ESG In Property Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.

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

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.

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

Tyler Goodwin, CEO and founder of Seaforth Land, unveils the nuances of modern real estate development.

In this insightful discussion, Tyler shares his experiences in revitalising iconic buildings, emphasising the integration of sustainable materials and designs.

Discover how the cultural shift toward environmental appreciation is influencing the aesthetics and functionality of commercial spaces.

Learn about the challenges and strategies of adapting historical properties to meet the demands of the future workplace.

Tyler also delves into the impact of hybrid working trends on commercial real estate, highlighting innovative approaches to create spaces that attract and retain talent.

This episode offers a deep dive into creating value through stakeholder-focused real estate solutions.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation with Professor Dr. Sven Bienert, a leading authority on climate change solutions in real estate from the University of Regensburg.

This episode dives into Dr. Bienert's pioneering work, including the development of the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM), which equips the industry with essential tools for managing climate risks.

Discover the critical role of standardised climate risk assessments and how the CRREM initiative is helping to set global benchmarks for decarbonising properties.

Learn about the innovative strategies and practical applications of the CRREM tool across various stages of a property's life cycle, enhancing value and sustainability.

Whether you're an investor, property manager, or simply interested in the intersection of real estate and sustainability, this episode provides deep insights into the future-proofing strategies that are shaping the industry.

Join us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of sustainable real estate.

Join us for a new episode of ESG in Property Podcast with Mark Stubbs, a seasoned partner at Browne Jacobson Law Firm, as we unlock key contractual, reputational and financial risks of ESG for real estate companies.

Mark draws on his experience in construction and engineering law to offer advice on sustainability and digitalisation in real estate, and we discuss social mobility in legal careers, highlighting Browne Jacobson's commitment to equality.

We examine the UK's Environment Act 2021, which requires biodiversity net gain for developments, providing strategies for landowners and developers, exploring how to meet these innovative standards while monetising land for both environmental and economic gain. Mark stresses the importance of accurate asset records, governance audits, and board evaluations to minimise risks and maintain legal and ethical standards.

The episode also covers the integration of AI in real estate construction, addressing ethical concerns and data management in line with privacy laws. We explore how linking directors' performance to sustainability metrics encourages responsible business practices.

Tune in for a legal perspective on ESG and its significant impact on the future of real estate and construction.

Topics:

(00:06) ESG and Real Estate Contractual Risks

(07:54) Social Mobility in Professional Services

(13:42) Impact of ESG on Biodiversity Legislation

(20:18) Biodiversity Net Gain and ESG Opportunities

(31:47) Legislative Impact on Real Estate Sector

(43:02) Importance of Robust Governance in ESG

(51:23) The Impact of AI and Sustainability

About Mark Stubbs

Mark is a Partner who specialises in construction and engineering and provides advice across the entire lifecycle of a project. This includes front-end project/contract support using most of the industry standard form contracts, live support and assistance during a project. He also provides advice on the resolution of disputes through the use of mediation, adjudication, litigation and arbitration.

Mark has extensive experience acting for employers, developers and contractors on high-profile projects across a range of sectors including retail, utilities, highways, logistics, PRS and healthcare.

About Browne Jacobson

Browne Jacobson's construction and real estate lawyers lead in providing modern legal solutions, advising across the supply chain with unique insights into both public and private sectors.

Their collaborative approach fosters deep relationships with national and international companies, ensuring comprehensive guidance.

They stay abreast of sector trends like digital transformation and carbon neutrality, leveraging their expertise and connections for optimal outcomes. Combining proven processes and effective communication, they offer tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction and real estate sector.

Season 2, Episode 6 – with Ben Stansfield, Lawyer Gowling WLG

Join us in a thought-provoking episode of the ESG and Property Podcast, where we dive deep into the transformative world of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy and its impact on real estate development. In this episode, sustainability lawyer Ben Stansfield from Gowlings shares his wealth of experience in environmental law and sustainability, and how these fields are becoming integral to shaping the future of property development.

