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Decarbonizing Portfolio Supports the Achievement of Returns

Achieving the Paris Agreement targets demands a profound transformation of global financial flows. This shift offers significant opportunities for the private sector, particularly investment funds. Investment in climate-aligned projects not only enhances sustainability but also opens avenues for long-term, resilient returns.

At the OECD’s annual Forum on Green Finance and Investment, Frederic Samama, Head of Strategic Development at S&P Global Sustainable 1, highlighted a key opportunity for investors. He emphasized the benefit of aligning investment portfolios’ annual carbon footprint with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations. Specifically, the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C outlines the expected annual emission reduction rate below which investment portfolios should stay by 2050. Financial institutions can adopt this annual decarbonization rate to protect their investments against financial risks from global transition policies.

The analysis of the ARETE Group shows that to increase the value of the investment portfolio, the portfolio can be aligned with the expected level of decarbonization. The real estate managed by ARETE INDUSTRIAL FUND, therefore, undergoes an internationally recognized assessment Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM). Using this CRREM tool, we can quantitatively assess the level of alignment of the ARETE INDUSTRIAL portfolio with the Paris Agreement and IPCC’s special report. Consequently, we are able to better and faster mitigate the transitional risks and protect our investments from the costs caused by the implementation of market schemes such as the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS II). Additionally, the CRREM tool further informs our evidence-based management of our sustainable real estate portfolio. Otherwise, the valuation of our portfolio is increased through the prestigious BREEAM certification at Very Good level, which we manage on over 90 % of our assets. Together, the two science-based assessments help to improve the risk-return profile, guide decision-making and contribute to positioning ARETE among leaders in the industrial real estate industry in the CEE region.

 

Josef Vojta

Josef joined ARETE in 2019. As Distributions Director, he oversees the development of a portfolio of distributors as well as qualified investors of the Group's funds in the Czech Republic and the CEE region. Josef has more than 18 years of professional experience in real estate and investments in the CEE region. Before joining ARETE, he was Managing Partner at Licehamr Partners Group and previously served as Executive Director at Licehamr Development. He is actively engaged in publishing and academic activities. Josef holds a PhD from the University of Economics in Prague.

 

Martin Pacovsky

Is the Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for our energy transition strategy, with extensive experience in managing and developing energy assets, focused on advancing carbon-neutral strategies. With a strong track record in strategic planning and international market expansion, Martin has successfully led organizations through complex M&A processes, including guiding Pražská Plynárenská a.s. through the 2022 energy crisis as Chairman of the Board. His expertise encompasses risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Previously, Martin held senior roles at ČEZ Group, where he contributed significantly to renewable energy projects and international growth, such as overseeing the construction of Romania's largest onshore wind farm.

Martin holds an MSc from the University of Economics in Prague and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

 

Martin Konecny

Serves as the company’s CFO, bringing a robust background in finance and economics, with extensive international experience. At ARETE, Martin is responsible for reporting and controlling on corporate and fund level for all entities in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

Martin has over 30 years of experience, and a proven track record in corporate finance, operations, M&A, and portfolio management. Before joining ARETE, Martin served as a Group Head of Risks and Operations at P3 Logistics Parks, a logistics real estate investment manager with more than 3 billion AuM. His career includes 4 years as Country CFO at Citi Czech Republic and 15 years at KPMG, overseeing audits and compliance investigations.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Economics, Finance and Trade from the Prague University of Economics and Business as well as an Executive MBA from the University of Bristol.

Robert Ides

Robert Ides, Co-Founder, is the Managing Partner of Arete Group. He was part of the founding team in 2014 and has over 25 years of advisory experience. He oversees company strategy, both real estate and energy infrastructure asset classes. Under his leadership, the company has successfully divested two real estate funds, delivering outstanding returns to its clients. Prior to founding the company, Robert held several leadership positions focusing on complex international mergers, acquisitions, and strategic projects. Among others, he served in executive roles at AIG and Zurich Insurance Group.

Robert is an experienced M&A professional and studied in Prague.

 

Miroslav Barnas

is the Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for our real estate strategy. He set up the investment management team and oversees deal sourcing, investment management and execution for the ARETE INDUSTRIAL FUND.

With over 20 years of professional track record in commercial and residential real estate, Miroslav is a seasoned executive with experience in advising corporate clients and private individuals on investment, valuation, leasing, negotiations, construction, and facility management of commercial properties in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Miroslav has led major transactions exceeding €1 billion. His leadership roles include CEO and Head of Capital Markets at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Miroslav is an MRICS professional and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Economics in Bratislava.

Alica Koblovska

Serves as the Chief Legal Officer at ARETE, bringing over a decade of extensive legal expertise in corporate finance, M&A, and compliance. She oversees the entire legal agenda of ARETE and acts as a key strategic advisor, overseeing compliance for our complex fund structures.

Alica has held significant legal roles, including the position of General Counsel at Bakala Capital, where she managed legal affairs for Zdenek Bakala, a leading family office. Before this, she worked as a layer with Kocian Solc Balastik in Prague.

Alica holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno with international exposure at Paul Cezanne University.

 

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    Lubor Svoboda

    Lubor has 25 years of experience leading real estate and private equity companies as a CEO, managing successful business transactions and legal restructurings in financial and highly regulated environments. Over the past ten years, Lubor has focused on fund management and strategic planning. He holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno and an MBA from the Prague International Business School.