One of the areas that the notion of ‘building back better’ most resonates with is infrastructure and the idea of either rebuilding existing amenities or improving them along sustainable lines.
‘There is always an emphasis on “build back better” when it comes to infrastructure,’ said Colm O’Connor, lead portfolio manager on the KBI Global Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy. The Dublin-based fund manager said all assets have a life cycle and when that ends you need a rebuild – and why would you want to build back worse?
"A great example of this is Fischer Farms. In one acre, the vertical farm can grow the equivalent amount of leafy greens as that produced by 250 acres in a field. We think vertical farming is the future of food. It has the potential to create food security and slash food miles, while building a whole new industry for food-importing countries like the UK".
The benefits for society don’t just lie in clean energy or better roads, according to Raymond Jacobs, managing director for Europe at Franklin Real Assets. Jacobs oversees a fund focused on social infrastructure where developments that have a clear benefit for society. This can mean facilitating investment in schools, courts or hospitals, for example.