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As a sustainability-focused investment manager, we firmly believe that the problems facing our society and the planet are powerful structural drivers for investment. As such, Downing has been an active investor with a strong track record in renewable energy since 2010.
Renewable Energy
Downing’s renewable energy platform was purpose-built to provide institutional investors with best-in-class access to wind, solar, hydro and battery investments. Focusing on the UK and Northern Europe, we employ 60+ professionals in a fully integrated team providing investment, asset management, project development and project delivery services.
c.£850m
of assets under management in core renewables*
190+
core renewable transactions*
c.60
renewable energy professionals
c.230,000
UK homes forecast equivalent annual electricity generated*
*as at 30 September 2023
As a trusted partner, we help businesses scale via both organic and acquisitive growth strategies.
Our 21-strong asset management team manages c.7,400 individual installations across six different technologies. A proprietary IT system allows the team to analyse 1 billion data points from the portfolio. Automated data integrations including API and SFTP enable increased efficiencies and control, gaining deeper insight into the assets. With the aid of this system, our team is able to drive operational gains and cost savings, while also allowing the firm to offer highly tailored reporting to our clients, designed to address ESG, regulatory or data requirements.
Downing employs a large team of 13 highly experienced professionals with c.150 years combined experience across renewable energy and infrastructure.
With a wide range of backgrounds, the team is responsible for deal sourcing and execution, portfolio construction, ongoing value optimisation and the implementation of a commercial strategy for each of our assets.
We have established an in-house renewable energy project development business, focused on building a pipeline of renewable energy assets across the UK. These projects will be offered to Downing managed funds and vehicles. The team has a pipeline of c.3GWh spanning onshore wind, ground mounted and rooftop solar, and battery storage in the UK.
Renewable energy generation relies on intermittent natural resources that tend to fluctuate over time. By investing across multiple generation technologies and geographies, Downing can construct portfolios offering a more stable and resilient set of long-term cashflows. The increased revenue stability achieved is particularly compelling for yield-oriented investors seeking a consistent return.
A further benefit of diversification is the mitigation of region-specific regulatory and policy risks that might arise over the life of an investment mandate. We also hold the ability to tactically adjust the investment focus over time to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.
Faced with rapidly changing energy markets, we believe our access to a wide range of grid-scale opportunities, coupled with our portfolio construction expertise provides investors with valuable optionality.
Our 21-strong asset management team manages c.7,400 individual installations across six different technologies. A proprietary IT system allows the team to analyse 1 billion data points from the portfolio. Automated data integrations including API and SFTP enable increased efficiencies and control, gaining deeper insight into the assets. With the aid of this system, our team is able to drive operational gains and cost savings, while also allowing the firm to offer highly tailored reporting to our clients, designed to address ESG, regulatory or data requirements.
Downing employs a large team of 13 highly experienced professionals with c.150 years combined experience across renewable energy and infrastructure.
With a wide range of backgrounds, the team is responsible for deal sourcing and execution, portfolio construction, ongoing value optimisation and the implementation of a commercial strategy for each of our assets.
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We have established an in-house renewable energy project development business, focused on building a pipeline of renewable energy assets across the UK. These projects will be offered to Downing managed funds and vehicles. The team has a pipeline of c.3GWh spanning onshore wind, ground mounted and rooftop solar, and battery storage in the UK.
Sustainable investing
We aim to actively monitor and manage ESG factors throughout the investment process and period of ownership which enables us to create value for our investors and communities. Our strategy means we aim to contribute to the UK and Europe’s net zero, energy security strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Goal 7
Affordable & Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation
Goal 11
Sustainable Cities & Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 13
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 15
Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
c.230,000
UK homes forecast equivalent annual electricity generated*
c.315,000
Forecast tonnes of CO₂ avoided*
c.3,360 Acres
of land managed*
c.215Mm3
Cubic meters of reservoir capacity as at December 2023
*as at 30 September 2023
Learn more about our sustainable approach
As a sustainability-focused investment manager, Downing has put in place a robust set of systems and processes that enable the firm to assess and report on a range of ESG data, risks and opportunities. These include an asset management team, a proprietary asset management IT system and a set of processes and governance structures supporting the stated mission of the firm to consistently improve on our ESG commitments over time.
Our ESG strategy, governance, risk oversight and guideline reviews are managed centrally by the firm’s ESG committee, chaired by our CEO, with oversight taking place at the corporate, team or asset level, as required. The ESG committee convenes quarterly and reports directly to Downing’s executive committee.
ESG factors are evaluated during the investment cycle through due diligence of the asset and associated contracted suppliers. Downing also utilises a formalised ESG scorecard, which is technology-specific. We review material ESG risks and opportunities as part of our Investment Committee’s pre-investment decision making, as well as in our post-investment asset management.
In 2019, Downing became a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment.
DORE was awarded the Green Economy Mark by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) when it listed in December 2020 and was designated an SFDR Article 9 fund in September 2021. Also in September 2021, Downing was accepted as a signatory to the Financial Reporting Council Stewardship Code. The code sets high standards of stewardship for those investing money on behalf of UK savers and investors and is recognised globally as a best-practice benchmark in investment stewardship.
Downing was awarded B Corp certification in September 2022, confirming that we show regard to all our stakeholders.
Investment strategies
Investment strategies
Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust (DORE)
DORE is an Article 9 closed ended trust that listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in November 2022.
Investment strategies
Bespoke solutions
Downing operates a purpose-built platform offering institutional investors flexible access to attractive lower-mid-market renewable energy investments.
Insights
View moreJanuary 24, 2024
14/12/2023
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5 min
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January 30, 2024
30/11/2023
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5 min
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Find out more about the Downing team.
Downing LLP does not provide advice or make personal recommendations and investors are strongly urged to seek independent advice before investing. Investments offered on this website carry a higher risk than many other types of investment and prospective investors should be aware that capital is at risk and the value of their investment may go down as well as up. Any investment should only be made on the basis of the relevant product literature and your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 545025). Registered in England No. OC341575. Registered Office: St Magnus House, 3 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6HD.
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