ESG

ESG savvy multinationals are in a tight race towards net zero by 2030. Many know that being a responsible corporate citizen is not only good for the planet—it is good for the bottom line. At the same time, investors are keen to unlock funds for those who not only talk the talk about reducing emissions but walk the walk with quantifiable solutions. And a sure thing is electrifying buildings through green sources.

It is well documented by climate experts that a significant proportion of emissions arise from commercial real estate, with carbon dioxide and methane gases typical byproducts from operating workplaces. Emissions spike in tropical and sub-tropical climes that require year-round air conditioning or northern climes that need to heat and illuminate workdays with short daylight hours. In its 2019 report, the World Green Building Council noted that “building and construction are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, with operational emissions (from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) accounting for 28%. The remaining 11% comes from embodied carbon emissions, or ‘upfront’ carbon that is associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole building lifecycle. WorldGBC’s vision to fully decarbonise the sector requires eliminating both operational and embodied carbon emissions."    

Keeping corporate eyes on the renewable energy prize helps companies focus on combating reliance on existing power grids that historically burn fossil fuels. “Our buildings can definitely be powered by 100% renewable energy sources,” ascertains Lisa Hinde, Head of Sustainability | Asia Pacific, Real Estate Management Services. “Many existing buildings are currently cycling out equipment that consumes gas on site and committing to electrification as part of their development strategy. This is supported by industry frameworks such as Green Star Building mandating electrification as the only pathway to a 6-star rating.  

It is Allianz Real Estate’s view that ESG issues, such as climate change, are increasingly impacting the fundamentals of the real estate markets worldwide. As such, Allianz Real Estate believes that ESG needs to be integrated within its business, from the investment processes through to the way it interacts with tenants.

This document, which is based on the Allianz Real Estate ESG Group Policy, outlines its approach to integrating ESG considerations into the business processes within our investment approach. It applies to all areas of our investment activity – equity and debt, directly held and indirect – and has been adopted by all branches and hubs of Allianz Real Estate around the world. Approved by the Allianz Real Estate Executive Committee, the policy has been developed in conjunction with Allianz Climate Solutions but does not influence the own-use real estate managed by other entities within the Allianz Group. It follows Allianz’s holistic approach to the integration of corporate responsibility and particularly ESG criteria into business, which is recorded in the Allianz Group standards and governance records.

This report was originally published in https://www.allianzrealestate.com/_Resources/Persistent/306c15ef8a33b053fcc309911575501038f06b8c/ARE_ESG_Policy%20May%202021.pdf

Cohen & Steers’ commitment to investment excellence is built upon a culture of continuous improvement, and that includes our approach to ESG integration. They believe their proprietary approach to integration and engagement, combined with the framework established in the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), helps to promote transparency and has the potential to enhance their ability to deliver more consistent, attractive risk-adjusted returns.

This report was originally published in https://assets.cohenandsteers.com/assets/content/resources/insight/ESG-Evolving-Landscape_ES2050.pdf

In their Integrated Sustainability Report 2022, CDL talks about their reduction strategies to attain the goal of decarbonising towards net zero, guided by various globally-recognised disclosures such as TCFD, SASB and CDSB. They also share their determination to drive innovation and building performance, and create inclusive business environments and develop sustainable communities.

This report was originally published in https://www.cdlsustainability.com/pdf/CDL_ISR_2022.pdf