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Strengthening our sustainability strategy in 2021

ESG has been a growing priority for Clearbell in recent years. We recognise that 2021 is going to be a pivotal year for sustainability, particularly for climate action. With the adoption of initiatives such as the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) becoming more rapid and widespread, governments and businesses committing to more drastic emissions targets, and COP26 in November, the world is focused on how we can progress towards a more sustainable future. 

Against this backdrop, at Clearbell, we recognise the need to constantly review and improve our approach to ESG. This is why we have been focussed on evolving our strategy.  

As a business focused on the built environment, we have a responsibility to protect the world around us. Additionally, the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of ESG for businesses, with a growing body of evidence demonstrating the link between sustainable business practices and superior financial performance throughout the crisis – proof that more sustainable companies tend to be more resilient. It is therefore vital, now more than ever, to increase our focus on investing capital responsibly. 

Following a materiality review, undertaken by our sustainability consultants EVORA Global, we identified four key areas where we can focus and have a material impact in order to achieve our strategy – EnvironmentalHealth & WellbeingSocio-Economic, and Governance. We will tighten our monitoring and improvement of environmental performance across our assets, which will include reducing energy and carbon consumption, working with tenants to reduce the impact of their spaces and embed wider sustainability improvements wherever possible. We are also committed to promoting a safe and healthy environment for all our tenants, as well as engaging with local communities in order to improve the social value of all our asset management activities. This also extends to our own team and the work we are doing to promote diversity and inclusion further as well as promote the real estate industry to a wider pool of young people. Additionally, and as ever, we do not underestimate the importance of ensuring all our operations comply with legal, financial and property legislation, which includes being fully transparent in communicating on the progress of our ESG programme.  

Looking ahead, we are committed to ensuring our focus on sustainability grows. The next year will see us make more improvements and outline our new initiatives in more detail. Our new sustainability strategy will help us move forward as a modern, responsible business, which prioritises environmental, health & wellbeing, socio-economic and governance concerns. 

Dominic Moore, Head of Asset Management & ESG Director and Siân Morgan, Sustainability Senior Associate 

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