Swiss Real Estate
Sustainability is also a key factor for the real estate investments of the Zurich Investment Foundation. At Swiss Real Estate, we make a positive impact. In 2013, we had already introduced sustainable building management at all levels (social, economic, environmental) and for all relevant functions and processes. The Zurich Investment Foundation focuses on the following objectives in this connection:
- We aim to achieve a 20% reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions of our real estate portfolio by 2020 (measured as of 2010). This is consistent with the targets set by Switzerland and the EU with regard to the general reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- We aim to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 80% by 2050 (measured as of 2010).
What have we achieved?
We are completely on course when it comes to energy conservation – the energy consumption of the Swiss real estate holdings of the Zurich Investment Foundation has already fallen by a total of 16% in the period from 2010 to 2016. The CO2 output has even been reduced by as much as 19%. These figures show clearly that much has already been done to achieve the 2020 targets, or even surpass them.
Learn more about our sustainable real estate management.
Real Estate Europe Direct
Social responsibility is the key to long-term business success in real estate investment – this is a belief shared by the Investment Committee and the portfolio managers of the Real Estate Europe Direct investment group (Immobilien Europa Direkt, IED)
Ethics and economic success often go hand in hand. For instance, residential and commercial properties that are both resource-efficient and flexible help to ensure that customer funds are invested purposefully and that the investments retain their value in the long term. The portfolio manager of the Real Estate Europe Direct investment group has many opportunities to make a difference: by helping to reduce tenants' operating costs, by increasing the productivity and well-being of employees, and by designing and managing the building to contribute to the location's prosperity. In this way, the local community benefits, the portfolio manager prevents value erosion and the value of the real estate investment increases.
According to our portfolio manager Schroders, a successful investment strategy must incorporate not only traditional considerations but also environmental and social aspects as well. He is convinced that such a comprehensive approach will be rewarded with better investment decision-making and attractive performance in the long run.
What have we achieved?
The Real Estate Europe Direct fund participated in the annual evaluation of the GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) in 2017 for the first time for global real estate holdings and was immediately awarded the ""Green Star"". GRESB is the dominant global standard for assessing the ""environmental and social governance"" of real estate funds and enterprises.
Find out more in the sustainability report IED
Find out more about energy consumption IED