Achieving sustainability, social value and investment resilience

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues increasingly dominate the executive agenda of city leaders, occupiers, owners, developers and both institutional investors and private capital. This is matched by a growing focus on purpose-driven investment that can create and demonstrate social value; the positive impact that real estate investment and development can have on our communities beyond financial returns.

There is increasing evidence that cities, companies and investments that have a broader focus on purpose and ESG are more resilient. City leaders, institutional investors and private capital are now looking more closely at opportunities such as affordable housing, decarbonisation, urban mobility and climate adaptability to create resilient cities of the future.

With housing shortages across Europe, there is a real need to create affordable and inclusive cities. Where does the capital come from and what kind of incentives are needed to help meet the demand for affordable homes?

Climate risk is now a major topic. How do we assess this rapidly growing risk in Europe? What are the potential solutions, how do we finance them and what are the roles for government and investors?

Innovation is a key part of the solution in terms of both decarbonisation and social value with flexible, modular & circular construction techniques and the use of timber and bio-based materials. What are the solutions and strategies to innovate successfully to both decarbonise and drive social value?

Sustainable mobility in urban areas will also drive significant change in cities and real asset investors are an important part of supporting the transition. Will urban planning need to refocus on sustainable mobility? What do investors need from cities to help support the transition?