It is now well known that real estate investors have a huge responsibility to play a proportionate role in lowering carbon emissions, if the world is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as set out in the Paris Agreement.

Given that the use and construction of buildings is responsible for approximately 40 percent of CO2 emissions globally, according to the World Green Building Council, if we do not put our literal houses in order, then the 2050 target is unachievable. The good news is that attitudes within the industry have changed immeasurably in the last decade or so. It is now impossible to attend any high-level meeting within the real estate industry without sustainability being at the forefront of the conversation. It is a remarkable transformation in a short period of time and one that should give all of us hope.

Moreover, it is now recognised that carbon reduction cannot be separated from social responsibility or, indeed, good governance. Investors are leading