For rent-paying companies, buildings are one of the largest costs they face. Energy-efficient and sustainable building operation is thus also an economic issue. But when does it make sense for commercial users to invest in sustainability, and how can sustainable real estate investments generate appropriate returns for institutional investors? Union Investment has developed a new Internet portal specifically aimed at these two customer groups. Featuring interactive, accessible content, the portal supports the pooling of knowledge and experience around the added value of sustainable properties.
“Sustainability is no longer a topic that is confined to academic circles – we want to inspire our customers, encourage them to get involved and work with them to find shared solutions on the property front. At the same time, we’re making the case within our organisation as well, promoting sustainability as part of our business model, not just a tick-box requirement,” says Dr. Heiko Beck, COO and a member of the management team at Union Investment Real Estate GmbH.
Accordingly, the approach is practical rather than theoretical, with a wide range of lively content. Union Investment’s aim with the portal is to introduce its customers to this multi-faceted topic while also engaging with external asset managers and property managers. Regular updating will keep the site fresh and interesting. Industry bodies and institutions such as the German Property Federation (ZIA), the German Urban Land Institute (ULI), the German Investment and Asset Management Association (BVI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will also be invited to use the new website as a platform for opinions and discussions.
User-friendliness was a particular focus when developing the site. Navigation through the portal is supported by easy-to-understand tags and efficient cross-linking of the content. The portal uses responsive web design and is available in two languages at www.sustainable-realestate-investments.com.
Source: Union Investment
