Yale Prof heads to Green Investing

When I first headed into Environmental Science I remember writing down a note that said something like “read anything and everything by Stephen Kellert”. A recent article in the Hartford Courant reminded me why and brought to light a new aspect of the Yale Professor: green investor.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Kellert, he has been a professor of social ecology at Yale University for some 30 years and is the author of several books that look at the human-nature connection, including The Biophilia Hypothesis. He is a green building advocate and has worked as a consultant to the industry.

In Profitably ‘Green’: Professor also works to help investors help the environment, Gail Braccidiferro interviews Kellert on his newly founded green investment firm Environmental Capital Partners. In September the firm, in partnership with New York Private Bank and Trust Co., announced that they will invest $100 million in middle-market green companies, according to the Courant.

From the ECP website:

The mission of Environmental Capital Partners is to provide capital to, and promote the growth of, middle-market companies that offer products or services which enhance and protect the environment. Our core belief is that environmental sustainability is best achieved through profitable market solutions.

The industry focus of the firm is diverse but pays particular attention to environmental services, environmental equipment, resource management, green built environment, consumer products, business products and services, renewable energy and cleantech. The investment team is small but strong even including a refreshing surprise, NHL All-star and environmentalist Michael T. Richter.