Discover how the emerging BNG policy is setting a new standard for urban planning, mental health, and the creation of biodiverse ecosystems within the property market. Ben navigates us through the complexities of baseline assessments, the biodiversity metric, and the challenges and opportunities this new policy presents for developers, businesses, and landowners.

From the evolution of sustainability law to innovative nature projects, this episode explores how integrating nature into property development is not just beneficial for the environment but also for the mental well-being of communities. With discussions on the practical steps businesses can take to be nature positive, the potential of land management for conservation efforts, and the emerging biodiversity market, this podcast is a must-listen for industry professionals, environmental enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the nexus of biodiversity and urban development.

(13:13 - 14:00) Importance and Precaution of Policy Release

(15:59 - 17:41) Implementation Process for Biodiversity Improvement

(23:46 - 24:35) Concerns About Conservation Covenants

(32:02 - 33:37) Business Opportunities in Nature Markets

(38:16 - 40:10) Unlocking Land for Biodiversity and Income

(43:06 - 44:15) Incorporating Nature Into Development Schemes

Ben Stansfield:

Ben Stansfield is one the UK's leading lawyers practising planning and environmental law. Ben brings with him a wealth of experience advising clients on the consenting and regulation of their projects and their compliance with environmental regulations and reporting standards.

In addition to his advisory and transactional practices, a substantial part of Ben's work is contentious, and he has enjoyed a number of successes, both bringing and defending challenges to planning permissions and environmental consents.

Ben is highly regarded for his straightforward approach and clients appreciate his ability to break down complex regulations into user-friendly practical advice that they can action.

Ben is a former Vice Chair of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association (UKELA) and was a Trustee of UKELA for eight years.

Gowling WLG:

The global real estate market is dynamic and complex. To navigate this challenging and fast-moving industry, you require responsive legal advisers with an in-depth knowledge of international and local markets: responsive, accessible and able to execute your transactions seamlessly.

Gowling WLG is home to one of the world's strongest multi-disciplinary real estate legal teams. They are committed to providing clients with timely, practical advice to help them meet the demands of customers, partners, regulators and investors.

Tune into the ESG and Property Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School.

Delve into how the intersection of purpose and profit can redefine corporate strategies, with Alex illustrating the pivotal role of human capital and customer trust in modern business environments.

Learn how a focus on long-term value, integrated with ESG principles, can lead companies to thrive sustainably.

Alex challenges the traditional views of ESG, urging businesses to embed these practices deeply rather than viewing them as mere checkboxes.

The discussion also explores cognitive diversity's critical impact on decision-making and the real estate sector's unique approach to balancing capital acquisition with genuine sustainable actions.

Don't miss this insightful episode where academic rigor meets practical business wisdom, inspiring a new way to think about corporate success and social responsibility.

Season 2, Episode 4 – with Michelle de Havilland & Punit Thacker, Black Gate & Fracxn

Michelle de Havilland:

Michelle de Havilland, founded Black Gate in June 2016, a consultancy offering marketing advice and brokerage services tailored to clients seeking global real estate acquisitions and sales with a keen eye on commercial viability.

Michelle's professional journey commenced as a Management Consultant, leading groundbreaking research into the impact of wireless technology on the built environment. Transitioning into Architecture & Real Estate Marketing, her focus expanded to encompass the profound influence of built spaces on communities. Her emphasis on crafting spaces that foster well-being, collaboration, and connectivity, integrating technology, has left an indelible mark on some of the globe's most iconic structures.

Her illustrious career spans influential roles at esteemed organisations such as HOK, Woods Bagot, Manhattan Loft Corporation, Xchanging, Land Securities, Dalian Wanda, YOO, Sellar Property Group, and most recently, as the dynamic Managing Director of Sotheby's Realty in the United Kingdom.

