Most real assets investors reporting to GRESB claim net-zero policies

The majority of real estate and infrastructure investors, fund managers and listed companies have net-zero policies in place, according to the latest survey by global real assets ESG benchmark GRESB.

The finding was strongest among real estate participants, 72% of which had net-zero policies in place, while for infrastructure assets and funds, the figures were 60% and 68%, respectively.

GRESB covered 2,084 real estate portfolios and 172 infrastructure funds and 687 assets, representing some US$8.8trn (€8.34trn) in gross asset value.

Last year, the benchmark captured 1,820 real estate portfolios and 166 infrastructure funds and 652 assets, covering US$8.6trn.

“Benchmark growth across real estate and infrastructure this year is not just about numbers—it’s about the depth, breadth and usefulness of the data,” said Sebastien Roussotte, CEO at GRESB.

“This increasing dedication and awareness of data quality demonstrates the commitment of global real assets to transparency and sustainability on a broader scale.”

The establishment of net-zero policies varied across regions, with 93% of participants in Oceania reporting policies, followed by Asia and Europe with 78% and 77%, respectively.

GRESB said that, despite most participants reporting a net-zero policy, only 56% of global participants had made public net-zero commitments and 50% had established net-zero targets.

Oceania and Europe led the way among infrastructure investors and firms, with 65% of participants in both regions having net-zero policies in place.

Only 40% of infrastructure assets globally reported net-zero commitments and 60% had set net-zero targets, while 70% of infrastructure funds had already shared net-zero commitments and 60% had set net-zero targets.

“Net zero in real assets is not merely a goal, but a necessity,” said Roussotte. “It requires a collective commitment to reduce carbon footprints and drive sustainability in the built environment.

“GRESB participants stand at the forefront of this movement, actively implementing strategies, setting targets and integrating sustainable practices to accelerate progress towards a net-zero future.”

To read the latest edition of the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.