Netherlands buildings likely will be affected by rising sea levels in decades to come
These climate scores are based on natural catastrophe models which are a combination of science and claims experience. This data allows for the quantification of the impact of storms, river flooding, rising sea levels, heat and droughts on a diversified sample portfolio of nearly 20,000 European buildings. The findings showed that properties in the Netherlands were potentially affected by rising sea levels. However, the effects are mitigated by a countrywide system of flood defences. Areas close to rivers in the UK and France were among those facing increased risks in projected river flooding by 2050. Increased insurance and adaptation costs are likely to render many assets “stranded” or impossible to rent or sell, even in the short term.
Using data from the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM), AEW found that buildings across multiple sectors in Europe are on the path to failing the future GHG intensity and energy use reduction requirements that would be necessary to meet the target of limiting global warming to well below 2°C by 2100 as committed in the Paris Agreement and further detailed in the EPDP-required energy use and European Union’s property type and country-specific GHG intensity pathways. Without future action, these non-complying buildings risk transitioning into “stranded” assets well before 2100 leaving investors potentially unable to rent or sell them due to decreased market demand and/or tightened regulatory requirements. Both of these are reflecting efforts to future proof investments and portfolios. We do note that the likely delay in local governments implementing and enforcing GHG targets is most likely going to delay the timing of stranded assets occurring from non-compliance risk. However, investors and tenants might still decide to meet the global energy and GHG reduction targets independent of local regulations, leaving the risk of stranded assets in place ahead of regulatory enforcement.
Current GHG intensity varies widely between countries in Europe and across property types. Below average GHG intensity is seen in France – where 70% of the energy grid is sourced from nuclear power – as well as in the Nordic countries where renewable energy prevails. However, Poland and Czech Republic as well as countries in the Baltics are above the average due to lower renewable energy sources, which translates into a much steeper GHG reduction pathway. Additionally, based on the intensity of their use hotels and offices have a much higher GHG footprint than residential and logistics across the European markets. Commercial properties will benefit from national government policies increasing the share of renewable sources in their energy production.
Thierry Laquitaine, Head of Social Responsible Investment at AEW, explains:
“Our clients are increasingly asking for answers to how best to analyse and anticipate these issues. Climate risk is one of the most important risks that the industry will have to face, as the recent Davos forum stated. With a current lack of standardised tools and measurement, this research highlights some possible new ways going forward. We are actively collaborating with our investor clients, tenants, experts, regulators and government agencies to develop innovative new tools to manage climate change risks whether transitional or physical and seize related opportunities across our pan-European portfolio. We are proud of our long-standing commitment to working with our clients to reduce energy consumption and GHG emission by using innovative technologies with already significant results. The research highlights the importance of anticipation, innovation and collaboration with new stakeholders.”