Punit Thakker:

Punit is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor passionate about building web3, Blockchain and Fintech ecosystems with over 15 years worth of experience in the field of digital payments.  As an early PayPal employee, Punit played a significant role in the company's formative years in India. His journey in the fintech space is vast, having been involved in the founding teams of other financial platforms such as Checkout and Teller. 

Punit's expertise isn't limited to just financial applications; he's also a crypto adopter with a passion for leveraging blockchain technology to create innovative solutions in tokenization and fractional ownership. His ventures in this space include the creation of a Web3 bank, as well as Fracxn, a platform focused on the tokenization of real-world assets.

Black Gate & Fracxn

Black Gate & Fracxn's tokenization of Real Estate/ Property investments is leading the sector's future trading. Real estate is notoriously slow when it comes to innovation or technological adoption. But every iteration of change has seen the real estate sector provide a better service to its investors and clients; improve investment margins; and manage risk more accurately. Our block chain has over 45 SMART contracts embedded, streamlining the client KYC/AML onboarding process, and providing a transparent digital ledger to manage all assets and investments. Tokenization is not the future, Tokenization is now.. 

Episode summary:

Picture yourself owning a slice of an iconic building in a major city, or perhaps a piece of a masterpiece by a renowned artist. Journey with us as Michelle de Havilland, a pioneer in traditional property development and blockchain-enabled real estate solutions and Punuit Thakker, a seasoned fintech expert and early PayPal employee, delve into this new era of fractional ownership and tokenization.

Get a glimpse of how technology can unlock the doors of elite markets, making them accessible to everyone. With insights from the experts at Black Gate, powered by Fracxn we uncover the transformative potential of tokenization and fractionalisation not just in real estate but also in art, sports, and more. Don't miss out on the discussion on shared ownership and how these digital advancements could help businesses offset their carbon footprints efficiently.

As we wrap up our conversation with Michelle and Punit, we delve into the future of real estate investment and the innovative approach of Black Gate. We talk about the promise of global markets, bypassing traditional banking, and the thrilling world of carbon banking. 

We also discuss the role of ESG and how the tokenization of real estate and carbon credits can create a more accessible and transparent industry. So, join us and discover how you can be a part of this evolution.

Season 2, Episode 3 – with Edward Glass, Senior Associate at Forsters LLC

Welcome to a fascinating conversation with Edward Glass, from Forsters, as we dive into minimum energy efficiency standards, energy performance certificates, green lease clauses and data sharing between tenants and landlords.

Edward Glass:

Edward Glass is a Senior Associate in Forsters Commercial Real Estate team. He has experience in a broad range of commercial property work, including acquisitions/ disposals, development projects, real estate finance and leasing. He also assists with the real estate aspects of corporate transactions.

Edward is particularly interested in trends impacting the real estate sector, including developments in sustainability and the impact of technological innovation. He has published a number of articles in Estates Gazette. He is also on the advisory panel for a charity working within the sharing economy to make otherwise empty commercial property available for community use.

Forsters LLP:

The Forsters Real Estate Team stands as a prominent force in the real estate sector, boasting one of the largest dedicated practices. Renowned for its high-quality and seamless services, it adeptly handles complex issues and maintains close ties with clients through every stage of an asset's life-cycle.

Real estate, in all of its various forms, sits at the heart of the Forsters business – it is the sector on which the firm was founded. With over 120 lawyers specialising solely in real estate, they are well positioned to guide their clients through every situation whether it be an acquisition, disposal, development or property dispute. 

Their clientele is diverse and prestigious, encompassing institutional investors, private and publicly listed property companies, funders, developers, and a range of occupiers, including rural and urban estates, charities, high net worth individuals, and landowners. Notable clients include BA Pension Fund (via BlackRock), Knight Dragon Developments Limited, LaSalle Investment Management, and The Crown Estate, to name a few.

Episode summary:

Listen in as we uncover the intricacies of global real estate decisions impacted by changing regulations with Edward Glass. We explore critical topics such as minimum energy efficiency standards, energy performance certificates, and the rise of green lease clauses. Edward has been tracking the E in ESG closely since 2013-14, and his expertise shines as he discusses the change in the industry that EPC regulations have instigated and how Forsters is dedicated to sustainability.

