Celebrating Sustainability Champions in Real Estate – ESG Leadership Takes Centre Stage at MIPIM 2025
The real estate industry’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices was celebrated as the second Global ESG Awards ceremony took place on the Grand Auditorium Stage this week. Organised in partnership with the European Building Innovation Network, or EUBIN [https://www.eubin.org/], the event recognised companies and individuals leading the transformation toward a more sustainable built environment. Proptech Ireland [https://prop-tech.ie/], the hub for innovators, investors and industry leaders advocating for the adoption of proptech and climate tech solutions for Ireland’s built environment, is delighted to be part of the EUBIN network, whilst iProperty Radio returned to MIPIM 2025 as the proud media partner for this important awards ceremony.
Industry Experts Discuss ESG’s Business Case in Real Estate
“In uncertain times, trust is everything.”
Before the awards presentation, a panel of industry experts explored how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives can create competitive advantages in real estate. The panel featured last year’s ESG Leadership Award winner alongside representatives from GRESB, RICS and Deepki. The conversation highlighted how sustainability has evolved from being viewed as merely a compliance matter to becoming a core business strategy. “It’s not about compliance, it’s about the future and future-proof buildings,” emphasised one panelist, noting that sustainable buildings retain better value, achieve higher rents, and deliver superior financial performance. The panel also discussed emerging trends, including the growing emphasis on performance measurement, carbon reduction, and renewable energy integration. Technology was identified as a critical enabler, with data collection providing the foundation for meaningful action and AI emerging as a transformative force in the industry.
Panelists stressed that while environmental factors currently dominate the conversation, social impact and governance must also be recognised and valued. One speaker noted, “We have to make sure that a sustainable building is really well valued… What we have to work on is that we also recognise there’s a social value and a governance value.”
Other gems from this panel included the importance of creating not just great buildings but great neighbourhoods. Also, a timely reminder that the Government needs to be a good stakeholder for sustainable development and regeneration projects.
GRESB Recognises Sector Leaders
GRESB, a global ESG benchmark for real assets, used the occasion to celebrate its sector leaders. Representing more than 2,200 funds across 80 countries with assets valued at $7 trillion USD, GRESB has become a defining force in measuring and improving ESG performance in real estate. This year marked the first time GRESB physically awarded its sector leaders, recognising 13 organisations that achieved the highest scores in their respective categories. Recipients included Alstria, Irish Life Investment Manager, Union Investment, Allianz Real Estate, Bouwinvest Construction, Covivio, AXA Investment Managers, UBS Asset Management, CBRE, and Harrison Street.
GRESB representatives emphasised how the organisation has evolved, noting that what began as an initiative “to do the right thing” has matured into a framework for creating long-term value and building resilient, efficient portfolios. They also announced a new solution providers partnership designed to help asset managers improve their sustainability performance.
And on to the main event…
The Global ESG Awards 2025 – Celebrating Innovation and Leadership
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Global ESG Awards, recognising organisations and individuals making exceptional contributions to sustainability in real estate:
- Compliancy Award: SINGU
SINGU was honoured for setting the benchmark in regulatory compliance, providing solutions that help businesses navigate complex ESG requirements while ensuring corporate sustainability.
- EcoBalance Award: Sunday Power
Sunday Power received recognition for delivering scalable solar power solutions that diversify energy sources, combat climate change, and reduce pollution, making sustainable energy more accessible.
- Aqua Biodiversity Award: NL Greenlabel
NL Greenlabel earned the biodiversity award for their innovative, nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity, protect water resources, and promote ecosystem resilience.
- CommuniCare Impact Award: Hoplr
Hoplr was celebrated for their community-driven digital platform that empowers neighbours to foster connections and sustainable local impact transactions.
- Resource Excellence Award: Modulina Straw Panels
Modulina Straw Panels received the resource excellence award, with a representative highlighting the company’s efforts to support rebuilding in Ukraine with sustainable materials. “It’s not just about the material, but everything for rebuilding,” the Ukrainian recipient noted in an emotional acceptance speech.
- ESG Leadership Award: Robbie Epsom, CBRE Investment Management
The evening’s highest honour went to Robbie Epsom of CBRE Investment Management, recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing sustainability in real estate. In his acceptance speech, Epsom emphasised the collaborative nature of sustainability achievement and shared the recognition with his team.
“Collaboration is the very cornerstone of sustainability,” Epsom stated. “We can only achieve a truly sustainable, just, and restorative economy by working together.” He acknowledged that as ESG regulation potentially faces setbacks, “the onus [is] once again on us and businesses to lead the charge.”
Epsom also reflected on the challenge and importance of sustainability work: “Choosing a career that challenges the global status quo was never going to be easy, and perhaps we didn’t all fully grasp just how challenging it would be.”
Well said!
Other award nominees shortlisted in this important category include: Daniel Chang of Hines United Kingdom; Deirdre Hayes of Irish Life Investment Managers; Emily Hamilton of Savills Investment Management; Katherine Beisler of Hollis; Marta Esquivias Gasset of Valfondo Investment Management; Michael Moradiellos del Molino of Drees & Sommer; Pirkko Airaksinen of Sponda; and Sam Addison of Colliers.
Finally, organisers also announced plans for the European PropTech Awards in September 2025, to be held during PropTech Connect in London… Details will be shared through Proptech Ireland once these new awards open for entries.
https://prop-tech.ie/
