IIGCC: investors considering ‘whole life carbon’ approach to real-estate emissions

The Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) has published a new report examining investor approaches to reducing carbon emissions from their real estate portfolios. 

According to the report, one of the key components of the strategy is expanding the focus from operational emissions to embodied carbon. 

This approach would allow a deeper understanding of an asset class which currently accounts for 36% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

The report argues that investors wield a significant amount of influence in decarbonising the construction industry and institutional investors around the world have shown a willingness to set emissions targets for their real estate investments. 

Peter Sweatman (above), the CEO of Climate Strategy and Partners, said this morning that “unlocking building sustainability in Europe is largely a renovation challenge, yet embedding a whole life carbon approach into investment portfolios is also vital for net zero buildings”.