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Corporate Responsibility Adding Value Across Our Portfolios

OUR COMMITMENT

Responsible Investing

AEW is committed to a vision of prudent property stewardship with the goal to develop or enhance the resiliency measures of its property investments. AEW has instituted a systematic approach to improve the operating metrics of its investments by incorporating resilience elements into its asset analyses, inclusive of underwriting, due diligence and asset management. We identify and present resilience elements to our Investment Committee as part of each investment’s underwriting, and we report progress on resilience matters annually to AEW’s Risk Management Committees.

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Reduce Consumption, Lower Operating Expenses and Decrease Risk

  • Achieve net zero by 2050 for scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions of AEW’s real property asset investments1

  • Evaluate our real estate portfolios regularly to identify sustainability measures as well as pilot innovative practices to lower operating expenses and increase the efficiency and long-term value of our properties
  • Seek opportunities to utilize low carbon and renewable energy sources in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint
  • Explore and apply for third-party green building certifications as well as health and wellness certifications.
  • Monitor progress at the listed companies in which we invest and integrate the results of engagement into a proprietary ESG risk score which ultimately impacts how we value a stock
  • Track, evaluate, and mitigate climate-related physical and transition risk throughout transaction life-cycle

1Scope 1 includes emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the landlord; Scope 2 includes emissions that are purchased and consumed by the landlord but generated elsewhere

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Social Impact and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Create healthy work environments for AEW’s employees and tenants at our buildings, where possible, that stimulate productivity and promote sustainable communities

  • Communicate resilient practices to our property managers, leasing agents and joint venture partners

  • Encourage engagement with local communities, as well as volunteerism amongst our managers, tenants and employees
  • Enhance disaster response and recovery plans to address potential storm impacts
  • Monitor and improve employee and tenant engagement through the deployment of regular surveys
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Transparency and Accountability

  • Identify specific resilience opportunities and establish goals for assets under management, as well as firm-wide goals
  • Monitor compliance with government benchmarking and other regulatory requirements
  • Continue to provide and improve training to our employees on governance topics
  • Demonstrate transparency and accountability to our investors through regular disclosure of resilience practices
  • For the listed companies we own on behalf of our clients, assess ESG practices and engage with companies in meetings and through proxy voting

Corporate Citizenship

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As a responsible corporate citizen, AEW has long-supported the needs of the communities in which it works and operates. The AEW Charitable Giving Committee encourages its employees to bring forth local causes that are meaningful to them on a personal level or to their community-at-large. Targeted areas for financial support include those involving public education, the environment, health awareness and homelessness. Even more, AEW gives its employees the flexibility to personally volunteer during their work day at events organized by the firm. Some of the organizations in which AEW has been involved as a firm include: United Way, Boston Children's Hospital, YMCA, Best Buddies, Aids Action Committee and Mass Housing, SOS Children's Villages & Shelter Alliance.

OUR NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS

The AEW Workplace

AEW is diligent about providing a healthy work environment for its employees. As a result, its North American headquarters at Two Seaport Lane in Boston, Massachusetts has met the rigorous standards of the International Well Building Institute and has earned its prestigious WELL Certification. The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based certification that marries best practices in design and construction with evidence-based scientific research offering building performance that meets a high-level of quality in air, water, light, nourishment, fitness, comfort and mind.

AEW’s North American Headquarters (2 Seaport Lane) originally received its WELL Gold Certification in September 2018. The building was recertified in March 2022 for a term of three years. The certification is given by International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Enrollment and program fees were paid.

ESG+R factors are considered for all investments pursuant to AEW’s Socially Responsible Investment Policy. How or the extent to which these considerations are assessed or integrated depends on the asset class and the research and investment approach of each Fund. Other considerations or attributes of an investment may outweigh ESG+R considerations when making investment decisions.

View ESG Certification Definitions →