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

Discover how institutional investors are reshaping property investment through the lens of ESG ⁠Paris Jordan⁠, Head of Responsible Investing at ⁠Charles Stanley⁠ and Co-Founder of ⁠VirtuVest.⁠

Join us as we explore practical insights from one of the UK's most influential voices in sustainable investment. Named in Financial News Rising Stars of Europe Finance 2024 and managing portfolios within Charles Stanley's £35 billion asset base, Paris shares her expertise on evolving property investment strategies post-Brexit and COVID-19.

Key Insights:

• Understanding ESG fundamentals: Risk assessment tools vs sustainability strategies
• Market evolution: Post-Brexit and COVID-19 impact on property investments
• Data visualisation: Transforming ESG metrics into actionable insights
• Regulatory landscape: Implementing FCA's sustainable labels and anti-greenwashing rules
• Performance measurement: Developing effective sustainable investment KPIs
• Stakeholder engagement: Communication strategies across different audiences

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to ESG in Property

(01:48) - Paris Jordan's Journey into Responsible Investing

(07:01) - Understanding Charles Stanley and Responsible Investment

(10:20) - The Role of Property in Investment Portfolios

(16:16) - Challenges and Opportunities in Property Investment

(23:03) - Evaluating Property Investments: Criteria and Standards

(28:47) - The Importance of Storytelling in Investment Communication

(34:37) - Stakeholder Engagement and Investment Value

(40:18) - Navigating ESG Definitions and Reporting Standards

(47:32) - The Future of KPIs in Sustainable Investment

(54:32) - ESG vs Sustainability: Understanding the Terminology

Featured Guest: Paris Jordan

• Head of Responsible Investing, Charles Stanley

• Co-Founder, VirtuVest
• Member, ⁠Advisers’ Sustainability Group⁠
• ⁠Financial News Rising Stars of Europe Finance 2024⁠
• Top 100 Wealth Managers 2023
• Best Sustainable Investment Fund Manager 2023

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#ESG #ResponsibleInvesting #PropertyInvestment #Sustainability #WealthManagement #RealEstate

In this episode of the ESG in Property Podcast, Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe MRICS are joined by Jack Potter, Partner at Wild Capital. With extensive experience as an ecologist, including his work at Natural England, Jack now leads at Wild Capital, specialising in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain units and Nutrient Neutrality credits.

Wild Capital is trusted by leading UK developers, providing long-term nature recovery solutions that meet regulatory requirements while enhancing ecosystem health. Jack discusses two real-world projects: a wetland creation in Wiltshire, designed to filter nutrient pollution and meet Nutrient Neutrality obligations, and an agricultural land restoration in Northern England, where land was restored to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and promote biodiversity recovery.

Challenges and Opportunities for Developers

Jack explores the complexities of working with high-value habitats, but also highlights the opportunities available through Biodiversity Net Gain units and Nutrient Neutrality compliance. These practices not only ensure developers meet environmental regulations but also boost a project’s sustainability appeal, making it more attractive to ESG-focused investors.

Why Listen? This episode offers invaluable insights for developers, environmental consultants, and real estate professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of Biodiversity Net Gain units and Nutrient Neutrality.

Learn how biodiversity net gain is transforming the UK’s real estate sector and discover practical steps to future-proof developments in line with evolving ESG demands.

Key Topics Covered:

• Jack Potter's career as an ecologist and his leadership at Wild Capital
• How Wild Capital supports developers with Biodiversity Net Gain units and Nutrient Neutrality credits
• Real-world examples, including wetland creation and habitat restoration
• The challenges and opportunities for developers in achieving Biodiversity Net Gain units and Nutrient Neutrality compliance

Chapters: (00:00) - The Evolution of Biodiversity in Real Estate (09:12) - Wild Capital: Pioneering Nature Recovery Markets (11:54) - UK's Biodiversity Crisis: Impact and Solutions (21:40) - Demystifying Nutrient Neutrality (23:56) - Environmental Credits: Breaking Down Barriers (25:49) - Validating Biodiversity Credits (27:39) - Implementation Strategies for Developers (34:44) - Success Stories in Environmental Integration (39:45) - Developer Opportunities in Biodiversity Markets (48:29) - Future of Sustainable Real Estate

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In this ESG in Property Podcast episode, we're joined by Eleni Polychroniadou, CEO and co-founder of Sintali, a company on a mission to make every piece of infrastructure across the world green. Eleni's journey from climate activist to sustainable real estate trailblazer is as inspiring as it is impactful.

