Aviva Investors sustainable property fund - igloo - which targets investment and development in regeneration across the UK, has been named "Sustainable Client/Developer of the Year" by the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC).
Aviva Investors sustainable property fund - igloo - which targets investment and development in regeneration across the UK, has been named "Sustainable Client/Developer of the Year" by the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC).
The award, announced at the UK GBC Sustainability Awards which took place on 24th November 2009, acknowledges the best examples of sustainable development within the property industry.
In assessing the finalists, the council considered each finalists approach to long term sustainable issues including carbon reduction and energy use (including their Energy Performance and BREEAM ratings) and the creation of balanced and vibrant communities amongst other factors.
Commenting on igloo’s approach, the judges said: “sustainability was more inherent in this firm’s philosophy than any other developers. igloo seeks to achieve balanced and vibrant communities and promotes sustainability across the industry, working with organisations such as the Sustainable Development Commission, the Green Building Council and the RICS to drive the agenda forward.”
Shortlisted companies included Land Securities and British Land.
Hoong Wey Woon, fund manager at Aviva Investors, commented: “We are proud that our commitment and investment in sustainable real estate has been acknowledged by the industry as evidence of improving the way in which buildings can operate more efficiently and how communities can work and live together.
“We believe sustainable investment in real estate is fundamental to achieving the targets set out by UK legislation such as the Climate Change Act, and we are committed to our objective of encouraging investors in real estate to factor sustainability into their investment strategies.”
Chris Brown, CEO of igloo Regeneration Limited, added: “It is gratifying to have been recognised with this award. However there is still much effort required to ensure the UK property industry can meet the increasingly stringent sustainability and environmental demands being placed in developers and investors.
"Properties not meeting these strict standards will see an adverse impact on value and therefore investors must address these issues when investing in real estate”.
igloo is a fund managed by Aviva Investors and one which invests in, and develops, urban regeneration sites across the UK. As “the world’s first sustainable property fund”1 according to the United Nations, igloo invests in and develops urban regeneration sites across the UK in partnership with the public and private sectors.
All projects undertaken by igloo comply with igloo’s proprietary "footprint" sustainable investment policy.
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1 United Nations, Environment Programme Finance Initiative Working Group, November 2006
For more information contact:
Zaman Toleafoa / Timi Oni
FD
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7269 7244 / 7198
E-mail: zaman.toleafoa@fd.com / timi.oni@fd.com
Notes to editors:
Aviva Investors
Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva plc, the world’s fifth-largest insurance group*. The company delivers investment management solutions, services and client-driven performance to clients worldwide. Aviva Investors operates in 15 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and the United Kingdom.
Aviva plc
Aviva is the world’s fifth largest insurance group*, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Aviva’s principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £24.4 billion for the six months to 30 June 2009 and funds under management of £352 billion at 30 June 2009, of which Aviva Investors manages £222 billion.
* Based on gross worldwide premiums for the year ended 31 December 2008.