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Urs Fäs:
More than 10 years ago, we were already convinced that sustainability was a prerequisite for long-term business success. Interest on the market was still restrained, and awareness of sustainability in the real estate sector was mainly shaped by the Minergie standard. Nevertheless, it was our ambition to organize our entire real estate portfolio in such a way that it also meets the needs of future generations. So we gained an overview, set our priorities, developed implementation strategies and defined sub-stages. We realized relatively quickly that we needed staying power.

Daniela Jorio:
We have gained valuable experience over the past 10 years. Initial pioneering approaches helped us to define criteria for measuring sustainability. One example is the “greenproperty” quality seal, which was developed by Credit Suisse for its Swiss real estate investments. This made it possible for the first time to evaluate the sustainability of investment portfolios holistically. Another point to note is our early participation in (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) – an international initiative that has been providing major impetus for the sector since 2009. As there were no established standards at the time, we defined our own measures. Many of these are now firmly integrated into our everyday processes.

Urs Fäs:
According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), buildings in Switzerland are responsible for around a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions, with heating systems as the biggest influencing factor. We have therefore set a net-zero target (covering Scope 1 and 2) for the operation of our real estate by 2050. Since 2022, this target has been firmly anchored in our fund contracts and investment guidelines, and forms the basis for individual reduction pathways for each portfolio. From this, we have derived specific measures for reducing CO₂ and energy intensity, and expanding renewable energies. We focus on transparent, quantitative interim targets that are measurable and comparable. We report annually on our progress in the annual reports of the individual products, in our sustainability brochure and on our website.

Daniela Jorio:
The Real Estate Investment Data Association (REIDA) has launched a CO₂ benchmark for the Swiss market, which provides the key figures that are crucial for achieving climate targets. This is a non-profit organization that has set itself the goal of continuously improving the data situation in the Swiss real estate investment market. The CO₂ benchmark is based on real measured consumption data, which is why we have been actively participating in it with our products since 2022.

Of particular value is the REIDA methodology paper, which has ensured standardized calculations since 2022 – not only for CO₂ emissions and intensity, but also for the other key data mentioned, i.e. energy consumption and intensity, energy source mix (share of renewable energies) and data coverage. In this short time, the method has already established itself as the standard on the Swiss market. It enables standardized calculation of the “environmentally relevant key figures” recommended by the Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS) and the Conference of Managers of Investment Foundations (KGAST).

Urs Fäs:
Transparency creates trust and enables sound investment decisions. Our investors and analysts expect effective, comparable key figures. Our employees also benefit from a common basis for discussion and decision-making.

Daniela Jorio:
In recent years, various standards, labels, ratings, benchmarks and initiatives with a wide range of criteria have come onto the market. They have helped to create a structure and make sustainability visible across the board. However, the lack of consolidation has also made it more difficult to gain an overview of the underlying metrics and methods. We therefore focus on a small number of meaningful and relevant key figures.

With AMAS self-regulation, the REIDA benchmark and the CO₂ reduction pathways, we create transparency and comparability in line with Swiss standards. In addition, we disclose our portfolio information via the Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF) questionnaire, providing investors with a structured, standardized overview. Incidentally, this is a very good example of how the industry is developing the matter together.

Daniela Jorio:
Switzerland is well positioned by international standards. In addition, our investment solutions domiciled in Switzerland are predominantly invested in the domestic market and typically appeal to domestic investors. This is why we deliberately focus on national legislation and local standards, which have developed significantly over the last few years.

Since 2009, GRESB has made an important contribution to the measurability and comparability of sustainability in the real estate sector. Our participation has helped us to hone processes and systematically record relevant key figures. The results of all the funds in our combined portfolio reflect our commitment.

In the meantime, new regulatory requirements have further increased transparency. In Switzerland, particularly the AMAS environmental indicators, the REIDA methodology, and the recommended KGAST and ASIP reporting for investment foundations and pension funds have created a new basis for standardized and comparable sustainability data. We are focusing more and more on these practical local standards and will therefore – other than the �۶���Ƶ Asset Management’s global real estate investment business – not be participating in GRESB in 2026.

Urs Fäs:
In discussions with our investors, we have noticed that a large number of criteria makes dialog on relevant sustainability issues difficult. We therefore wish to focus on aspects and criteria that record concrete progress in the sustainable development of property portfolios. Our goal is to enhance focus and minimize distractions that slow us down.

Urs Fäs:
In addition to the energy used to operate the properties, topics such as social sustainability, biodiversity, the resilience of properties and the reduction of gray energy are becoming increasingly important. Here too, we don't just want to keep up; we want to lead the way. We also intend to focus our resources on this.

If the entire life cycle of properties is taken into account, from construction to operation to demolition, they generate almost half of the waste produced in Switzerland. As a founding member of the “Charter for Circular Construction”, we are therefore developing a plan to record and reduce gray emissions, as well as to measure and greatly improve the circularity of renovations and new buildings.

Daniela Jorio:
Climate change is becoming increasingly evident – Switzerland is also experiencing more very hot days, urban heat islands and extreme precipitation. This makes it important to upgrade outdoor spaces along ecological lines and make them more resilient, for example by avoiding impermeable surfaces. While new buildings often already meet high standards, there is great potential in existing buildings. These issues are also becoming increasingly relevant for our tenants, which motivates us to work on specific projects. Our goal is measurable progress. It is only possible to systematically improve things that are measurable.

Urs Fäs:
Sustainability and performance are not a contradiction in terms for us. On the contrary: investing in energy efficiency, CO₂ reduction and resilient buildings today not only protects the environment, but also the value of the assets. Our sustainability goals are therefore closely linked to our portfolio strategy. We target our investments to create real added value while also contributing to the stability and attractiveness of our funds.

In doing so, we keep an eye on the risks: both the physical risks, such as heat waves or heavy rainfall, and the transitory risks arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy. We review these annually and take measures to adjust our reduction paths if necessary.

Our employees play a decisive role in achieving our goals. Their approach and expertise are an essential part of the walk-the-talk mentality that we embrace.

Daniela Jorio:
We are working hard to achieve our net-zero target for operating energy by 2050. To accomplish this, we are integrating sustainability throughout the life cycle of our properties: we are optimizing energy consumption in our buildings, expanding renewable energies and strive to reduce the proportion of gray greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, back in 2017, we set the goal to roll out 100 photovoltaic systems. This goal was achieved in 2021 and is now incorporated into all investment decisions. According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), over 50% of Swiss residential buildings are still heated with oil or gas. While we already have in-depth expertise in the field of energy-efficient refurbishment, there are areas where we are still gathering experience together with like-minded people.

Urs Fäs:
Our vision is Swiss building stock that is ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. With over 2,000 properties in our portfolio, we feel a sense of obligation. Our aim is clear: we want to actively drive change in the real estate sector with specific steps, measurable progress and the clear goal of being “best in progress”.