Sustainable Investing W/Peter Krull

Nov 20

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Episode Description

Welcome to the Freedom Point Podcast! In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Peter Krull, Partner and Director of Sustainable Investing at Earth Equity Advisors, to unpack what sustainable investing really means—and why it’s becoming a core strategy for the next generation of investors. Peter traces the evolution from socially responsible investing to ESG and now to true sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven investing. He breaks down the myths, the politics, and the misinformation surrounding ESG, while explaining how climate risk, infrastructure failures, and shifting demographics are reshaping global investment themes. From energy transition to water scarcity to biotechnology breakthroughs, Peter outlines where he sees the biggest opportunities and how investors can avoid greenwashing by looking under the hood. This episode is a practical, eye-opening guide for anyone curious about the future of investing.

Summary

Tip #1: Sustainable Investing Has Evolved Beyond Values

“SRI started with divestment—today it’s about identifying where the economy is going.”
Peter explains the journey from early socially responsible screens to modern ESG due diligence and forward-looking sustainable investment strategies.

Tip #2: ESG Is About Risk, Not Politics

“ESG is simply enhanced due diligence—politics got injected into it by legacy industries.”
He clarifies that environmental, social, and governance analysis evaluates material risk to companies, not political ideology.

Tip #3: True Sustainable Investing Looks Forward, Not Backward

“We start from the ground up—who’s leading us into a cleaner, more resilient, more innovative economy?”
Peter highlights that sustainable investing identifies future winners across clean energy, biotech, infrastructure, and water.

Tip #4: Infrastructure Failures Create Opportunity

“We live in a changed climate world—and our infrastructure isn’t ready.”
He shares firsthand experiences with water, transportation, and communication infrastructure breakdowns, and how rebuilding creates long-term investment potential.

Tip #5: Five Key Themes Drive Growth

“Our portfolios are built around energy transition, biotechnology, infrastructure, real estate efficiency, and water.”
These thematics complement traditional asset allocation and capture the sectors with the highest sustainability-driven upside.

Tip #6: Biotechnology Is a Hidden Sustainability Engine

“A healthier society is a more sustainable one—and biotech breakthroughs are accelerating.”
Peter explains how AI, gene editing, and mRNA advancements will reshape medicine, cost structures, and global health.

Tip #7: Real Estate Must Adapt to a Changing Climate

“A third of emissions come from buildings—LEED-certified properties already rent at a premium.”
He shares how better building efficiency drives higher rents, stronger margins, and long-term resilience.

Tip #8: Water Scarcity Is a Rapidly Growing Investment Theme

“We’re already in a water crisis in several regions—and investors must pay attention.”
Water management, treatment, and technology companies are positioned for major long-term demand.

Tip #9: Avoid Greenwashing by Looking Under the Hood

“If an ESG fund holds Exxon or McDonald’s, that’s a problem.”
Peter emphasizes reviewing fund holdings directly—marketing labels often don’t match reality.

Tip #10: Climate Risk and Insurance Risk Are Now Investment Filters

“Investors must evaluate climate impact and the future insurability of a market.”
He warns that certain high-risk markets may soon be uninsurable, affecting valuations and long-term returns.

Tip #11: Next-Gen Investors Will Drive the Future

“99% of Gen Z and 97% of millennials are interested in sustainable investing.”
Peter explains why advisors must adapt—or risk losing next-generation capital as wealth transfers accelerate.