Welcome to our Resources Page. Here, you will find a comprehensive collection of documents, webinars and guidance meticulously developed by our Committee to assist investors, fund managers and asset managers in embedding ESG considerations across their activities and decision-making processes. Additionally, we have curated valuable external resources to further support your requirements. We invite you to explore our offerings and access a wealth of knowledge on ESG in the real estate sector.
To assist you in understanding the vast array of terms and definitions associated with ESG, we have developed a Glossary of Key ESG Terms.
Our ESG & Impact Investment Guideline offers support for integrating ESG considerations within investment and management frameworks at both the house and fund levels. This is found alongside AREF’s other guidance documents.
For those of you involved in the valuation process, we have published two supporting documents. The first report, Sustainable Value: a common approach to the commercial benefits of sustainability in UK commercial real estate details common sustainability features in UK commercial property and their impact on property value. Topics covered include common approaches to capital expenditures associated with ESG risks, the role of EPCs, regulations, and green certifications. In addition, we have issued a second report, Sustainable Value: ESG Risks in Commercial Real Estate Lending, tailored specifically to debt real estate funds. For those seeking insights on sustainability and ESG risks in real estate valuations for commercial lending, this report will prove invaluable.
If you are looking to register your fund under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), our Guidance Advice: Application of SFDR Process for Real Estate Funds provides detailed insights into the SFDR process and requirements. This is complemented by our webinar, ‘Completing the SFDR Process’.
In addition, to support members on Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and greenwashing, representatives from the Committee, alongside other member experts, have written Application of the SDR Labelling Regime for Real Estate Funds, which is a practical guide specifically for the real estate funds industry on how to implement the SDR regime.
Lastly, our video Nature in Real Estate is designed to help fund managers navigate the critical issue of protecting and sustainably managing our natural world. It provides practical guidance on incorporating biodiveristy and natural capital considerations into every stage of the investment lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal.
Listed Resources:
Guidance Advice: Application of SFDR Process for Real Estate Funds
Post-event Recording: Webinar: Completing the SFDR Process
Visit the AREF Resource Library to view further ESG Resources here.
External Resources:
Our aim here is to feature some excellent external resources to support fund and asset managers to embed sustainability in their practices and decision-making.
Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) has developed the Acquisitions Sustainability Toolkit that provides commercial property owners with practical guidance on how to ensure sustainability risks and opportunities are reviewed as part of the acquisition process.
In addition, the BBP, in collaboration with other organisations, has created the Green Lease Toolkit to improve professional understanding and develop common approaches in the drafting of green leases for the real estate industry.