ESG and senior living both mainstream MIPIM ’24 topics
ESG and impact investing as well as living and senior living, were among the topics widely discussed at this year’s recent MIPIM event.
Ron van Bloois, chair of the Senior Housing & Healthcare Association and Managing Editor of the Real Asset Impact magazine was in Cannes to participate and, as he explained to Real Asset Insight’s Richard Betts, it was apparent that ESG and sustainability are at a tipping point because many investment managers are now aware of their Road-to-Paris obligations. It is apparent that “it’s all about data,” van Bloois pointed out.
“Data could be said to be the road to alignment,” he added. “All over Europe, parties are trying to boost their existing portfolios and when you look at the newly built facilities they try to outperform,” he said. “This momentum is awesome, so I’m very positive from that point of view.”
Looking at the different capex initiatives it is also clear that many businesses are determined to invest to boost their existing stock because of valuation concerns.
MIPIM also featured a healthcare workshop attended by around 200 people and van Bloois was included on a panel discussion focused on the operational side.
At last there are conversations about both the propco and opco sides of the business he said. “Scarcity of personnel is still the main challenge in healthcare. We are also highlighting the resi side of the market because later living integrated retirement communities are a really important topic.” “When you look at longevity it’s extremely important to empower older adults.”
“It’s also all about alignment within the senior living space, so with the operators, the investors, but also policy makers. I think that’s the next step.”
Van Bloois pointed out that this will be one of the topics of the SHHA’s second Summit in Brussels in June.”How can we create a level playing field with clear directives on policymaking. Business needs clarity and consistency is important to boost investments in this asset class.”
