The responsible ownership and operation of real estate can have a significant positive impact not only on the environment but also on the financial performance of an investment. Recognizing the importance of this topic to clients and consultants and its potential positive impact on long-term performance, our Real Estate & Private Markets investment area's Sustainability Workgroup (comprising representatives from several countries and various disciplines) has published a Responsible Investment (RI) policy. Regional teams have been established to implement sustainable and RI strategies at the fund and individual property levels. Our RI strategy is integrated into the management of our investments and is implemented by all operational functions of the company during the entire ownership cycle of a project, from development or acquisition through on-going asset management, marketing, renovation and maintenance to successful sale. We integrate sustainability into our strategy, meaning we design sustainability and resilience into new buildings and improve the sustainability performance of existing properties. Our mission is to integrate sustainability and Responsible Investment into our investment processes and implement sustainable practices.

A holistic approach to sustainability also includes strategic and qualitative objectives. We improve the sustainability performance of our business by implementing action plans and best practice measures. Our employees receive ongoing training, and sustainability and governance are two aspects of the training. We are active participants on various committees and commissions to enhance our knowledge on sustainability and governance. Regular and transparent communication, and an emphasis on long-term partnerships help us to build lasting relationships with our investors, tenants and service providers.