This fund has a Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 5 globes, indicating that the ESG risk of holdings in its portfolio is rather low relative to those of its peers in the Morningstar Global Equity Mid/Small Cap category. ESG risk measures the degree to which material environmental, social, and governance issues, such as such as climate change, biodiversity, human capital, as well as bribery and corruption, could affect valuations. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about driving positive environmental and social outcomes for society’s benefit.
Based on its latest prospectus, sustainability or ESG factors are a focus in the investment process of Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fd. Funds with ESG-focused mandates are more likely to deliver positive sustainability outcomes. Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fd has an asset-weighted Carbon Risk Score of 7.2, indicating that its companies have low exposure to carbon-related risks. These are risks associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy such as increased regulation, changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and stranded assets. Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fd shows 67.5% involvement in carbon solutions. This percentage is high in absolute terms and surpasses the 12.0% average involvement of its peers in the Global Small/mid Stock category. Carbon solutions include products and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, green transportation, and so on. No companies held by Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fd are recognized as being involved in controversies at a high or severe level. From bribery and corruption to workplace discrimination and environmental incidents, controversies are incidents that have a negative impact on stakeholders or the environment, which create some degree of financial risk for the company. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. In addition, they can damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.
Currently, the fund has 16.5% involvement in fossil fuels, surpassing 8.3% for the average peer in its category. Companies are considered involved in fossil fuels if they derive some revenue from thermal coal, oil, and gas.