The future of sustainable real estate investments in a post-COVID-19 world
Journal of European Real Estate Research
ISSN: 1753-9269
Article publication date: 27 July 2020
Issue publication date: 5 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest that property investors should engage with governments to influence outcomes. Global collaboration is required from the real estate investment community, working closely with governments and legislators, to provide a clear road map to zero carbon emissions. Covid-19 has shown how quickly governments around the world can react with draconian responses, including widespread lockdowns, when faced with an existential threat. What bigger existential threat is there than climate change?
Design/methodology/approach
Personal viewpoint from general research.
Findings
Three pillars of likely government and legislative interventions are identified; namely, increased and enhanced energy regulation and carbon pricing to force a rapid switch to green energy sources for buildings; an enhanced role for Energy Performance Certificates, standardised methodologies and strict enforcement; and mandatory reporting of financial and physical climate risks based on the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. It is suggested that property investors should now engage with governments to influence outcomes.
Originality/value
Personal viewpoint to encourage greater involvement of the real estate investment community in governmental and regulatory decision making.
Keywords
Citation
Pike, J. (2020), "The future of sustainable real estate investments in a post-COVID-19 world", Journal of European Real Estate Research, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 455-460. https://doi.org/10.1108/JERER-07-2020-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited