Health and well-being certifications are increasingly being sought to assure building users that their spaces are safe to enter and occupy. Land use, zoning, and the location of public amenities are critical to better distribute equity.
ESG is not just good for our planet and communities, it is good business. Seventy five percent of Morningstar’s ESG-screened indexes outperformed the broad market equivalents in 2020, with 88% of ESG indexes outperforming the broader market equivalents over the past five years.
Energy efficiency remains a high priority and a feature so prevalent that it is considered a “given” by tenants, owners, managers, and developers. New technologies that make buildings healthier and more energy efficient should ease the need to compromise one goal to achieve the other—both are viewed throughout the industry as key elements of sustainability.
Renewable energy sources are expected to grow significantly. Industry analysts expect that renewable energy use will increase from its current 20% share, to 60% of total energy generation by 2050.
The demand for ESG investing continues to soar, with record inflows amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Real estate firms are seeking opportunities for those investors to place their capital. Altus has enlisted the help of a Certified Energy Manager & Operating Cost Reduction Advisor to analyze our assets under management and provide recommendations on how we can save on utilities and reduce our environmental impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
As socially responsible investors, Altus takes pride in our efforts to create a smaller carbon footprint so our planet can be enjoyed for generations.
- IREM CSP certifications
- ENERGY STAR certifications
- Sustainable purchasing program
- Waste management and recycling options
- Increase landfill diversion rate
- Conservation of water usage and control waste generation
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Altus strives to positively influence our many stakeholders – including our investors, employees, tenants and the communities in which we invest.
- COVID vaccination time off and mileage reimbursement
- Chaplain program
- Employee interest free loan program
- Employee directed charitable donations
- Fitness centers
- Healthy food options
- Green cleaning programs
- Healthy indoor air quality verification
- Work from home flexibility
- Employer matching for employee charitable donations
- Time off for firm-sponsored community service project
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our business plan strongly adheres to Altus’ core values and embodies our mission statement. Protecting client information is a top priority.
- Mission statement drives our business
- Employee evaluations align with core values
- Daily data backups
- Frequent, transparent reporting to investors
- Robust cybersecurity enhancements
- Clear decision-making structure through committees
Sources:
ESG in Focus: Looking Ahead at a More Sustainable Industry in 2021, Marta Schantz, Urban Land Institute, 21 January 2021.
Morningstar’s ESG Indexes Have Outperformed and Protected on the Downside. Dan Lefkovits. 8 February 2021.
ESG in Focus: Looking Ahead at a More Sustainable Industry in 2021, Marta Schantz, Urban Land Institute, 21 January 2021.
“New Energy Outlook 2019,” BloombergNEF, September 2019.
ESG in Focus: Looking Ahead at a More Sustainable Industry in 2021, Marta Schantz, Urban Land Institute, 21 January 2021.