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Responsible property investment

At Royal London Asset Management our long-term investment approach, coupled with a relentless focus on maximising value, means that Responsible Property Investment (RPI) is integral to our mindset.

Our latest RPI report provides an update on the progress we have made against our commitments, and achievements in embedding ambitious environmental and social performance goals across our property investment portfolios. It also details our new portfolio targets and how key performance indicators are being used to track measurable progress.

Download our RPI report

Our 2024 report reflects a year of accelerating sustainability priorities, marked by the emergence of new reporting frameworks and regulatory requirements that continue to reshape the property industry. Against this backdrop Royal London Asset Management has deepened its commitment to Responsible Property Investment, embedding it fully within our investment strategy to ensure our portfolio remains resilient and futureproof. We remain focused on delivering positive returns while addressing the evolving expectations of our occupiers and the communities in which we operate, through initiatives that drive energy efficiency, enhance social value, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our ESG journey

Since our first environmental policy in 2007, we have continued to strengthen our commitment to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues within our approach to property investment.

Our RPI Reports provide an update of overall performance against previous RPI strategies, and lay out our objectives for investors and stakeholders, including the new portfolio targets that are aligned to our previously identified material RPI issues.

RPI journey to date

Our achievements

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Completed a further 17 net zero carbon audits across our assets

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Completed a portfolio-wide physical climate risk screening 

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13%

13% utility data coverage through Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) devices across the portfolio*

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19%

19% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to our Net Zero Carbon Pathway baseline year (2019)** 

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Generated 507 MWh of onsite renewable energy expanded to 15 offices, improving energy efficiency and operational control

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Undertook a desk-based baseline audit of biodiversity and natural capital across our property portfolio 

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Completed 698 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Building Upgrade Reports.

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Undertook an independent review of our ESG-related data*** 

* By floor area  
**Absolute changes  
***In place since 2015 

Our RPI pillars

Pillar One: Investing in a resilient portfolio

Across our portfolio we continue to focus on building resilience within our portfolio. We look to make future-proofed investment decisions that consider the evolving needs of our occupiers and investors, while also factoring in climate change and the ever-shifting regulatory landscape.

Highlights

  • 507 MWh of renewable energy generated
  • Physical climate risk screening undertaken across our whole property portfolio
  • Updates to our Sustainable Acquisition Checklist are underway
  • EPC Building Upgrade Reports undertaken across 698 assets with an EPC below a B rating 

Pillar Two: Developing for the future

We are committed to delivering high-quality developments that attract and retain occupiers while creating positive social and environmental impacts, both within the asset itself and across the wider community. We want to create buildings that reflect exceptional ESG standards and establish thriving spaces for their occupants.

Highlights

  • First NABERS UK Design for Performance (DfP) rating of 4 stars achieved 
  • 1 BREEAM Outstanding rating and 2 BREEAM Excellent ratings achieved 
  • Two workshops on Circular Economy and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard 
  • Submitted two assets to the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard pilot scheme 

Pillar Three: Managing assets for positive impact

Critical to the ongoing success of our RPI strategy is working in partnership with our occupiers and local stakeholders, as we seek to implement a range of programmes that help deliver social value and positive environmental outcomes through our assets.

Highlights

  • Completed a further 17 net zero carbon audits, following 22 undertaken in 2023 
  • Utility data coverage through Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) devices has extended to 13% 
  • Calculated the biodiversity baseline of our whole property portfolio 
  • Achieved our first NABERS UK Energy for Offices rating of 3 stars 

Pillar Four: Responsible-decision making

We are committed to integrating RPI across all investment, development and asset management activities and decisions. We look to ensure that RPI considerations are embedded across the Property team and integrated effectively into the ongoing operations of our funds.

Highlights

  • Successfully held quarterly RPI training sessions for the Property team  
  • Independent review of our ESG-related data 
  • Became signatories of the Westminster Sustainable Cities Charter 
  • Royal London UK Real Estate fund was shortlisted for the AREF Outstanding Fund Achievement Annual Award 

Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) 

GRESB remains the leading global benchmark for ESG performance in real estate. In 2024, the GRESB Real Estate Standard underwent significant changes, introducing new certification criteria and benchmarking strategies. As a result, scores are not directly comparable to previous years. 

Despite these changes, our commitment to ESG excellence continues. Key outcomes for 2024 include: 

  • Royal London UK Real Estate Fund: Achieved a score of 81 in the Standing Investment section (ranked 17th of 100 peers) and 97 in the Development section (ranked 5th of 14 peers). 
  • Royal London Property Pension Fund: Maintained its 3-Star rating with a score of 79, ranking 29th of 100 peers, and 92 in Development, ranking 4th of 9 peers. 
  • Royal London Property Fund: Achieved a score of 72 in the Standing Investment section. 

These results highlight our ongoing efforts to embed sustainability standards and improve data coverage, energy performance, and green building certifications across all property vehicles.