Software permeates almost every sector of the modern global economy. Over the past decade or so, software solutions have become embedded in real economy processes to make them more efficient, delivering financial savings and so supporting company margins. Their problem-solving capabilities can also help tackle environmental challenges.

In the era of the ‘digital factory’, every machine can be connected to cloud-based software solutions. Performance data can be captured and analysed to identify any issues before they shut down an entire production line, thereby improving resource efficiency in manufacturing.

Enterprise resourcing planning software meanwhile enables companies to perfect their logistics and distribution models, therefore reducing emissions associated with carbon-intensive supply chains and operations.

Even in the relatively analogue construction sector, software solutions are being increasingly applied to improve the design and delivery of projects, optimising the use of materials and cutting wastage on building sites.

The rise of data management, processing and storage is itself energy intensive. However, the relative efficiency and higher utilisation rates of large-scale data centres, when compared with traditional on-site servers, means the shift to cloud-based solutions can itself deliver environmental savings while also unleashing the potential benefits of enhanced computing power.

For investors looking to understand the impact of the companies they invest in, the software sector does carry its own challenges. Impact analysis is complicated by the fact that it hinges on how services are applied by software companies’ customers, as well as by the difficulties in establishing baselines for comparison. Yet, as we discuss in this recording, this issue is beginning to be addressed.    

As we transition to a more sustainable economy, and as new innovations emerge, it seems clear that software can play a powerful enabling role as part of the solution to pressing environmental challenges.

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Lisa Beauvilain

Global Head of Sustainability & Stewardship

Lisa heads the global sustainability and stewardship team at Impax. She is responsible for the oversight and development of sustainability research and methodologies, including the Impax Sustainability Lens and the firm’s proprietary ESG analysis, as well as overseeing Impax’s stewardship work. She is the Chair of Impax’s ESG and Sustainability Lens committees and Co-Heads the firm’s impact investment work.

Lisa joined Impax in 2010. She started working in the financial industry in 1999 and previously worked as an executive director in the Investment Management Division of Goldman Sachs in London.

She is actively participating in industry working groups and advisory councils furthering sustainable practices within corporate governance, climate, diversity and ESG standard setting in several external industry organisations.

Lisa has an MSc in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics as well as an MSc in Finance from the Hanken School of Economics, Finland.

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Fotis Chatzimichalakis

Portfolio Manager

Fotis is a member of Impax Asset Management’s portfolio management team, where he researches stocks globally, focusing on the information technology and industrials sectors.

Fotis originally joined Impax as an intern in 2015, initially working in the listed equities team. He has held his current role since 2021. Prior to joining the firm, he had an internship at Barchester Green Investment.

A CFA Charterholder, Fotis also holds the Investment Management Certificate. He has master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh.

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David Winborne

Senior Portfolio Manager

David has been part of the Impax Asset Management team since 2015 and has responsibility for global research, specialising in energy efficiency and pollution control in environmental markets sub-sectors.

Prior to Impax, David was part of the in-house asset management team at Tesco Pension Investment where he had joint responsibility for the global equities investment platform. David also worked at Sarasin & Partners as part of the team that worked on its flagship thematic global equity fund. David began his career as a graduate equity research analyst at Insight Investment.

David has a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Economics from the University of Bath.

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Adam Palin

Editor

Adam is responsible for Impax’s insights and thought leadership content, working closely with Impax’s investment team and policy experts.

Adam joined Impax in 2021 from M&G, the UK-listed asset manager, where he produced investment content across asset classes for a range of audiences. Adam started his career in 2011 at the Financial Times, where we was a reporter for the FT’s award-winning personal finance section, FT Money.

Adam has an MLitt in International Security Studies from the University of St Andrews and a BSc in Politics with Economics from the University of Bath.

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