Bouwinvest is a signatory to the Paris Proof Commitment. Up to the end of 2023 we used the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) methodology to gain insights in and guide us reducing the CO₂ footprint of our assets on the way to becoming Paris Proof. From 2024 we will also use the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) because it is internationally more comparable. The declaration commits Bouwinvest to ensuring the buildings in its Dutch real estate portfolios are highly energy efficient, have renewable energy sources and purchase CO₂-neutral electricity by 2045. To arrive at this target, no detailled yearly reduction target has been set.

Bouwinvest managed to decrease the energy use of its real estate portfolio based on the 2023 GRESB benchmark (-2% compared to 0.4% in the previous benchmark). This was based on energy data from 2022 and 2021 which is the latest and most complete information available.

In the past, Bouwinvest completed roadmaps for all its Dutch funds on fund level, outlining the measures needed to make its portfolio Paris Proof. These roadmaps are translated into asset specific roadmaps for four of the five funds. However the aim is to have roadmaps for its total portfolio where relevant. In 2023, Bouwinvest improved its portfolio in line with the steps in these roadmaps, implementing change at an asset level. The coming years, Bouwinvest will continue this process by focusing on the use of sustainable materials, circular construction, waste management and water consumption. For the progress regarding the implementation of these roadmaps, refer to the different annual reports of the Dutch funds. 

For its international mandates, Bouwinvest is actively involved with its local managers to minimise the climate impact of the portfolios. Bouwinvest engages with these local managers to draw up their ambitions on this theme, to be transparent about both their future plans and the related performance and Bouwinvest encourages them to reduce their environmental impact. An engagement policy and plan was completed in 2023 and actions according to this plan will be implemented.