In Canada, money isn't necessarily green. But investments are a whole other story. Now WealthBar clients can add cleantech to any portfolio, aligning their green values with their investments. Clients can go clean and green, without compromising performance. 

The Vancouver-based robo-advisor, which offers financial advice with its easy-to-use online wealth management dashboard, just recently began to offer a Cleantech option. Clients can add a five percent Cleantech option to their portfolio by investing in the PowerShares PZD Portfolio. 

"What's good for the environment is also good for your portfolio," says WealthBar CEO Tea Nicola. In the last three years, the Cleantech Portfolio has earned 60 percent (17 percent annualized), compared to the resource heavy TSX Composite's 14 percent (five percent annualized). 

"We selected this portfolio very carefully because when we looked at socially responsible investments, many just weren't as efficient as we would like," Nicola says. "But the PZD Portfolio does effectively invest in cleantech and has a track record of performance. That's why we're offering a cleantech add-on to our existing portfolios. The world is gradually moving away from fossil fuels, and investors can now, too." 

Investors can get performance and diversification. "At the same time, they'll be investing in green technologies like renewable energy and water purification," Nicola says. "This portfolio also looks at broader opportunities, such as in transportation and new logistics, where simply increasing efficiency can lower our carbon footprint. Other so-called 'green' funds don't always take such a holistic perspective towards cleantech. Because of inflexible rules, they can end up avoiding perfectly good green opportunities. We favour a broader, more inclusive approach." 

When looking at energy consumption alone, some observers are projecting a 94 percent rise in hydro, solar and wind power consumption by the year 2030, while coal, gas and oil consumption is expected to go down. That's why Canadians who are investing in cleantech are making a pretty solid bet. 

"You want to earn a good return that will let you live a better life, but ideally, you can also help create a better world for the next generation," Nicola concludes. "So why compromise?" 

WealthBar | www.wealthbar.com