How do leading developers like Stanhope tackle climate risks, reduce carbon emissions, and implement effective ESG strategies?

In this episode of The ESG in Property Podcast, Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe MRICs speak with Nils Rage, Head of ESG at Stanhope PLC, a developer responsible for over £40 billion in real estate assets and £4 billion under management.

About Nils Rage:

Nils shares how he has built a comprehensive ESG framework at Stanhope, integrating sustainability into every stage of the property lifecycle—from pre-acquisition to design, construction, and ongoing operations.

With extensive expertise in real estate development and asset management, he explains how ESG is transforming the sector and delivering commercial, social, and environmental value. Key Discussion Points: Climate Resilience in Property: Nils breaks down how Stanhope addresses major risks like flooding, heat stress, and water scarcity. He also discusses the importance of working with insurers to understand physical risks and maintain long-term asset insurability. Decarbonisation in Practice: Learn how Stanhope sets and enforces embodied carbon targets by trade package, reducing emissions without additional costs or delays. Nils highlights how these practices align with CREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) decarbonisation pathways. Tenant Engagement and Green Leases: Nils explains Stanhope’s approach to collaborating with occupiers, implementing green lease clauses, and using smart building technology to optimise energy use. These efforts have delivered an 18% reduction in energy consumption across their office portfolio in just one year. Social Value Strategies: Discover how Stanhope tailors social impact initiatives to local needs, addressing issues such as cost-of-living challenges, biodiversity loss, and inclusive economic growth.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to ESG in Real Estate

07:07 Nils Rage's Journey and Career Path

13:46 The Evolution of Nils' Role at Stanhope

20:53 Understanding ESG-Related Risks

30:06 Climate Resilience and Its Importance

32:29 Navigating Climate Risk and Insurance

35:38 Understanding Heat Stress in Buildings

38:21 Implementing Sustainable Strategies in Construction

44:10 Engaging with Subcontractors for Sustainability

50:26 The Role of AI in Real Estate

53:39 Decarbonization and Tenant Engagement

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Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe welcome Paul Clements-Hunt on the ESG in Property Podcast, the visionary who transformed global finance with three simple letters. His remarkable journey from tabloid journalism to coining ESG and the Principles for Responsible Investment offers a fascinating glimpse into how sustainable finance evolved into a £121 trillion movement.

Over three decades, Paul has shaped how global investment thinks and acts. What began as a planned two-year stint at the United Nations evolved into a transformative 12-year journey that would revolutionise investment thinking. As a self-described "left-leaning greenie but card-carrying capitalist," Paul and his team of "bright, off-reservation renegades" created ESG and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

Today, as Managing Partner of The Blended Capital Group and Strategic Advisor at Mishcon de Reya, he continues to shape the future of sustainable investment. The ecosystem he catalysed now includes more than 6,000 institutions and 112 stock exchanges backing UN principles and partnerships.

In this episode of the ESG in Property Podcast, host Adam Hinds explores a transformative approach to property development with Tom Larsson, the innovative founder of Grow Places.

About Tom Larsson and Grow Places:

Tom Larsson brings over a decade of experience in leading complex urban developments. After training as an architect and working with leading London practices, he spent ten years at Stanhope PLC, where he rose to become Head of Design and Development Director. During his tenure, he led major London projects including the landmark Television Centre redevelopment in White City, transforming the former BBC headquarters into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

In 2021, Tom founded Grow Places to pioneer a different approach to property development, one focused on evolution rather than revolution. Drawing from his architectural background and extensive development experience, Tom's vision centres on improving quality of life through thoughtful, community-focused real estate development.

Key Discussion Points:

• Evolution Over Revolution: Why respecting existing communities creates better development outcomes
• Data-Driven Development: Using demographic and socio-economic analysis to shape project decisions
• Stakeholder Trust: Building transparency into every stage of development
• Mixed-Use Innovation: Creating resilient developments that serve diverse community needs
• Future-Focused Design: Planning for generational impact

• Community Engagement: Practical approaches to building lasting relationships
• Risk Management: How transparency reduces project risk
• Value Creation: The commercial benefits of community-focused development
• Long-term Vision: Building for both current and future generations
• Real-world Application: Insights from the Truman Brewery redevelopment

Tom shares insights from current projects, including the Truman Brewery redevelopment in East London, where Grow Places works with institutional investors, private landowners like Truman Estates, and charities to deliver sustainable urban regeneration.

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to ESG in Property Podcast

(01:39) - Understanding Stakeholders in Real Estate

(04:35) - Tom Larsson's Journey into Real Estate

(10:04) - Founding Grow Places: A New Approach

(15:33) - The Concept of Place Growing vs Place Making

(17:44) - The Purpose Behind the Manifesto

(39:20) - Quality of Life and Community Impact

(42:11) - Long-Term Vision and Stakeholder Engagement

(44:49) - Operational Success and Community Empowerment

sustainable development, property development, real estate investment, urban planning, community engagement, stakeholder management, mixed-use development, quality of life, urban regeneration, sustainable real estate, property management, development strategy, ESG in real estate, sustainable urban development, Truman Brewery redevelopment