Rasmus Nørgaard, co-founder of Nordic real estate company NREP, has launched a European property firm called Home.Earth to take on the sustainable housing challenge.
With an initial focus on the largest cities in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, the residential development and investment firm said it was close to acquiring its first site, believed to be in the Nærheden quarter of Taastrup in Denmark, and aimed to begin construction towards the end of 2021.
Nørgaard said that the operation aspired 'to truly operate with a triple bottom line in order to identify sustainable solutions to key challenges of urbanisation, climate and inequality'.
Citing megatrends including urbanisation and the carbon challenge, Home.Earth will develop what it calls 'urban communities' with a company philosophy that entails 'inclusivity, liveability and sustainability at its core'.
The team includes former employees of firms including NREP, McKinsey and Briq. There's even a Danish rock musician involved in the shape of Nephew guitarist Kristian Riis.
Nørgaard said he would remain an owner, board member and partner of NREP, but no longer be involved in daily operations, to focus on the new initiative.
Home.Earth's website launched this week with a message for potential partners: 'We do not have all the answers yet, but we aspire to join forces with likeminded investors and partners – and we are a team with the motivation, experience and ambition to be a pathfinder on this journey.'
