CAAM Funds Clean Planet, a socially responsible thematic sub-fund targeting the most promising companies involved in clean technologies

London, 26 March 2009 - Crédit Agricole Asset Management (CAAM) strengthens its commitment to socially responsible investing (SRI) with its thematic sub-fund, CAAM Funds Clean Planet, which invests in technologies with a smaller environmental footprint. This SRI sub-fund gives investors the opportunity to support the development of companies working in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste treatment. It aims to achieve long-term capital growth by investing two-thirds of its assets in the shares of companies contributing to the protection of our planet by developing technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions or use energy and resources more efficiently. CAAM Funds Clean Planet is a subfund of CAAM Funds, an umbrella fund registered under Luxembourg law and compliant with European UCITS standards.

CAAM Funds Clean Planet's investment universe consists of approximately 700 shares in the clean technologies sector. To be eligible, companies must generate at least 25 per cent of sales in these sectors*. They are subjected to rigorous financial and sustainability analysis based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria by sustainability analysts from IDEAM, a CAAM Group subsidiary specialising in SRI. The aim of the investment process is to construct a concentrated portfolio of some 60 shares in companies best placed to understand their own ESG risks and seize development opportunities related to sustainable development strategies.

Clean technologies are a major factor in sustainable development. They play a fundamental role in living conditions and public health; and help to protect energy supplies and combat climate change by optimising the use of natural resources. They are used not only to manage and recycle waste, but also to reduce its environmental impact. Moreover, clean technologies often benefit from a favourable regulatory environment and government assistance. According to Olivia Asséo, who manages CAAM Funds Clean Planet: “Clean technologies are a key element in a market where the financial rewards are substantial. They involve many industries, are often highly innovative, and are increasingly appealing to investors because of their healthy financial prospects.”

CAAM Funds Clean Planet is managed through CAAM's team of seven global theme fund managers. It benefits from the combined fundamental, quantitative, and ESG analysis capabilities of five sustainability analysts from IDEAM, and the CAAM Equities, Allocation & Arbitrage Management team (with 58.6 billion euros under management at 31 December 2008).

*if their capitalization is below one billion euros (20% for the others)

26 03 09 UK CAAM Funds Clean Planet

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