"Through the certification process we've not only enhanced our stewardship practices but also improved the effectiveness of our reporting."

Emit Capital Asset Management: Lifting the ‘hood’

About Emit Capital

Emit Capital Asset Management (ECAM) is a global investment manager with a core focus on climate finance investments. Their approach reflects a strong commitment to addressing climate change through responsible and strategic investment choices. ECAM invests in companies that are actively working towards achieving a net zero carbon emissions goal and are well-positioned to benefit from the global energy transition. They incorporate ESG and impact values into their investment decisions to ensure their investments are socially responsible and sustainable. Their focus on aligning with net zero goals, supporting the global energy transition, and adhering to climate-related targets underscores their dedication to sustainable and impactful investing.

Local focus important

Matt Dever, Managing Director says Emit Capital joined RIAA to gain access to resources and events relevant to the Australian market. While its portfolio is global, its fund is domiciled in Australia.

“We recognised that staying up to date on regulatory aspects such as ASIC’s focus on greenwashing was going to be integral to our product offering.

 

RIAA certified fund

 

The Emit Capital Climate Finance Equity Fund was certified by RIAA in July 2023.

 

The fund uses a thematic strategy around climate finance focusing on four key areas: energy transformation, energy efficiency, transport and infrastructure and water management.

 

The fund targets companies that make a meaningful reduction to climate change and reducing emissions, while also adding a secondary layer of analysis involving ESG and ‘impact investment values’ for each company.

 

Additionally, the fund runs negative screens on companies involved in hazardous waste, weapons manufacturers, tobacco, alcohol and gambling.

 

 

 

 

 

A look under the hood

 

Dever says that through the RIAA certification process, they were able to look at the way they were operating and analysing companies, while considering what more they could be doing in terms of sustainability and responsible investment.

“We’ve evolved our approach by incorporating additional assessment criteria, including a focus on human rights and slavery issues. While these aren’t specific certification requirements, we recognised their relevance and ease of analysis thanks to our comprehensive data sources.

 

“Think of it as RIAA giving us a detailed look under the hood—examining our processes and analysis closely. Through this certification process, we’ve not only enhanced our stewardship practices but also improved the effectiveness of our reporting.”

 

 

“We’re definitely getting more interest”