Building Sustainability: A Review of Company Performance in the Commercial Real Estate and Property Sector

Abstract

The commercial real estate and property sector is a vital part of the Australian economy. Compared to global peers, property companies in Australia and New Zealand are considered to be at the front of the pack in terms of acknowledging, measuring and managing Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) risks (also referred to as sustainability risks). This research report looks at performance of the sector, utilising several sustainability indicators developed by Catalyst Australia in 2013 to rate company reporting and performance. These cover gender equality, environmental impact, labour standards, supply chains, community investment and sustainability engagement.

Keywords: real estate, property sector, sustainability, ESG, gender equality, environment, labour standards, supply chains, community investment, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility

JEL Classification: M14