Responsible management is a core concern of Swiss Prime Site. This includes complying with legal requirements and regulatory standards and living out self-defined principles on a daily basis. These can be found, among other things, in our environmental policy concept and the code of conduct for suppliers. In the former, for example, we commit ourselves to operational climate neutrality in the long term (by 2040). The latter sets out both ecological and social guidelines for suppliers, such as respect for human rights and the prohibition of forced and child labour. We therefore not only focus on internal processes, but also exert influence on the external value chain. We are convinced that sustainable, future-oriented corporate governance increases resilience and thus creates long-term value for the company, stakeholders, society and the environment. One of the most relevant issues here is climate protection.

In the "linear organised throwaway economy", the real estate industry generates a large part of the waste in Switzerland. In addition, the real estate industry accounts for around half of the consumption of natural resources. Our goal is therefore to close the material cycles in our industry and to introduce an efficient circular economy. As a result, resource consumption will decrease significantly and CO2 emissions will be reduced substantially. Cooperation along the value chain also promotes sustainability. Whether with suppliers or partners during the construction phase or in the operation and maintenance of the properties. For example, by selecting biological materials and considering degradability during the construction phase. Further opportunities for exerting influence arise later in the occupancy phase through cooperation with the tenants, for example with jointly used areas, mobility offers, in the area of waste separation or by switching to green leases.

The Center for Urban & Real Estate Management (CUREM) of the Executive Education of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zurich offers various compact courses and degree programmes in Urban & Real Estate Management. Sustainable Real Estate is one of them.

(About the authors: Karin Voigt is Chief Portfolio Officer Swiss Prime Site Immobilien AG and a UZH alumna. In 2014, she completed her MAS in Real Estate at the CUREM of the Executive Education of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zurich. Martin Pfenninger is Head Group Sustainability at Swiss Prime Site AG.)

Source: Oec. Magazine issue #17