GRESB 2021 Survey Results

RNS Number : 7039P

Aberdeen Standard Eur Lgstc Inc PLC

21 October 2021

 

Aberdeen Standard European Logistics Income PLC

LEI: 213800I9IYIKKNRT3G50

21 October 2021

GRESB 2021 SURVEY RESULTS - AWARDED REGIONAL SECTOR LEADER STATUS

Aberdeen Standard European Logistics Income PLC ("ASLI" or the "Company"), which invests in high quality European logistics real estate, is pleased to announce that in the 2021 survey by GRESB (the 'Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark') the Company was awarded Regional Sector Leader status.

The Company has been placed first in the Listed European Industrial - Distribution Warehouse - segment, reflecting the continued work that the Investment Manager has undertaken improving the sustainability credentials of the portfolio.

The Company's 2021 GRESB score of 84/100 represents an improvement on its 2020 GRESB survey score of 79/100. It also compares favourably versus the 64/100 average peer score and 73/100 overall average 2021 GRESB score.

The Company has maintained its high Green Star rating with 4 out of a maximum 5 stars and outperformed the benchmark average score in almost every category.

The latest GRESB scoring recognises the fundamental importance the Investment Manager places on sustainability when acquiring and subsequently enhancing the Company's portfolio. The Company has been actively implementing green leases and working closely with tenants, bolstered by an annual tenant satisfaction survey. The Investment Manager collects energy usage data on all of the portfolio assets and regularly reviews this to identify potential areas for improvement.

The improved GRESB scoring also recognises the strong energy efficiency credentials across the portfolio, which has been enhanced further through the  installation of rooftop solar PV; nine of the Company's sixteen assets now generate on-site renewable energy and discussions about installation are ongoing with local stakeholders for the remaining assets.

The Company believes that comprehensive assessment of ESG factors leads to better outcomes for shareholders and adopts the Investment Manager's policy and approach to integrating ESG. A key element of this is the employment of the Investment Manager's ESG Impact Dial, a proprietary research framework, in support of investment strategies, underwriting decisions and the asset management approach. This framework guides the integration of ESG factors at the Company and property level, whilst providing a structure for engagement with, and reporting to, stakeholders.

The Investment Manager continues to review and implement initiatives as it targets a higher GRESB rating for next year.

Evert Castelein, Fund Manager of ASLI, commented:

"To attain Regional Sector Leader status and be placed first in our segment is real testament to the work we have undertaken to enhance our sustainability credentials and reflects our absolute commitment to delivering positive impact for our occupiers, local stakeholders and shareholders.

"The European logistics market is large and continues to develop rapidly; growing tenant demand is fuelled by the strong growth of e-commerce across Europe and the consequent supply chain reconfiguration as operators embrace this technological advancement. Of additional note is the rapid acceleration of interest and demand amongst logistics occupiers to adhere to higher ESG standards and the Investment Manager both recognises and has embraced this fundamental change in occupational demand for sustainable buildings."

Details of the Company and its property portfolio may also be found on the Company's website which can be found at: http://www.eurologisticsincome.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Aberdeen Standard Fund Managers Limited            [phone]

Luke Mason

Gary Jones

Investec Bank plc  [phone]

David Yovichic

Denis Flanagan

FTI Consulting  [phone]

Dido Laurimore

Richard Gotla

James McEwan

 

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