03 Jul 2024

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 a white paper and video. 
  • 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.
  • Stranded assets - following a successfull presentation at AREF's conference, the working group is currently finalising a supporting paper providing an overview, including case studies, and commentary on the definition of stranded assets.
  • Webpage update - the Committee is working on an upgrade of its website to provide better support and communication with AREF members. 
  • SDR disclosures - a working group has been established to consider how best to support the real estate funds industry in the implementation of the SDR process.
  • Valuing solar PV - a paper is being prepared to improve the quality of valuations for assets encompassing solar PV.
  • 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: 11 September 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 [email protected]).   

View more on the committee here.

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Committee Update ESG

Author

Katie Jowett

Katie Jowett

Fund Manager, La Salle Investment Management

Katie is the Chair of the AREF ESG & Social Impact Investing Committee. 

Katie is a Fund Manager within LaSalle Global Partner Solutions, having joined the team in 2010.  She holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto, a MSc. in Real Estate from CASS Business School and the CFA Society of the UK, Investment Management Certificate. 

As well as being Chair of the AREF ESG & Social Impact Investing Committee, she is also Chair of the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Advisory Committee and member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative Property Working Group.

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