75% of the areas with sustainability certificates
As part of the comprehensive initiatives for sustainable business management, Swiss Prime Site will certify the majority of the Swiss real estate portfolio, which comprises around 180 properties and areas, before the end of the 2022 financial year. Based on an in-depth analysis of the various certification systems and a feasibility study, over a dozen pilot certifications have already been implemented in recent months. The goal is to have around 75% of the space in the real estate portfolio backed by certificates by the end of 2022. René Zahnd, CEO of Swiss Prime Site: “By certifying our properties, we are increasing transparency and at the same time establishing a frame of reference. In addition, we lay the foundation for creating long-term ecological, economic and social added value for all stakeholders. In addition, since last year we have linked our ambitious climate targets with our financing strategy. Every improvement in sustainability enables us to find more attractive financing.»
Climate-neutral real estate portfolio by 2040
The applicable environmental policy of Swiss Prime Site stipulates that all new construction, conversion and repositioning projects must be certified with a nationally or internationally recognized sustainability label. BREEAM In-Use, an internationally widespread certification system, is used for existing properties. In the case of development projects, the focus is on certification in line with the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS).
“In addition to the certification, we create a potential analysis for each certified property, which results in measures to increase sustainability performance. Our ambitions for individual topics such as avoiding greenhouse gas emissions – in production and operation – or recycling management go beyond the fulfillment of the requirements,” explains Martin Pfenninger, Head Group Sustainability, the ambitions of Swiss Prime Site. Because the goals are clear: the design of sustainable living space and a climate-neutral real estate portfolio by 2040.