From Activism to Action

Eleni's passion for sustainability led her to co-found Sintali in 2020, focusing on decarbonising the built environment as a key strategy in combating the climate crisis. Her transition from aspiring scientist to sustainability advocate highlights the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues in property development.

Certifications: Building Trust and Value

We dive into how green building certifications like EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) are revolutionising the industry:

• Credibility Boost: Learn how these certifications enhance trust and property valuations.

• Financial Opportunities: Discover how they open doors to sustainable financing.

• Accessibility for All: We challenge the myth that green certifications are only for luxury developments.

Global Impact, Local Solutions

Eleni shares insights on Sintali's work across 85 countries, verifying the impact of over 9,000 projects globally. We explore how certifications like EDGE and Building with Nature adapt to local conditions while maintaining international standards.

Bridging the Green Gap

Our conversation addresses the missed opportunities in sustainable finance, often due to communication breakdowns between developers and financial institutions. Eleni presents her vision of a modular, interconnected approach to sustainability, emphasising its potential impact on social housing and smaller companies.

Join us for this eye-opening discussion as we reframe green building certifications, showcasing their tangible benefits and encouraging wider participation in the sustainable real estate revolution.

EDGE Certification: https://www.sintali.com/edge-certification-2

Building with Nature: https://www.buildingwithnature.org.uk/about

Want to discover how ESG data is revolutionising real estate and unlocking millions in property value?

Join hosts ⁠Adam Hinds⁠ and ⁠Jordan Relfe MRICS ⁠ of ⁠LifeProven⁠, as they interview ⁠Matt Ellis⁠, CEO of ⁠Measurabl ⁠– the world's most widely adopted ESG technology platform managing 18 billion square feet of property globally (nearly double the landmass of Hong Kong!). A former CBRE executive and author of "From Green to ESG", Matt shares invaluable insights on how sustainability data is transforming real estate investment and valuation.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction and Weather Talk

(02:41) - Matt Ellis' Background and Journey in Real Estate

(06:01) - Transition to Sustainability and the Birth of Measurabl

(13:44) - Introduction to Measurabl and its Services

(16:04) - Challenges with Certifications and the Importance of Objective Metrics

(21:33) - The Evolution of ESG Data in Real Estate

(24:37) - Acquiring and Analysing Sustainability Data

(27:22) - Changing Communication Between Stakeholders

(32:54) - The Role of Sustainability Data in Asset Transactions

(41:55) - Data Competency and Attracting Capital

(47:43) - The Role of Technology in Real Estate

(50:29) - The Future of Real Estate and Data as a Competitive Advantage

Key Insights:

• Why traditional "green" certifications are being replaced by objective performance metrics
• How sustainability data enhances building value, leasing, and lending decisions
• The critical role of ESG data in attracting capital and completing successful transactions
• Why digitalisation and data competency are becoming essential for competitive advantage
• How real estate is evolving from "electron management" to comprehensive ESG strategy

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#ESG #RealEstate #Sustainability #PropTech #GreenBuilding #CommercialRealEstate

In this episode, we delve into the transformative world of sustainable and socially impactful property development with Sarah Milne, Head of Impact at Puma Property Finance. Discover how developers can access discounted debt—up to 1% lower interest rates—by meeting specific environmental and social criteria that not only enhance their projects but also contribute positively to communities and the planet.

Sarah shares her inspiring journey from being a professional GB badminton athlete to leading impactful financial initiatives, highlighting her passion for the intersection of people and the built environment. We explore Puma Property Finance's innovative Impact Lending Framework, which simplifies and incentivises ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices through accessible certifications like EDGE Green Building and the Next Generation Sustainability Benchmark.

Learn how targeted investments in areas of high deprivation across the UK are fostering economic activity, employment opportunities, and improved quality of life. Sarah discusses the critical role of government data in identifying these areas and shaping meaningful social metrics for development projects.

Join us as we unpack the future of property finance, the increasing pressure on lenders to improve ESG performance, and how simplicity and accessibility in impact lending can break down barriers for developers of all sizes.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable development, finance innovation, and creating lasting positive change through property.

Tune in to discover:

· How sustainable and social impact criteria can unlock financial benefits for developers.

· The role of Puma Property Finance's Impact Lending Framework in simplifying ESG integration.

· The significance of certifications like EDGE and Next Generation Sustainability Benchmark in driving industry-wide transformation.

· Strategies for tracking and maximising the impact of investments in deprived areas.

· Insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable property finance and its influence on community well-being.