Perspective on ESG in Real Estate by Italy

PhD. Alice Paola Pomè
Italian PropTech Network
Download the Complete Ebook

Having recognized the pivotal role of the built environment in facilitating the transition towards sustainable development across economies, both international and national standards have been issued in order to ensure the adoption of more sustainable practices. A prominent example is the European Green Deal, which outlines the path to make Europe the first neutral-impact continent by 2050. Thus, it is imperative for the real estate and construction sectors to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, thereby mitigating the substantial environmental impact of buildings. Moreover, the recent legislation framework on sustainable financing must be seamlessly integrated into building regulations, that have primarily focused on the design and construction phase of buildings. This holist approach will ensure that sustainability will be embedded throughout the entire lifecycle of buildings, promoting a more conscious built environment.

In this context, the real estate sector is progressively embracing the application of ESG principles to bolster environmental strategies, social impact and governance practices. The adoption of ESG regulations in the sector involves integrating energy-efficient design, fostering community engagement, and adhering to transparent governance structures. Such implementation not only enhances property value and reduces operational costs, but also mitigates risks associated with climate change and social unrest. Moreover, sustainable practices and behaviours amplify the competitiveness of real estate operations and organizations, as investors increasingly prioritize ESG-aligned real estate assets and Italy processes. The incorporation of ESG indicators represents the sole viable approach to foster resilience and stimulating innovation within the sector. This long-term strategy, on the one hand, ensures the sector’s durability, on the other serves as a catalyst for pioneering practices in real estate operations.

PropTech (Property Technology) solutions provide unparalleled opportunities to bolster sustainability efforts within the real estate sector and support the integration of ESG practices. These innovative technologies not only facilitate real-time monitoring of energy consumption, waste management, and environmental impact; but also, they promote social impact by improving accessibility and inclusivity, and, streamline regulatory compliance and reporting processes, enhancing transparency and accountability. By leveraging technology to integrate ESG practices into everyday operations, the sector can achieve greater efficiency, resilience, and positive societal impact.

EUBIN