DWS to roll out active energy management programme across real estate assets

DWS today announced the launch of a real estate active energy management programme with the rollout of smart energy optimisation solutions planned across the majority of commercial real estate assets held within its funds globally.

Initially deployed across 42 real estate assets in 11 countries, mainly in Europe, these energy optimisation solutions will use data, sensors, artificial intelligence and engineering knowledge to improve the operational efficiency and functional setup of a building. The solution also includes training systems and staff intervention to better respond to ever-changing variables, such as occupancy levels, and to quickly identify and rectify equipment faults.

These solutions aim to reduce CO2 emissions and provide energy and cost savings across the assets. This will contribute to DWS's previously announced goal to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 for its entire portfolio of European office properties.

Examples of energy savings under this initiative include aligning equipment operation with tenant operating hours, ensuring heating and cooling systems are not running in tandem, and ensuring vacant areas are properly shut down and sealed off to avoid energy wastage.

Benita Schneider, Head of Real Estate Asset Management for Europe at DWS, commented: "These solutions will provide us with valuable insight into how our buildings run and how we can eradicate wastage, as well as provide us with tools to maximise operational efficiency. This initiative will contribute to our existing sustainability targets, including our Net Zero Asset Management Commitment to become climate-neutral in our actions."

This programme follows a clean air initiative where DWS committed to installing plasma air purification technology in around 750 elevators across its European real estate portfolio to enhance the health and wellbeing experience of its tenants, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

As a fiduciary partner, DWS is focused on providing ESG expertise to enable clients to invest responsibly and in a way that contributes to a sustainable future. DWS was among the early signatories of the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2008 and was the first German asset manager to join the Net Zero Asset Manager initiative in December 2020.

For further information please contact:

Nick Bone
+44 (0) 20 754 72603
nick.bone@dws.com

 

DWS - Real Estate

DWS has been investing in real estate assets for more than 50 years. As part of the Alternatives platform, the real estate business has more than 450 employees around the world and around 71 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2021. Providing a diverse range of strategies and solutions across the risk/return and geographic spectrums, we offer core and value-added real estate, real estate debt, real estate securities and opportunistic real estate. The real estate investment business employs a disciplined investment approach and aims to deliver attractive long-term risk adjusted returns, preservation of capital and diversification to its investors, which include governments, corporations, insurance companies, endowments, retirement plans, and private clients worldwide

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with EUR 880bn of assets under management (as of 30 September 2021). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines. We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management – as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus – complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,500 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors – entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients' future.