Searchresult

12/2024

High Growth in Data Centers

The global data centre market continues to grow unabated. A significant proportion of this growth comes from ‘hyperscale data centres’, which are being built by large technology groups such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon. The increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is significantly changing the requirements for data centres. These technologies require more computing power and higher rack densities, which necessitates new designs and increases location requirements. In addition, the demand for “colocation”, i.e. capacity close to users, is increasing to ensure faster loading times.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The sustainability and energy consumption of data centres is an increasingly important aspect, as energy costs and environmental impact are rising steeply. There is a need to improve energy efficiency, and there are several approaches to this:

Cooling is the most important consumption factor. Free cooling or liquid cooling are common efficiency measures.
Eliminating losses from sub-optimal power distribution significantly reduces energy consumption.
Energy for the infrastructure increases energy consumption – building automation helps to reduce this consumption.
Many data centre operators rely on renewable energies to reduce their carbon footprint.

In order to build “green data centres” in the future, a holistic approach is required. This enables optimised energy efficiency and therefore both economic and ecological benefits.

Data Centers in the Carnot Capital Portfolio

Schneider Electric has developed a platform that enables the analysis, monitoring and automation of data centres. Data centres are an important part of the core business, accounting for almost 20% of sales. At ABB and Hubbell, this share is around 10% and also makes a substantial contribution to sales growth. Instalco, a Scandinavian installation company, and Energiekontor, which develops wind and solar projects for the operation of data centres, are also benefiting. Finally, Carel, a new portfolio item, develops advanced cooling systems tailored to the requirements of data centres.

Weitere Beiträge

Individual Stocks or Funds: Which is the Better Investment Strategy?

Individual Stocks or Funds: Which is the Better Investment Strategy?

In the world of financial investments, investors are often faced with the question of whether it is better to invest in individual shares or funds. Andres Gujan explains the role that factors such as diversification, risk/return ratio and personal preferences play in this decision.

Diversification and Risk: Individual shares are targeted investments in individual companies, which enables potentially higher returns. However, this is also associated with a higher risk, as the success of an individual share depends heavily on company-specific and market-related factors. Funds, on the other hand, spread the risk across a large number of shares or asset classes, which reduces the risk of loss. At Carnot Capital, we always keep an eye on these risk factors and periodically compare the portfolio with the ESG and impact values.

Risk-Return Profile: Individual shares can fluctuate strongly in the short term, but offer the opportunity for considerable gains in the long term. Funds offer a more stable performance over longer periods and are particularly suitable for investors who want to avoid large fluctuations in value.

Time and Costs: The selection and management of individual shares often required more time, knowledge and research. Professional fund managers, like us at Carnot Capital, deal with the portfolio on a daily basis, which reduces the effort for the investor.

Personal Preferences: The decision between individual shares and funds also depends on personal goals, risk tolerance and ethical considerations. Investors should design their investment strategy according to their individual situation and financial goals and draw on the expertise of specialised fund managers, especially for thematic investments.

“Overall, a balanced mix of individual shares and, for example, impact funds can be a sensible strategy to benefit from the advantages of both forms of investment, i.e. to achieve a good risk/return profile and make a sustainable contribution in the area of energy and resource efficiency. Andres Gujan, Founder Carnot Capital & Portfolio Manager

5 Reasons for Impact Investing

5 Reasons for Impact Investing

Impact investing, i.e. sustainable and responsible investing, is a need for more and more investors. Rolf Helbling explains the five most important reasons why impact investing is extremely important and financially very worthwhile:

1. Double Bottom Line:

Impact investing aims to achieve positive social and environmental effects in addition to financial returns. Investments support projects or companies in areas such as energy saving, renewable energies, resource efficiency or healthcare.

2. Long-Term Financial Returns:

“Companies that pursue sustainable and responsible practices are often better positioned for long-term success. The investment focus on companies that essentially promote a more efficient use of resources forms the basis for an attractive return. Studies show that impact investments offer competitive financial returns by capitalising on long-term opportunities and mitigating risks arising from unsustainable business practices.

3. Risk Minimisation:

By integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions, potential risks can be better identified and minimised. Companies that operate sustainably are often less susceptible to regulatory changes and scandals.

4. Fulfilment of Personal Values:

Many investors want to invest their capital in line with their personal values. Impact investing enables investors to make a positive contribution to society and the environment with their capital and at the same time fulfil their own ethical expectations.

5. Market and Innovation Potential:

Impact plants support innovative companies and technologies that develop solutions for today’s biggest challenges. This can lead to the creation of new markets and business opportunities that drive long-term growth and positive change in the area of energy and resource efficiency.

 

“Impact investing gives investors the opportunity to play an important role in tackling global challenges while generating attractive financial returns.”

Rolf Helbling, Founder Carnot Capital & Portfolio Manager