis and the humanities. Professor Webb also talks about his involvement in Extinction Rebellion and the effective strategies they use for activism. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Climate Change Book Club that Professor Webb moderates and recommendations for climate fiction books.
In this episode of "Planet Profits Podcast", Joe interviews Lacey Huebel, the head of responsible investment for North America at Dimensional Fund Advisors. Dimensional is an asset manager that has been around since the early 80s and focuses on developing well-diversified strategies that are more likely to outperform over longer time periods. They have a close relationship with financial advisors and believe in the value of working with stellar investment advisors. Lacey shares her passion for environmental sustainability and how it is ingrained in her personal and professional life. She manages portfolios for Dimensional and works on their responsible investment efforts, which are tied into their environmental sustainability-focused strategies. In this conversation, Joe and Lacey discuss various aspects of sustainable investing and Dimensional's approach to it. They highlight the importance of carbon reporting and how it is a relatively new field that continues to improve. Lacey emphasizes the role of data quality in sustainable investing and Dimensional's commitment to using high-quality, objective data. They also discuss Dimensional's approach to fossil fuel holdings, which focuses on a continuum of emissions profiles and sustainable business practices. Lacey explains that Dimensional aims to reflect the broad nature of the climate change problem and considers both the supply and demand sides. They also touch on shareholder engagement and the importance of voting on proxy proposals and director elections to promote shareholder interests and values. Finally, they address the performance of sustainable funds and how Dimensional's strategies are designed to achieve long-term outperformance while incorporating investors' values.
Key Topics Covered:
Composting and the Climate Crisis: Colleen explained how composting directly contributes to solving the climate crisis. We delved into the science of composting and how it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, by diverting organic waste from landfills. This discussion also touched on the broader environmental benefits of composting, including soil health and biodiversity.
Nutritional Value of Food: A fascinating part of our conversation was how composting can improve the nutritional value of our food. Colleen shared insights on how nutrient-rich compost improves soil quality, which in turn enhances the nutritional content of the fruits and vegetables grown in that soil. This segment is a must-listen for anyone interested in organic gardening and healthier food options.
Being Part of the Solution: Colleen passionately spoke about how each individual can contribute to a healthier planet by adopting composting. She emphasized that composting is a practical step towards becoming part of the solution to environmental problems, rather than contributing to them.
Getting Started with Composting: For listeners eager to start composting, Colleen provided a comprehensive guide on how to begin.
In which we learn how start-up company Pomelo is making migration better, easier and less expensive by enabling people to send credit to their friends and family.
Summary
Sam and Sarah Adams of Vert Asset Management join our host to discuss beer, sustainable real estate investing and the importance of shareholder advocacy in achieving positive impact. They explain the difference between REITs and real estate funds, as well as the transition from a mutual fund to an ETF. The Adams highlight the financial performance of sustainable real estate investments and the role of academics in identifying important sustainability issues. They also discuss the impact of emissions and energy efficiency in real estate and the need for global investments in the sector. The conversation concludes with recommendations for the real estate industry to address the climate crisis.
Takeaways
Sustainable real estate investments can deliver competitive market rates of return without sacrificing positive impact.
Emissions in real estate come from embodied carbon in building materials, operational carbon from electricity use, and facility emissions from gas and other appliances.
Academics play a crucial role in identifying important sustainability issues and measuring the financial performance of sustainable real estate investments.
Global investments in real estate provide diversification and exposure to different sectors and countries.
The real estate industry should focus on retrofitting older buildings, setting net-zero targets, and engaging in energy audits to improve sustainability.
Dogfish Head is good beer, as is Sam Adams. The guys particularly like Wicked Hazy, Wicked Easy, and the 90 Minute IPA.
Chapters
00:00 Beer Recommendations and Intro to Vert Asset Management
07:57 Difference between REITs and Real Estate Funds
10:09 Transition from Mutual Fund to ETF
11:37 Performance and Learning Curve of Sustainable Real Estate
15:32 Emissions and Energy Efficiency in Real Estate
24:08 Global Investments in Real Estate
27:23 Role of Academics in Real Estate Investing
32:07 Recommendations for Real Estate to Address Climate Crisis
In which we learn about alternative assets, including the use of private equity ... for good.
More impact than composting, becoming a vegetarian, and giving up flying combined! More returns than index funds! Probably. Insert disclaimer about reasonableness, adulthood, and the fundamental unknowability of the future here.
In which we are introduced to the Philadelphia chapter of Green Drinks, an informal collective of people who like to hang out together and talk about how to fix the climate crisis.