With the growing anti-ESG movement in parts of the United States grabbing global headlines, it can be easy for sustainability professionals to feel disheartened. Investors, however, are continuing to engage with their managers to ensure sustainability-related risks are dealt with and opportunities maximised. GRESB is investor-led, meaning we are constantly engaging with our investor members to understand what matters when making investment decisions.

A mounting body of research demonstrates a positive correlation between a focus on sustainability and superior returns, despite anti-ESG movement counter claims. Many of our Asia Pacific investor members are large Australian superannuation funds, subject to an annual financial performance test and focused on providing their members with a comfortable retirement. Importantly, at our recent Investor Masterclass, they reasserted their belief that a portfolio aligned to a climate goal of 1.5 or 2.0 degrees Celsius will ultimately pro