Avoiding controversial counterparties or building uses is the top priority for UK real estate decision-makers, according to a survey on social and environmental issues.
CBRE’s survey quizzed 220 investors, housebuilders, occupiers, lenders and infrastructure providers. Some 38% of respondents said that reducing exposure to controversial firms, or firms in controversial economic sectors or countries, was a major focus of their sustainability strategies.
More than a fifth of respondents said they would change their minds about a real estate decision on this basis.
Miles Gibson, executive director of UK research at CBRE, said: “Our survey shows that working with ethical partners throughout the property lifecycle is front and centre of our clients’ decision-making processes.
“This might reflect the considerable effect that such decisions can have on corporate reputations. It could also be because organisations are increasingly scrutinising the ethical credentials of their supply chain, not just their own decisions.”
The next most important social priority for respondents was health and wellbeing issues, with improving proximity to public transport in third place.
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