We venture further into the financial implications of current and future regulations on real estate investments, emphasising the potential costs and risks for asset owners. We tackle the important question of how landlords should approach energy performance certificates, particularly with the looming necessity of capital expenditure to upgrade buildings to comply with future regulations. Listen in as we analyse the proposed uplift in minimum energy standards, its potential impact on the UK real estate, and strategies for budgeting for OPEX costs.

The episode concludes with an insightful look into the changing landscape of green lease clauses, data sharing, and its enforceability. Edward shares his observations on the evolving narrative for both landlords and tenants and key considerations when drafting leases. We discuss innovative approaches like the Chancery Lane Project, the challenges of enforcing sustainability clauses in the commercial sector, and the importance of a strong landlord-tenant relationship in the residential sector. So, tune in and equip yourself with knowledge about the changing regulations in real estate, whether you are a landlord, tenant, or investor.

• Energy Efficiency Standards and Green Lease

• Implications of Energy Performance Certificates

• Changing Green Lease Clauses Landscape

• Green Lease Clauses and Data Sharing
  

Welcome to a fascinating conversation with Evan Benway, from Moodsonic, as we explore the power of biophilic soundscapes in shaping the future of workspaces.

Evan Benway

Growing up as the child of a classical pianist and a cellist, Evan Benway developed a keen interest in sound from an early age. His career path led him to the tech industry in California, where he experienced first-hand the struggle of concentrating in a large open-plan office. Realising the need for a better solution, Evan left the corporate world to establish MoodSonic, a London-based company committed to transforming office spaces through biophilic soundscapes.

Moodsonic:

Moodsonic is a technology company working with sound, design and science. Their products are designed for people, with the aim of improving wellbeing, productivity and healing in indoor spaces. 

Moodsonic creates positive, intelligent biophilic soundscapes for the built environment.  

By introducing biophilic soundscapes indoors, Moodsonic creates healthier and more supportive environments. 

Episode summary:

Noise has long been a prevalent issue in workplaces, affecting privacy, concentration, and overall well-being. This problem has only been highlighted by the shift to remote work, where many employees find they can focus better at home than in an office specifically designed for work. Traditional solutions have aimed at eliminating noise, often leading to unnaturally quiet, lifeless environments, in which employees are in no rush to return to.

What are Biophilic Soundscapes?

Biophilic soundscapes are specially curated background audio that provide a subtle undercurrent of support for various activities in the office environment. Drawing from nature's own harmony, research has shown that biophilic soundscapes offer a far more productive background for work than uninterrupted silence. Certain natural sounds, like the trickling of water or the gentle chirping of birds, signal to our evolved brains that an environment is peaceful, safe, and nurturing.

In our conversation, Evan takes us through the concept of biophilia, our inherent love for nature, and how this innate attraction can be incorporated into soundscapes to foster creative thinking, enhance focus, stimulate productivity, reduce physical and mental stress, and even cue our bodies' circadian rhythms.

We also explore Moodsonic's innovative approach to integrating sound and lighting, creating visually and acoustically harmonious spaces. And discuss the role of soundscaping in creating sensory zones within a workplace, catering to diverse sensory preferences and needs.

Evan shares the successes of Moodsonic, illustrating how strategic soundscaping can mitigate distractions, stimulate productivity, and adapt to spatial changes within the office, shedding new light on how we can rejuvenate and personalise our workspaces.

Quotes: 

"If you're going to have an office at all, you'd better make a good value proposition for people to come in and use it. Otherwise, you're just wasting your money… But those [companies] who are doing a good job and are getting people back into the office, they've recognized that the office has changed. They're not forcing people necessarily to come back in a certain number of days, but they're creating workspaces that are better for people, that are more inviting, that offer them something that they don't have at home, in particular, prior to the pandemic.”