Gecina targets net zero carbon for its operational portfolio by 2030

With CAN0P-2030 (Carbon Net Zero Plan), Paris-based REIT/SIIC Gecina is accelerating its low-carbon roadmap and targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2030, building on the reduction of its carbon emissions by 26% over the past four years and bringing its initial target forward by 20 years.

The company’s CSR policy is "wide-ranging, integrated and fully aligned with its purpose": "Empowering shared human experiences at the heart of our sustainable spaces", Gecina states in a release. The decarbonization of its activities is at the heart of this policy, which is structured around four pillars: low carbon, biodiversity, wellbeing, and circular economy.

80% of Gecina's office assets have been certified HQE/BREEAM In Use certification, while 100% of its buildings under development have the highest levels of certification. Alongside this, the group has rolled out the BBCA Renovation label across its development pipeline, thanks in particular to its circular economy policy, which contributes to the portfolio’s carbon performance once assets are in operation.

To achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions, Gecina is leveraging several operational aspects:

• Deploying low-carbon solutions on a wide scale, industrializing processes and working with an ecosystem of innovative partners, from industrial firms to startup incubators and investment funds such as Demeter Paris Fonds Vert and Fifth Wall,
• Increasing the use of renewable energies, which already represent 40% of the energy mix with its CSR policy,
• Continuing to reduce energy consumption by carrying out renovation work,
• Further strengthening the integration of its environmental and financial performance by continuing to set up responsible loans.

"CAN0P-2030 will help drive the company’s transformation and aims to bring on board all of its employees and external stakeholders (clients, suppliers, city organizations, etc.)," Gecina adds.

To achieve its ambitions, the group is moving forward with the deployment of shared value creation drivers that have already been put in place, including:

• Establishing an internal carbon tax covering CO2 emissions for each operational division. This internal tax feeds into an internal carbon fund focused on supporting low-carbon actions proposed by employees. In the past two years, 13 projects have been supported.
• Incorporating an environmental performance criterion into long-term incentive plans for its employees.
• Setting up a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee within its Board of Directors in 2020.
• Integrating CSR into all of the Company’s activities (employee empowerment and engagement, cultural integration and training).

News published on Business Immo EU (Green)
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