Bouwinvest’s goal is to realise a solid return on sustainable real estate investments for institutional investors and their participants. Because we invest for the long term, we do this in a responsible manner. Sustainability in the fields of environment, society and good governance (ESG criteria) play an important role in all our business operations.
The built environment consumes around 40% of the world’s energy consumption and accounts for as much as 30% of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. On top of this, the construction sector is a major user of raw materials. As a real estate investor, we feel it is our responsibility to find solutions that will help protect and improve the environment and society as a whole. We can do this by making a positive contribution to a CO2-neutral, sustainable, circular, resilient and healthy living environment.
To make sure we can continue to generate sustainable returns in the long term, we include environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in all our investment decisions. This is in line with the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UN PRI), which we signed in early 2018. By signing the UN PRI, we underwrite the importance of responsible investment and publicly commit to the implementation of the six principles in our investment process.
Our strategic target is to make sure in 2020 at least 70% of our invested capital has an above-average sustainability rating (GRESB 4 or 5 stars) and to make a positive contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are related to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), health and well-being (SDG 3), climate change and other social challenges, with 2030 set as the horizon.
By acting in line with the tenets of corporate social responsibility, we want to create a situation in which all the employees in our organisation take responsibility for the impact of their actions on the environment and society as a whole. Our strategy is focused on reducing the environmental impact of the management organisation, increasing employee satisfaction and community engagement. In addition to this, we offer financial support to activities with a social impact and that increase knowledge within our organisation and the real estate sector.