Key Steps To Implementing ESG Strategies in Real Estate

Over the last few years, the interest in GRESB, the “Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark”, has escalated, with participation increasing by 22% last year. This is only set to increase with the growing interest from real estate investors in Environmental and Social Governance (ESG).

Envision has been working with a wide range of real estate companies to support them develop and improve their ESG performance.

Our recommended strategy for ESG improvement focuses on 5 key concepts:-

1. GAP ANALYSIS = Where you are on your ESG journey – where are your strengths and where could you improve?
2. MATERIALITY = Where are your material risks and opportunities – where can you really make a difference?
3. DATA = What information do you already hold and what further details do you need to collect? (The old adage “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”).
4. TARGETS = Where do you want to get to (in amongst the pack – best in class – best in the UK – best in the world?) and what level of disruption are you prepared to take from your current activities to achieve this?
5. REPORTING = How are you reporting your achievements (who to, what metrics, against what reporting standards?)

With our support in developing and implementing real estate focused ESG strategies, one of our clients has seen their GRESB score double year on year for the past three years. The focus of our advice is on developing a robust and practical approach to ESG asset management, with a series of improvement steps planned out over a three-to-five-year programme, with initial easy wins delivered first.

If you would like to discuss how Envision could support you in the development of your ESG strategy and improving your performance on the GRESB benchmark, please get in touch with Simon Rainsford or Charlotte Brewin.