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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.

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.