Prupim sets up sustainable portfolio

UK-based Prupim is launching a new portfolio which will examine ways a 'typical' property portfolio's carbon footprint can be reduced while maintaining or even enhancing investment returns. The Improver Portfolio consists of 25 Prupim-managed properties covering all sectors.

Ecofys, an environmental consultant appointed by Prupim, have completed an energy and environmental audit for each property in the portfolio to establish initial 'baseline' figures for future measurement. These audits will take place annually to ensure the Improver Portfolio is meeting its twin aims of competitive returns and reduced environmental impacts.

According to Martin Moore, managing director for Prupim, commercial buildings account for around 13% of the UK's C02 emissions. ‘There is enormous potential to reduce this impact if landlords and tenants find smarter ways of working together and running real estate portfolios comments. We are committed to this project for the next five years as it will provide us with significant learning opportunities.'

Paul McNamara, head of research for Prupim, comments: 'An attitudinal shift with respect to sustainability has meant that investors and tenants are becoming increasingly choosy about what they will invest in or lease. We are also seeing increasingly stringent regulations raising the standards by which properties need to be managed. This gives us reason to believe that properties that have been made more environmentally sustainable will prove more lettable and saleable and, as a result, could perform relatively better than non-sustainable buildings.'