The 2012 GRESB Report was released earlier this month. Based on sustainability data gathered from almost 450 property companies and funds around the world, the report provides aggregate information for 36,000 properties, representing US$1,300 billion in global assets under management. Broadly, the report’s results have demonstrated that sustainability has moved up the agenda. 88 percent of property companies and funds now have in-house resources dedicated to managing the sustainability performance of their assets and 92 per cent of respondents involve senior management in sustainability issues.
Green building certification is becoming more prevalent, with 51 per cent of the respondents including green building certificates in their portfolio. Of the certification schemes, LEED is the most widely adopted. GRESB is an industry-led organisation committed to rigorous and independent evaluation of the sustainability performance of real estate portfolios.
Register to attend Sustain Worldwide CSR & Sustainability Seminar
The Sustain Worldwide Collaboration through CSR & Sustainability half-day seminar (register now)will be held on 15 November 2012 at 15Hatfields, central London. Headline sponsored by Climaveneta, the practical and informative seminar will discuss key areas of sustainability, developing delegates’ knowledge and understanding about the range of key work-streams covered by the term sustainability. Through case studies, peer presentations and hands-on workshops, the session will look at how sustainability and CSR relate to each other, supporting the development of attendees’ CSR programme and initiatives. Delegate places for this strategic seminar are priced at a nominal amount of £45 (ex-VAT); entry is free to Sustain Worldwide members. Register Here & Buy Now to book your place. Delegate places are limited to a maximum of 40 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Join the Sustain Worldwide business delegation to visit Gujarat, India
Sustain Worldwide, in partnership with our India-based sustainability sector specialist partner SEnS, has launched a tailored business mission to Gujarat, India, from 25 February – 2 March 2013. Gujarat is India’s most progressive state, one in which economic activity is outperforming the prodigious national average. Gujarat outshines its peers in offering uninterrupted power supply, state-wide gas grid, rich gas reserves, extensive road and rail network and airports which makes it conducive for all types of investments to thrive.
Those joining the Sustain Worldwide mission will receive senior level introductions to companies seeking British and European partners with specialist sustainability knowledge and services. One-to-one meetings and group networking events will be arranged for delegates to forge new business opportunities, build partnerships, impart best practice, share knowledge and develop supply chains. Delegates will be assisted to identify potential customers or partners and to arrange meetings with them prior to leaving the UK. Delegates will also have the time and opportunity to pursue their own contacts.
Sustain Worldwide:recognised by EEN
Sustain Worldwide’s international profile continues to grow as the alliance has become formally recognised on the European Enterprise Network EEN. The EU backed initiative assists SMEs, entrepreneurs, research centres and universities with technology transfer, finding a business partner, and information on funding opportunities, promoting competitiveness and innovation with the EU beyond the single market borders.
INNOVATION & EDUCATION
Global Solar PV market enters correction
A conservative forecast scenario has predicted new Solar PV additions will drop to 19.2 gigawatts in 2012 (from 23.6 GW in 2011), and rise gradually to reach 22.7 GW in 2016, reports US think tank Pike Research. Following overheated growth of 120% in 2010, the PV industry, and solar power in general, has entered a period of correction. Driven down by high levels of inventory for both supply and demand participants, manufacturing overcapacity and low utilization of that capacity, and rapidly decreasing government incentive, technology revenues recorded only a 3% increase in 2011 over 2010 despite a 35% increase in shipments.
ISREF: International real estate conference launched
There are many domestic, national events for real estate or green building but ISREF from 15-17 May at the Austria Center, Vienna, is the only international event to bring together all the key players from around the world, focusing on both real estate services and sustainable building products through an integrated conference. The target audience as ‘buyers’ on the services side are international corporate real estate end-users, investors and developers. On the products side: specifiers / architects / contractors and distributors will comprise the visitor delegation. ISREF expects approximately 100 exhibitors and 5000 delegates.
To discuss having a turn-key, reduced-cost presence at this event, contact ISREF direct, or register your interest for a collaborative Sustain Worldwide platform at events@SustainWordlwide.com.
