Australian property investors are among those rated as having the highest environmental standards in the world, according to a new survey.
However, it was only a handful of investors - from Sweden, the UK and Australia - which came anywhere near meeting the benchmarks set by the APG, PGGM and Universities Superannuation Scheme survey, carried out by researchers at Maastricht University.
The poll also found that a worryingly low number of property investors were capable of reporting actual numbers on energy, water consumption and carbon emissions - just 19 per cent, 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.
Researchers believe that the survey's best performers, including Australian property investors, should serve as an environmental benchmark for other developers.
Commenting on the findings, chief information officer at APG Angelien Kemna said: "The results of this global survey provide useful information allowing us to engage with parties we invest with and to further improve the sustainability of our real estate investments.
"It will serve as a tool allowing us to further implement our responsible investment policy for real estate."
The Australian property market is one of the few sectors that has escaped the worst of the global economic downturn, with APM economist Matthew Bell claiming that the expensive suburbs have contributed significantly to keeping the industry afloat.
However, it was only a handful of investors - from Sweden, the UK and Australia - which came anywhere near meeting the benchmarks set by the APG, PGGM and Universities Superannuation Scheme survey, carried out by researchers at Maastricht University.
The poll also found that a worryingly low number of property investors were capable of reporting actual numbers on energy, water consumption and carbon emissions - just 19 per cent, 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.
Researchers believe that the survey's best performers, including Australian property investors, should serve as an environmental benchmark for other developers.
Commenting on the findings, chief information officer at APG Angelien Kemna said: "The results of this global survey provide useful information allowing us to engage with parties we invest with and to further improve the sustainability of our real estate investments.
"It will serve as a tool allowing us to further implement our responsible investment policy for real estate."
The Australian property market is one of the few sectors that has escaped the worst of the global economic downturn, with APM economist Matthew Bell claiming that the expensive suburbs have contributed significantly to keeping the industry afloat.
