Frequently asked questions
THE SECTOR
Q: What's so attractive about investing in the environmental sector?
A: It's estimated that the United Kingdom needs to invest more than £30 billion in infrastructure over the next decade to generate sufficient renewable energy as well as manage its waste more effectively. Legislative changes and the need for the UK to catch up with its more advanced European counterparts point to major opportunities for growth. For companies operating in or entering this sector, it offers the opportunity to establish key positions and achieve strong returns on capital.
Q: What does the sector cover?
A: It's an exciting sector that is growing rapidly. The key technological developments are being made in the areas of:
+ Renewable energy - hydro, wave and tidal, biomass, wind, geothermal and photovoltaic. EU renewable energy obligations require the UK to obtain 30 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020.
+ Environmental - including reducing air pollution, managing contaminated land, waste management, water and waste water, recovery and recycling.
+ Helping to create a low carbon economy - alternative fuels and vehicles, carbon capture and storage, energy management and building technology.
Q: How big is the sector?
A: Recent estimates by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) stated that there are almost 55,000 companies active in the low carbon and environmental goods and services sector in the UK. The sector provides around 900,000 jobs and was valued in 2007/08 at £106 billion. In its 2009 White Paper, the government predicted that the industry could create 1.2 million jobs in a global market worth £3 trillion.
Q: So, it's clearly a growing market?
A: Yes. According to estimates, in the renewable energy area alone, we are likely to see that demand will exceed supply for the next ten years and possibly beyond.
Local authorities require a total of £10 billion of new infrastructure to achieve their EU landfill targets. The UK's renewable energy obligations will also see more waste being used to create alternative energy.
INVESTING
Q: But what about recessions?
A: We believe this sector is robust with immense potential. The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) expects the UK environmental economy to continue to grow with the highest growth being forecast in renewable technologies on account of the drive to lower carbon emissions to meet international targets.
Q: Who can invest?
A: UK residents over the age of 18, although investments can be made on behalf of those under 18 by their parents.
Q: As an individual, how much can I invest?
A: Monthly from £50 or lump sums from £1,000.
ABOUT GO GREEN INVESTMENTS
Q: What experience does Go Green Investments have?
A: Go Green Investments is part of Graduate & Professional Financial Services which has been offering independent financial advice from its Cotswolds base since the early 1990s. Graduate & Professional provides comprehensive financial advice and has built up a reputation for its specialist knowledge on a variety of matters.
Q: How reliable are the funds in which I am investing?
A: Different investors have different attitudes to investment risk. Some require capital security; some are prepared to take a greater risk in order to secure the potential for greater returns. Green investments to suit all levels of risk are available and we deal only with providers who have established a track record in the sector.
Q: Who can invest?
A: Individuals and companies.
Q: Why should I invest?
A: There are several reasons:
+ Predicted growth means the potential for healthy returns
+ Your investment is helping to reduce emissions
+ Your investment is helping to develop alternative energies
+ Your investment is helping to reduce the amount of waste destined for landfill
+ Investing in the environmental sector is aligned with sustainability principles