SMARTS shows the way forward
SMARTS (Self-regulated Mechano-chemical Adaptively Reconfigurable Tunable System), is a newly developed materials platform that offers a customisable way to autonomously turn chemical reactions on and off and reproduce the type of dynamic self-powered feedback loops found in biological systems. The advance represents a step toward more intelligent and efficient medical implants and even dynamic buildings that could respond to the weather for increased energy efficiency. The researchers also expect that their methodology could have considerable potential for translation into areas such as robotics, computing, and healthcare.
NETWORK
Tuffin Ferraby Taylor LLP (TFT) joins Sustain Worldwide
TFT, one of the UK’s leading property and construction consultancies, has joined Sustain Worldwide. TFT’s specialist divisions have offered independent advice and services to investors, developers, occupiers and owners for more than 35 years. Its services include project management, contract administration, technical due diligence, dilapidations and sustainability consultancy across the office, retail, industrial, education, tourism & lifestyle and housing sectors, including mixed use sites, historical monuments and places of worship. TFT has a commitment to sustainability and recognises it is a business imperative that links economic growth with human needs and effective protection of the environment. For more information about how TFT services, see www.tftconsultants.com or call Sustainability Partner Mat Lown on +44 (0) 20 3479 7706.
Members' news in brief
Andermatt Swiss Alps has announced European ski resort operator SkiStar will be partnering with project developers and Orascom Development Holding to progress the pioneering ski expansion between the alpine regions of Andermatt and Sedrun.
Climaveneta was selected to provide the heating and cooling requirement for the recently opened Ikea store in Chieti, Abruzzo. The European marketleader has delivered sustainable HVAC solutions previously for two IKEA stores in Italy.
Medina Palms, developed by British Kenya-based developer Nigel Rowley, is on schedule for completion this month. A rental programme is being launched to deliver residents an optimum ROI. Mr Rowley was interviewed recently on Sky Channel UKENTV.
MGM French Property has launched a rare opportunity to buy plots with planning permission on which purchasers can build their own bespoke villas in Provence, southern France. The smallest plot is 19m2, priced €200,000. It’s suitable for the construction of a two-bedroom villa at a cost of circa €250,000.
What does innovation through sustainability mean to you? A fairer and more ethical way of achieving strategic aims (such as business growth); improving engagement and collaboration with stakeholders (staff, clients, supply chain); making the business case.
How important is sustainability to your company’s philosophy, strategy and practices? It is part of TFT’s DNA; an integral part of our brand – how we operate and the services that we offer.
What is the biggest sustainability challenge facing your company e.g. Supply chain, consumer buy in? Raising awareness of sustainability throughout TFT from operational and business services perspectives.
Do you think developing business sustainably is a moral imperative or a business decision – and are the two mutually exclusive? It is both. The moral imperative must be backed up by a clear business case.
What would encourage your company to strive for even higher sustainability aspirations e.g. Corporate responsibility, tax breaks, client demand? Yes, it helps build a business case but it must be relevant and appropriate; certainty is also essential to build trust and confidence among investors.
What new business opportunities are you seeking e.g. In which countries, sectors e.g. private, commercial? Commercial, cross sector and we are open to exploring opportunities in new international markets.
What services and USP’s do you offer clients? We have a diverse range of complementary skills and a commercial grounding. Providing a practical, commercially accountable framework to allow our clients to recognise and meet their sustainability commitments delivered in plain language. A ‘make it happen’ approach.
If you had a super power what would you use it for – within a sustainability context? My super power would be communication and using that to share knowledge with the widest possible audience. Ultimately, I would like to see sustainability inherent in everything that we do and the decisions we make.
Join
Sustain Worldwide drives profitable sustainability to the heart of global property development. Join our exclusive alliance to: demonstrate your leadership qualities; access our extended and expanding business, technical support, and communications & marketing network; receive gratis invitations to Sustain Worldwide hosted seminars, conferences and networking events; gain independent endorsement (use of Sustain Worldwide logo) to underpin your corporate sustainability initiatives and enhance your business reputation. See www.sustainworldwide.com/join.html or call +44 (0)20 7754 5557.
Register to attend Sustain Worldwide CSR & Sustainability Seminar
Join the Sustain Worldwide business delegation to visit Gujarat, India
Sustain Worldwide:recognised by EEN
Global Solar PV market enters correction
SMARTS shows the way forward
Introducing Sustain Worldwide member