Navigating sustainable real estate: the ongoing ESG transformation

The real estate sector faces increasing demands to significantly change its modus operandi and decarbonise. It has become a priority to drive the sector towards a more positive transformation, which strives to better respond to the ESG criteria. How effective has this transition been so far?

Mazars’ latest report, Navigating sustainable real estate: the ongoing ESG transformation, focusses on the transition from a CSR vision to an operational ESG strategy, and comes at a time of great market uncertainty. Celebrating the power of shared knowledge, thanks to the 15 stakeholders interviewed for the purpose of this report, we aim to share strategic and operational views on ESG strategies implemented in the world of business. The report also stresses the importance of the work carried out by various industry groups, both in terms of understanding the regulations and managing challenges encountered on a daily basis.

Key findings include:

Adopting ESG framework

ESG actions within real estate and construction businesses, or their end-users, are now priorities that can no longer be ignored, as organisations are now rethinking their business models to ensure ESG plays a central role.

“Although time-consuming, it is essential to implement an ESG policy.” Thierry Gaiffe, Managing Director at FIDUCIAL Gérance

Regulations

Regulation is the key to progress in the real estate sector and players must not only work on mitigating their externalities but also adapt to climate change itself.

“Regulation alone is what moves people.” Virginie Wallut, Research and Real estate SRI Director at La Française

Tools

The installation of data collection equipment is essential when data is lacking or is not sufficient to meet the Group’s ambitions for the sustainable improvement of its assets.

“Given the volume and importance of the data involved, reporting tools are essential. They enable teams to save time, for example through automated data collection, and to improve data quality and availability.” Clément Jeannin, Group Director of Sustainable Development at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

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