New report calls avoidance a poor green alternative

A Rogers Casey Inc. researcher argues that targeted bets on “green” companies could prove superior to more sweeping strategies that purge polluters from institutional portfolios.

In the consulting firm’s recent white paper, “Environment-Friendly Investing: The Different Shades of Green,” author Jamil Zraikat ’05 said small allocations to companies positioned to profit from “green” trends could spice up an institutional portfolio, while providing the most direct environmental bang for the buck. …

If the main objectives behind green investing can be distilled to having a direct positive environmental impact, and profiting from green trends rather than sacrificing returns, then small targeted allocations to green investment strategies could prove the best mix for institutional investors, Zraikat said. [More…]