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Tag: René Zahnd

  • Swiss Prime Site: Largest certified real estate portfolio in Switzerland

    Swiss Prime Site: Largest certified real estate portfolio in Switzerland

    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.

  • Moody's classifies Swiss Prime Site as a good debtor

    Moody's classifies Swiss Prime Site as a good debtor

    According to a statement by Swiss Prime Site , the rating agency Moody’s has given the Solothurn-based real estate company an A3 rating with a stable outlook. SPS sees a strong credit rating and confirms its own strategic orientation. “The rating expresses Moody’s conviction that the Swiss Prime Site Group is financially and strategically solid as a comprehensive real estate investment platform,” company boss René Zahnd is quoted as saying in the press release. In addition, it opens up “opportunities for the real estate company to raise foreign capital if necessary,” adds CFO Marcel Kucher.

    “Four core elements” were mainly relevant for Moody’s A3 rating, according to the statement. The first of these core elements is the very high-quality real estate portfolio worth CHF 12.5 billion, which is well distributed regionally and diversified across stable types of use. In addition, the expansion of the business model to include real estate management and the financial flexibility achieved through the new financing structure were rated positively. As the fourth core element, the communication lists the good economic conditions in Switzerland and its stable real estate market.