The CRREM Foundation, which has secured €1m in philanthropic funding to develop science-based decarbonisation pathways for real estate, has appointed Andrea Palmer as its first Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025. The move signals an ambitious expansion phase for the Amsterdam-based initiative, whose pathways are already being utilised by investors across 44 countries to assess climate alignment and transition risks in their portfolios.
Palmer brings over a decade of real estate sustainability expertise, most recently serving as Responsible Investment Lead for Global Real Estate Securities at PGGM. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture as institutional investors face mounting pressure to demonstrate credible decarbonisation strategies amidst tightening regulatory frameworks and evolving disclosure requirements across Europe and beyond.
The timing proves particularly strategic for the real estate sector, which faces an estimated €3.5 trillion investment gap to achieve net-zero by 2050 according to recent industry analysis. Palmer's mandate includes expanding CRREM's user base in North America and Asia, whilst developing more granular pathways covering additional asset types and geographies. This expansion addresses a critical market need as investors increasingly require standardised, science-based metrics to benchmark performance and avoid stranded assets.
"I'm honoured to join CRREM to help lead its next phase of growth and global adoption. Having worked closely with institutional investors and real estate managers, I've experienced first-hand how the CRREM Pathways have reshaped risk assessments and informed ambitious, science-based decarbonisation strategies," Palmer commented. Her previous roles at LaSalle Investment Management, Triodos IM and GRESB have positioned her uniquely to understand both the technical requirements and commercial applications of ESG frameworks.
Derk Welling, Chair of the CRREM Foundation's Founding Board and representative from APG Asset Management, emphasised the strategic importance of the appointment: "After a rigorous selection process, and from a pool of very strong candidates, the Board unanimously selected Andrea for her ambition, strong sustainability track record, and clear strategic vision." The selection process underscores the initiative's commitment to maintaining scientific integrity whilst scaling commercial adoption.
The Foundation's expansion plans include developing pathways for emerging markets and specialist asset classes such as data centres and logistics facilities, segments experiencing rapid growth but lacking standardised climate assessment tools. This strategic focus addresses a significant gap in the market, particularly as alternative real estate investments continue attracting institutional capital seeking diversification and yield enhancement in a low-rate environment.
People mentioned:
- Andrea Palmer - Chief Executive Officer, CRREM Foundation (from 1 July 2025)
- Derk Welling - Chair of CRREM Foundation's Founding Board, APG Asset Management N.V.
Companies and organisations mentioned:
- CRREM Foundation - Global decarbonisation pathway initiative for the real estate industry
- PGGM - Dutch pension fund asset manager
- APG Asset Management N.V. - Dutch pension fund asset manager, founding board member
- LaSalle Investment Management - Global real estate investment manager
- Triodos IM - Sustainable investment manager
- GRESB - ESG benchmark for real estate and infrastructure
- PGGM Vermogensbeheer B.V. - PGGM's asset management arm, founding board member
- Norges Bank Investment Management - Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, founding board member
- EPRA - European Public Real Estate Association
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
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