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07/2025

Interview with Matthias Kubli – Portfolio manager and part of the management team

Dear Matthias, what motivated you personally to become part of Carnot Capital – and what excites you about our focus on energy and resource efficiency?

I have known Carnot Capital for many years – I was part of the team from 2013 to 2015. The contact has never been broken off, and since 2021 I have also been privately involved as an investor in the Carnot Efficient Energy fund.
I am convinced by Carnot Capital’s clear guiding principle: technologies must make both economic and ecological sense. This interplay is central to me. At the same time, I am motivated by the goal of outperforming the market and achieving a measurable positive impact.

What specific experience from your career path do you bring to the table that is particularly valuable for our portfolios?
My investment universe has overlapped considerably with that of Carnot Capital in recent years – we have regularly exchanged views on companies and market trends. My in-depth understanding of industrial and technology companies is a clear value add. I also have the skill critically analyse new technologies and realistically assess their market potential – an essential skill in an environment that is focused on efficiency.

Was there a key moment that particularly shaped your interest in sustainable investments?

Throughout my travels to various regions of the world I have seen how differently resources are used. In Switzerland, we are already well positioned in terms of energy efficiency – globally, the situation is often quite different.
For sustainability to have a global impact, solutions must be affordable and scalable. Overly expensive technologies or purely theoretical approaches do not help. This pragmatic approach fits in very well with Carnot Capital’s philosophy.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for Carnot Capital in the coming years – both at a portfolio and company level?

Carnot Capital has loyal clients and a strong position in the market for impact investments. Its long-standing specialisation in energy and resource efficiency is a competitive advantage that enables it to identify new trends at an early stage.
Many companies in our investing universe have experienced challenging phases in recent years. However, I am currently seeing a trend reversal in several sectors. This new phase of reorientation is an opportunity to make targeted investments in companies that are on the verge of a sustainable growth spurt – and thus generate additional returns for our investors.

How do you see the role of listed companies in the transformation towards an energy- and resource-efficient economy?
We are at a turning point: the time for declarations of intent is over – reality is catching up with us. Shortages, extreme weather, pollutants in food – all this shows how urgent change is. Listed companies play a central role: with their innovative power and financial strength, they can scale solutions and achieve real impact. For many, this transformation offers not only a responsibility, but also an enormous opportunity for growth.

What values are particularly important to you in management and collaboration – and how would you like to bring these to Carnot Capital?
In a small team like Carnot Capital, entrepreneurial thinking and pragmatic action are crucial. For me, a common goal is the central anchor. I attach great importance to discussing ideas openly – at all levels. If everyone can actively contribute, the company remains dynamic and continues to develop. This is precisely the kind of forward movement that I want to help shape at Carnot Capital.

Many thanks dear Matthias – we look forward to a sustainable future with you.

Weitere Beiträge

Carnot Capital wins 1st place in the “Sustainable Performance Award® 2024”

Carnot Capital wins 1st place in the “Sustainable Performance Award® 2024”

Award for the “Carnot Efficient Energy Fund” Confirms Sustainable Investment Strategy

We are delighted to announce that the “Carnot Efficient Energy Fund” has secured 1st place in the prestigious “Sustainable Performance Award® 2024” in the “European Equities” category. This award recognizes the fund’s outstanding 5-year performance and its commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and sustainable investment strategies. The “Sustainable Performance Award®” is presented annually by the independent ProVita GmbH and published by the magazine Das Investment. The award honors equity funds that successfully combine ecological and social objectives with financial returns. The “Carnot Efficient Energy Fund” stood out among numerous competitors by demonstrating expertise in energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction while investing in top-quality companies.

Investing in the Future
The “Carnot Efficient Energy Fund” invests in companies developing innovative technologies and solutions to sustainably reduce global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The companies in the fund’s portfolio benefit not only from long-term growth opportunities but also actively contribute to achieving global climate goals.

“This award is a fantastic confirmation of our vision and investment strategy,” said Andres Gujan, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Carnot Capital. “Our goal is to generate attractive returns for our investors while creating a positive impact on the environment and society. Winning the ‘Sustainable Performance Award® 2024’ shows we are on the right track.”

Sustainability Meets Performance
With a consistent focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, the “Carnot Efficient Energy Fund” has gained the trust of institutional and private investors alike in recent years. The clear impact requirements on one hand and the financial quality standards for portfolio companies on the other are the key factors behind the fund’s success and recognition within the industry.

The Relevance of Investments in Energy and Resource Efficiency

The Relevance of Investments in Energy and Resource Efficiency

Andres Gujan explains the significant impact of these investments:

“The capital market is essential. Massive investments in improving energy and resource efficiency are needed to steer the world toward a CO₂-neutral circular economy. On a corporate level, these investments are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and enhancing sustainability. At Carnot Capital, we have the expertise to assess the impact of individual products and technologies.”

1. Energy Savings

Energy savings are a key aspect when evaluating the impact of energy efficiency measures. The amount of energy saved is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Another important indicator is the percentage reduction in energy consumption compared to industry standards. These figures provide insight into the effectiveness of the measures.

2. Cost Savings

Financial savings in energy consumption are a major incentive for energy efficiency measures. The return on investment (ROI) is a key indicator here, measuring the return as the ratio of energy cost savings to the investment cost of the measure. The ROI indicates how quickly the investment pays off.

3. CO₂ Emissions

Reducing CO₂ emissions is another critical driver of energy efficiency measures. CO₂ savings are essential due to legal requirements, customer expectations, or corporate sustainability strategies. The carbon footprint of products—especially electric vehicles—is gaining importance. The footprint reflects the total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout a product’s lifecycle. Reducing this footprint is crucial for advancing climate change mitigation efforts.

4. Resource Efficiency

Resource efficiency focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources such as water, energy, agricultural land, food, or metals. The goal is to reduce consumption and minimize waste. This is essential to ensure long-term resource availability and prevent severe environmental damage to natural ecosystems. Key indicators include the amount of materials saved and waste reduction through more efficient use and recycling of materials.

5. Productivity Improvements

Productivity improvements are a significant benefit of energy efficiency measures. Metrics such as output per unit of energy used and production process optimizations—leading to lower operating costs and increased efficiency—are essential. These enhancements help boost competitiveness and streamline business operations.

6. Social and Economic Indicators

Investments in energy and resource efficiency also bring social and economic benefits. They create jobs and improve working conditions through sustainable transformations. Key indicators include the number of jobs created or maintained and improvements in working conditions and public health due to reduced pollution and safer technologies. These measures contribute to social and economic development while enhancing quality of life.

7. Long-Term Sustainability

Long-term sustainability is a core objective of energy and resource efficiency initiatives. Detailed sustainability reports that document the long-term impact of investments on the environment, society, and the economy are essential tools. Compliance with sustainability standards and obtaining certifications are further indicators of long-term sustainability.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial for the success of energy efficiency measures. The use of energy management systems and other technologies for real-time tracking and analysis of energy and resource use enables ongoing assessment and optimization. Benchmarking—comparing efficiency measures with industry standards or best practices—helps identify progress and potential improvements.

“By combining these methods and indicators, companies and investors can comprehensively evaluate and continuously improve the impact of their investments in energy and resource efficiency. These measures not only contribute to cost and emission reductions but also promote sustainable and future-oriented development.”
Andres Gujan, Founder of Carnot Capital & Portfolio Manager

Andres Gujan, March 3, 2025