London-based asset manager Octopus Investments has launched a natural capital strategy that aims to generate carbon removal credits through conservation and land management.
The strategy will aim to provide investors with sustainable returns and the opportunity to accelerate the transition to net zero.
It will initially have a UK focus targeting the acquisition of land-based assets with conservation potential while exploring ancillary revenue streams in areas such as property restoration, biodiversity net gain credits, regenerative agriculture, ecotourism or renewable energy.
The Octopus Natural Capital Strategy will be led by Alex Godfrey, a recently appointed investment director at Octopus.
With over 15 years of experience in investment banking, venture building and environmental consulting, Godfrey joins Octopus from Savills, where he was head of atnural capital.
Senior fund manager Mike Toft said: “Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time and while reducing carbon emissions to reach net zero targets is key to addressing this challenge, we will not reach this goal by decarbonisation alone.
“We know that more high-quality carbon credits need to be generated to help offset carbon and accelerate our net zero efforts.”
Octopus currently manages assets of £13bn.
