Sustainable Investing - Follow-up Article

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Media Contact: Grace Tiezzi, Assistant Town Manager. (860) 409-4300; gtiezzi@avonct.gov

AVON CLEAN ENERGY COMMISSION HOSTS CONVERSATION ON SUSTAINABLE INVESTING

Avon, CT – May 26, 2023 – For those who want to make an impact in slowing the effects of climate change, you can do so through a savvy, diversified portfolio leveraging sustainable investments.

This was the message delivered during a Sustainable Investing panel discussion hosted by the Avon Clean Energy Commission on May 18, 2023. The conversation was held at the Avon Free Public Library and was free and open to the public. 

Leading the discussion was Avon Clean Energy Commission Member Bernie Zahren, founder and executive chairman of Zahren Financial Co., LLC, the Manager of Clean Feet Investors I, LLC, a private multi-million dollar investment fund with a portfolio that centers its mission on being environmentally conscious. 

“You can generate strong returns all while creating a positive impact on the environment,” Zahren explained. “If helping the environment and halting climate change is something you care about, taking the time yourself, or with your financial advisor, to dig into your portfolio and really understand your investments will allow you to identify tremendous opportunities to make an outsized impact.”

Joining Zahren was Tim Kretz, the President of Zahren Funds, and Bernard Pelletier, Vice President of People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE), and a member of the West Hartford Clean Energy Commission. Among the major topics discussed were the complexities of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance). 

“ESG-themed funds are growing in popularity and can be excellent investments if you’re environmentally conscious, but there can often be more than meets the eye so just be sure to understand how those funds are invested,” Kretz said.

One of the things Kretz and Zahren are doing now is looking at different opportunities to invest within the supply chain by supporting farms in Connecticut that will source their locally grown food right back to the community.

“Less than 1% of the food we consume in Connecticut is grown in the state,” Kretz pointed out. “That’s staggering. We’re seeing how we can help find ways to invest in a better solution.”

Zahren on this effort: “It’s a win-win that is very achievable and something we’re committed to.”

Pelletier finished the discussion with a very important message: “Even before turning to sustainable investing, there are little actions you can take within your personal lives that make a real impact on your daily budget and trigger a positive effect on our planet,” Pelletier explained. “A new roof, better HVAC system, ductwork, solar – all of that will cut down your electric bill while lowering carbon emissions.”

And all three speakers advocated being intentional about taking that first step and from there, determining your best course of action.

To view the slides from the presentation, visit: http://bit.ly/avon-clean-energy.

For the latest information from the Avon Clean Energy Commission, go here: https://www.avonct.gov/avon-clean-energy-commission.