CEPI - European Association of Real Estate Professions

Speakers debated around open real-estate funds, also known as real estate investment trusts (REIT), which have demonstrated to be of more and more interest to investors recently. REITs are publicly traded closed-end investment companies that invest in managed diversified portfolios of real estate or real estate mortgages/construction loans. There is no doubt real estate has considerable potential for energy savings and limiting co2 emissions. Nevertheless, investment strategies seem not to yet fully take risks and opportunities linked to climate change fully into account, while sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategies are increasingly important to enable the full potential of energy savings and emission reductions in the building sector, finally achieving the carbon neutrality goal by 2050. REIT could play a significant role in financing funds that still need to align with these concepts. The webinar delved into how REIT can contribute to climate goals and showcased good examples, such as for example the CRREM - Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor tool to help the industry decarbonise, and other green/circular projects relating to real estate.

Speakers of the event: Mr Adrien Bullier, Senior Project Adviser, CINEA, Mr Silke Bernard, Global Head of Investment Funds Practice, Linklaters Lux, Mr Erik Van Den Broeck, Partner, BDO Brussels, Mr Frédéric Van der Planken, CEO, Whitewood Green Real Estate Fund, Mr Raluca Carp Hengy, Managing Director, KPMG Luxembourg, Mr Murray Birt, Senior ESC Strategist, DWS Group.

The recording and slides of the event will be soon made available by the organizer. CEPI members can contact the Secretariat if they wish to receive those.