A high level summary of what's being discussed in recent committee meetings:
- Nature - the Committee is currently working on a proposal that explains the need for biodiversity within the context of real estate. This will consist of two videos; one will provide an introduction and explain why biodiversity is important while the second will translate this for application to real assets and real estate.
- Impact investing - a paper is currently being drafted to provide education on impact investing.
- GRESB Training for AREF Members - the Committee has been consulted on the provision of training for investors to improve understanding of the GRESB survey and how best to utilise the results; a video is being recorded and will be available through AREF's website. Similar provision to support fund managers in completing the survey to maximise output is also planned.
- ESG Metrics in MSCI outputs - the Committee is supporting MSCI in its production of ESG metrics to be included in MSCI products, such as Property Fund Vision.
- ESG research - the Committee has been asked by AREF's Research Committee to explore ESG and Impact Investing topics that may be expanded into a research paper for AREF members. A working group is currently drafting a paper considering the definition of stranded assets with an output that will be targetted at fund managers.
- ESG & Valuations - The Sustainability and Value Steering Group, led by Sam Carson, was created to consider common sustainability features in UK commerical property and how they relate to property value. A paper has been produced which can be viewed here. The aim of this paper is to suggest more common ways of identifying and reporting common sustainability features to promote alignment across AREF members and the wider UK commercial property market. A further paper specifically for the lending market has also been produced, working with CREFC; this can be viewed here.
- Lobbying - The Committee liaise with AREF’s Public Policy Committee on ESG & impact investing policy and legislative changes & AREF monitors and responds where necessary. View our industry consultation responses and other lobbying activity here.
Next meeting: 8 May 2024
Read News Articles on ESG here
If you have any event or project ideas or specific concerns regarding ESG that you would like raised at a future meeting, please contact Katie Jowett (by emailing info@aref.org.uk).
View more on the committee here.
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