Even a cursory review of the current contents of property industry journals, conference brochures and educational programmes reveals the extent to which interest in “responsible property investment” has risen in the last 10 years. Having been involved in this area over that period, I have certainly witnessed attendances at related events go from small gatherings of the converted to standing room–only events full of “show-me-the-money” fund managers.

The property industry seems increasingly to understand not only that the medium- to long-term effects of issues like climate change will affect their markets and investments, but also that changing social attitudes and pre-emptive policy and regulatory instruments might already be differentiating between products in the marketplace and be affecting the functionality of the commercial property market.

Most attention in this area focuses on environmental issues, investment and