Investors with a strong ESG-lens could soon be taking a fresh look at real estate

Investors with a strong ESG-lens could soon be taking a fresh look at real estate, says

Benjamin Davis, CEO of Octopus Real Estate.

Much of the conversation on building a sustainable energy system focuses on generation of green energy via renewables. But not enough of the conversation is looking at consumption and how this can be reduced. Creating more energy-efficient homes is vital to make progress towards net-zero. For example, roughly 14 percent of the UK’s carbon emissions come from heating homes, according to the country’s Committee on Climate Change. Energy-inefficient buildings are significantly contributing to our carbon footprint.

Improving energy standards of existing real estate can be challenging, but there is a clear role for investors in funding the development of new, green homes for future generations. While green credentials are an aspiration for most developers, access to funding, prohibitive costs and a lack of know-how can be barriers to