Insights into the Engine Room
In mid-February 2025, Prof. Dr. Gunnar Gombert and his students from the Real Estate Management lecture at IU Internationale Hochschule took part in an excursion. Tim Säuberlich from BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) provided valuable insights into the ESG strategies of a real estate fund and asset manager, shedding light on current challenges and regulatory requirements.
A big thank you to Tim Säuberlich for organizing and delivering the insightful lecture and to Isabella Chacon-Troidl for the warm welcome and for providing the venue.
Sustainability in the Real Estate Sector – What Needs to Be Done?
A key focus of the lecture was the urgent need to decarbonize the real estate sector. According to recent reports by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, the building sector is responsible for approximately 37% of global CO₂ emissions. Particularly critical: 75% of Europe’s real estate stock is classified as inefficient, and most buildings that will exist in 2050 are already standing today.
To address these challenges, comprehensive regulatory frameworks have been introduced, including:
EU Taxonomy Regulation – Defining sustainable investments
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – Mandatory sustainability reporting
Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) – Disclosure of ESG-related risks for financial products
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) – Measures to improve energy efficiency
These regulations require many market participants to deeply integrate ESG criteria into their business models.
BNP Paribas REIM's ESG Roadmap
BNP Paribas REIM pursues an ESG strategy and focuses on sustainable investment products:
85% of funds are classified as Article 8 or Article 9 products under SFDR
9 funds are certified with sustainability labels such as Label ISR or Umweltzeichen
Participation in ESG ratings such as GRESB to measure ESG performance
A key element of the ESG strategy is the implementation of a comprehensive ESG data management system. Using a platform, consumption data is standardized, analyzed, and integrated into ESG reporting.
Practical Examples from Asset Management
Tim Säuberlich presented concrete case studies that demonstrate the practical implementation of the ESG strategy:
Smart metering for consumption tracking
Building automation in compliance with § 71a GEG
Stranding risk management based on CRREM
Conclusion and Outlook
The lecture demonstrated how ESG can be successfully implemented in practice. BNP Paribas REIM shows that regulatory requirements are not just challenges but also opportunities for innovation in the real estate sector.
Gunnar Gombert Strategy Consulting supports companies in ESG Strategy & Operations at the corporate level. Contact us to leverage ESG as a strategic advantage for your business.gy and operations – including the implementation and optimization of ESG strategies.