ESG Summit Exploring Climate, Costs and Choices From climate change to inequality, the challenges facing commercial real estate today are paramount. The built environment is at a crucial crossroads, necessitating prompt and resolute action. There is a global expectation for a fresh perspective in business, driven by consumers who are increasingly advocating for more impactful initiatives. Business leaders must undergo transformation to maintain a competitive edge and real estate is under pressure from its investors, occupiers and government to decarbonise. Join EG’s ESG Summit to gain insights, engage in discussions and discover solutions to some of the most significant challenges facing commercial real estate.
09:00-09.40	Registration and breakfast
09:40-09:45	Chair’s opening remarks Chair: Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
09:45-10:05	Opening Keynote – The future of ESG   ESG is under attack from all sides. True believers wish to keep practising ESG but call it something different; opportunists recognise that an ESG label no longer helps launch funds or attract customers; opponents seek to ban ESG outright. But if ESG is to be scrapped, what do we replace it with? Retiring the term but continuing the practice fails to address the legitimate challenges to ESG; abandoning the practice throws the baby out with the bathwater. This talk will propose “rational sustainability” as a fundamental shift in the way ESG is practised.   Alex Edmans, professor of finance, London Business School and author of Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit
10:05-10:45	Investing with purpose: The rise of impact investment funds in commercial real estate The surge in impact investment funds within commercial real estate signifies a major shift toward sustainable and socially responsible development. As awareness and demand for these funds increase, they are poised to significantly influence the future of the built environment, providing both financial returns and societal benefits. Learn how these funds drive sustainable development and successful outcomes and what opportunities lie ahead for growth and innovation in impact investing within the built environment. Adrian Benedict, head of real estate solutions, Fidelity International Vivienne King, founder and managing director, Impactful Places Charles Royle, portfolio manager, AEW Chair: Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
10:45-11:25	Retrofit: How is the built environment performing? Retrofitting presents financial, practical and societal challenges and opportunities. Lowering emissions and, ultimately, energy consumption is essential, regardless of legislative incentives but key questions persist. How can we finance this transformation? What is needed to accelerate progress? Do we possess the infrastructure for large-scale retrofitting? Are we planning successful net zero transition pathways for assets? Is the built environment capable of seizing opportunities and surmounting these challenges?   Basil Demeroutis, managing partner, Fore Partnership Karli Hiscock, partner, Bates Wells Brett Ormrod, European net zero carbon lead, LaSalle Investment Management Ella Smith, building performance analyst., Allford Hall Monaghan Morris   Chair: Katie Krelle, head of UK sustainable asset services, JLL
11:25-11:45	Coffee and networking break
11.45-12:25	Panel discussion: Sustainability and the high street Exploring the value of inclusive urban spaces that stimulate growth, vibrancy and connectedness. Are the buildings and structures within retail, hospitality and residential sectors equipped to meet the demands of a net zero-focused world and mixed-use communities of tomorrow? Steve Bennett, chief property and development officer, Travelodge Anyi Hobson, founder, SEAM Advisory Steve Race MP, member of Parliament for Exeter and vice-chair, Key Cities All-Party Parliamentary Group Mark Robinson, head of regeneration, New River Chair: Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
12:25-12:50	ESG Insights: Deals in action As more businesses progress with their sustainability strategies, the expectations and requirements of real estate becomes more sophisticated, and investors are under pressure to ensure their real estate portfolios are efficient and resilient. How are investors adapting their investment strategies to incorporate sustainability requirements into their acquisition processes? This discussion will talk around how sustainability is impacting deals in the market, how priorities are shifting and how sustainability is embedded in the transactional process. Janey Douglas, head of sustainability, UK Capital Markets Will Hawking, head of life sciences, Royal London Asset Management   Chair: Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
12:50-13:10	ESG Insights: Driving social impact and tackling youth homelessness  Through its pioneering build-to-rent Pathfinder initiative, LandAid offers the real estate sector a groundbreaking chance to address the pressing issue of youth homelessness in the UK. By providing affordable homes to young people in need, the BTR sector can play a crucial role in helping them achieve sustainable, independent living. Join us in this session to discover how LandAid aims to break the cycle of youth homelessness and create real social change and vital homes for vulnerable young people.  Charlotte Hopkinson, head of sustainability & CSR, Grainger Plc Paul Morrish, chief executive, LandAid Chair: Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
13:10-14:10	Networking lunch
14:10-14:35	Case study: Beyond the numbers   This case study is your behind-the-scenes pass to the thrilling world of real estate development. We will hear about the journey it takes to create the best performing product. We’ll look at purchase, design and delivery, looking at the choices we make, and the people and processes that bring them to life.   Dan Higginson, director – development and leasing, Greycoat Real Estate
14:40-15:10	A crisis in workforce sustainability The race to create a sustainable, environmentally conscious industry is on – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the demand for eco-friendly buildings and operations skyrockets, businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. The time to act is now. What crucial skills are needed in the built environment to spearhead the shift towards a net zero economy? What tools and initiatives will be needed to build skills capacity? How can we encourage more people to prepare for a green career? Join us in this urgent quest to build a competitive, futureproof workforce committed to sustainability Charles Begley, chief executive, London Property Alliance Chris Oldham, senior policy and programme manager, Innovation and Growth, City of London Corporation Chair: Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
15:10-15:35	The role of renewable energy procurement in decarbonising the property industry Investors and developers in the UK have grappled with uncertainty in recent years due to geopolitical and macroeconomic events driving high and fluctuating energy prices. This challenge comes amid increasing pressure to achieve net zero emissions. The CPPA model is emerging as a popular solution, enabling firms to acquire renewable energy, providing certainty over supply and allowing investors and developers to decarbonise their property portfolios. Additionally, CPPAs assist corporate occupiers to reduce their own emissions and use renewable energy. This session will explore how renewable energy and CPPAs, along with other tools, can be utilised by real estate businesses to decarbonise their portfolios and meet ESG and net zero targets. Sonal Jain, head of sustainability, Workspace Group Marco Tomasi, director, Formation Architects Chair: Liz McKillop-Paley, partner, Shoosmiths
15:35-16:10	Leadership at the crossroads: harmonising stakeholder interests for ESG success In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, leaders face a critical challenge: aligning multiple stakeholder interests around ESG priorities. This panel discussion will delve into the complexities leaders encounter when balancing the diverse and often conflicting demands of investors, employees, customers, and the broader community. Jason Dunlop, partner, Evelyn Partners Louise Ellison, sustainability managing director, EQT Group Sylvie Sasaki, sustainability director – private markets, Aviva Investors Chair: John Davies, head of sustainability, Derwent London
16:10-16:25	Closing Keynote – A Net Zero Future: The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard  The new pilot version of the UK’s first cross-industry standard equips the built environment industry to design and operate buildings for net zero carbon. By leveraging data from thousands of buildings, it’s a crucial step towards achieving our climate goals. Does this standard provide a clear roadmap for the built environment industry to transition to a more sustainable future? David Partridge, governance board chair, Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard & chairman, Related Argent
16:25	Closing remarks Julia Cahill, senior writer, EG
16:30-17:00	Networking drinks