KGAL reinforces ESG focus with officer appointment

KGAL said it was on the verge of launching new investment solutions in the area of energy transition assets to further enhance its sustainability strategy.

Gert Waltenbauer, CEO of KGAL, said: 'Sustainability is a key component of KGAL’s DNA, and is clearly demonstrable by a number of factors such as the launch of the first KGAL fund for renewable energies in 2003, the implementation of environmental protection as a strategic goal since 2010, the signing of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment in 2018, and the adoption of the climate strategy last October.

'We are therefore delighted that, as of September 2021, Susanne Marttila will be advancing the expansion of our ESG activities and the fulfilment of our social responsibility in her role as ESG officer.'

Marttila has specialised in sustainable investments since 2007, most recently in the role of regional head EMEA, ESG ratings at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS).

As the former head of the ESG corporate ratings team extractives, energy & utilities at ISS and a long-standing and respected analyst at oekom research, she has extensive expertise in the field of ESG.

Said Marttila: 'Climate change is presenting the world with unprecedented challenges. Investments in renewable energies are central to meeting these challenges as the basis of the energy transition.

'But the sustainable orientation of the real estate sector and future-proof mobility also play very important roles in climate protection.'

KGAL said it was also changing the name of its infrastructure asset class to 'sustainable infrastructure'. Commented Michael Ebner, managing director of KGAL Investment Management with responsibility for infrastructure said: 'We want to set an example and continue to enhance our sustainability profile. Everyone should be able to see from the outset that our infrastructure fund offerings are 100 per cent focused on sustainability.'