Dollars and Change Episode 11

From Anthropology to Investment Management: Garvin Jabusch’s Journey to Sustainable Investing

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In the latest episode of Dollars & Change: The Experts Guide to Sustainable & Responsible Investing, host Peter Krull sits down with Garvin Jabusch, the co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, to delve into his unique background and the founding principles of Green Alpha Advisors. This episode is the first of a two-part series with Garvin and Peter, broadcasting from Niwot, Colorado.

The conversation begins with Peter and Garvin, longtime friends passionate about sustainable investing, delving into Garvin’s unconventional journey into investment management. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Garvin’s academic path started in physical anthropology and archaeology. He fondly recalls his time at the University of Utah, humorously noting he benefited from what he called a “no merit scholarship” due to his father’s faculty position.

Garvin’s shift from anthropology to investment management stemmed from his fascination with the economy and a desire for greater financial prospects. Drawing parallels between evolutionary anthropology and economics, he views both as systems of currency—calories for organisms and dollars for humans.

 

The Birth of Green Alpha Advisors

Garvin’s career path eventually led him to Morgan Stanley in New York and then to London and San Francisco. In 2007, he co-founded Green Alpha Advisors in San Francisco with Jeremy Deems. The foundation of Green Alpha was influenced by their work on the Sierra Club’s socially responsible investment funds and their realization of the limitations of negative screening in building sustainable portfolios.

Green Alpha Advisors was born from a desire to create an indefinitely sustainable economy. Garvin emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the value of diverse perspectives in asset management. He highlighted the firm’s focus on innovative companies that contribute to a sustainable future rather than merely filtering out the worst offenders in traditional industries.

 

Challenges in Sustainable Investing

The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by sustainable investors, particularly the pressure from institutional investors to maintain low tracking errors and align closely with legacy economy indices. Garvin and Peter agreed that true sustainable investing requires a break from traditional benchmarks and a focus on the long-term viability of companies.

 

Looking Ahead

In the next episode, Peter and Garvin will delve deeper into Green Alpha’s next economy philosophy, discussing the systemic risks of the current economy and the importance of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Peter concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of sustainable investments and their positive impact on the planet. Garvin Jabusch’s insights provide a compelling case for rethinking traditional investment strategies and embracing a forward-looking approach to sustainability.

If you’re interested in learning more about Garvin’s perspective and the unique approach of Green Alpha Advisors, listen to the full episode here.

Don’t miss our previous episodes with distinguished guests:

We value your insights and welcome suggestions for future podcast guests. Please share your feedback with us at info@earthequityadvisors.com. 

 

Be good. Invest better.

The Earth Equity Team.