At EXPO REAL 2024 in Munich, Climate Neutral Real Estate (CNRE) took an active role in two engaging panel discussions. The event featured stimulating conversations about the future of cities and the critical need for sustainable investments aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.

Panel 1: The Liveability of Cities and Urban Density Challenges

The first panel centred on the liveability of cities and the challenges that come with increasing urban density. Urbanisation remains a driving force across Europe and the Middle East, with its cities continuing to attract people who seek dynamic places to live and work. However, the pressing question remains: how do urban environments need to evolve to meet these demands while addressing sustainability?

Cities, investors, urban planners, and residents must work in unison to foster more resilient and liveable environments. Yet, this raises a critical issue: can the demand for sustainability coexist with the role of cities as engines of economic growth? The panel addressed a range of important topics:

  • Challenges and Opportunities: What are the key challenges cities face, and where do the opportunities lie?
  • Investment Drivers: What are the key factors driving investment in urban areas?
  • The Role of Technology and Innovation: How can new technologies enhance urban living environments?
  • Cities’ Responses: How are European and Middle Eastern cities responding to these challenges?
  • Regional and Smaller Cities: Do they require a different approach to larger metropolitan areas?
  • Affordability: With affordability becoming a pressing concern, how can it be achieved?
  • Social Value: How does social value factor into investment decisions in urban areas?
  • Housing Crisis: How can cities overcome the challenge of creating the housing needed across Europe?
  • Future Investment: Which cities are likely to be the most attractive for future investment?

Panel 2: Investing & Implementing ESG Strategies

The second panel discussion focused on “Investing & Implementing ESG Strategies,” specifically addressing the topic of “Impact and Purpose-Driven Investment.” This session delved into how ESG priorities can be translated into actionable strategies that align with investors’ financial objectives while delivering positive social and environmental outcomes.

Institutional investors are increasingly striving to balance the pursuit of net-zero carbon goals with investments that yield responsible and sustainable results. The discussion highlighted several key aspects of impact investing:

  • Practical Impact Investing: What does impact investing mean in today’s market context?
  • Leading Countries and Sectors: Which countries, sectors, and companies are paving the way?
  • Key Sectors: From Senior Living and Healthcare to Affordable Housing and Life Sciences, which sectors align best with impact investment strategies?
  • Implementation Across Markets: How are these ESG strategies being successfully implemented across various markets in Europe?

Strategic Partnership Announcement

A highlight of CNRE’s participation at EXPO REAL was the announcement of a strategic partnership between Real Asset Media and Climate Neutral Real Estate. This partnership seeks to amplify a shared vision for climate-neutral real estate through Real Asset IMPACT, a new publication dedicated to exploring ESG initiatives in the real estate sector.

Together, CNRE and Real Asset Media aim to engage with key stakeholders across the real estate industry—including developers, fund managers, banks, architects, engineers, and contractors. Initially, the focus will be on the Gulf Region, which presents unique challenges due to its desert climate. The partnership will later expand its efforts to the US and Europe, fostering a global conversation around sustainability in real estate.