Environmental Performance: A Global Perspective on Commercial Real Estate

Abstract

In this report, we summarize the results of the first global survey on environmental practices in listed property companies and private property funds. The survey is intended to increase industry awareness and provide information on current environmental management practices. Without detailed information on the behavior and environmental performance of the global property sector, investments in property funds and companies cannot be assessed on environmental performance, so a responsible investment strategy cannot be implemented.

This report provides the institutional property investment market with a unique dynamic environmental benchmark: based on the survey results, we have developed an “Environmental Real Estate Index”, which includes sub-scores on environmental management practices and on the actual implementation of these practices. By using information contained in the index, institutional investors can compare the environmental score of individual property investments with their environmental real estate targets. This benchmarking can serve as a catalyst for environmental engagement in real estate investments.

Keywords: energy efficiency, real estate, sustainability, investments