Typical reduction in energy use intensity for buildings we build vs. a functionally equivalent code-minimum building.
Portfolio carbon intensity targeted to align with a 1.5°C pathway (CRREM).
Net Zero Asset Managers signatory, PRI signatory and annual GRESB and INREV reporting.
Stewardship
Resilient, low-energy buildings are a risk-mitigation and value-creation strategy, not a premium sustainability play.
We are working to shift the conversation about climate strategy in real estate away from environmental marketing and toward rigorous financial analysis. That means anticipating and managing material climate-related risks, prioritizing risk mitigation and value creation without adding unnecessary cost.
The same qualities also improve the resident experience, driving enduring demand.
Our standard
Four opportunities shape every building we develop.
Cost efficiency and enhanced asset value.
Energy performance improvements are a direct, quantifiable driver of investment returns.
Reduced exposure to operating cost fluctuations and inflation.
The average multi-residential building in Ontario uses 64% of its energy for space heating. In Heartwood projects, that share falls to 16%.
Improved resilience: protection against physical climate and regulatory risks.
Physical and regulatory risks are an integral part of the energy transition, and they increasingly shape long-term asset performance.
Driving quality and resident demand.
Three qualities of a more resilient building drive resident demand: physical comfort and health, lower energy costs, and the appeal of living in a zero-carbon or energy-efficient home.
How we apply it
Growth Strategy · When we buildWe build all-electric buildings that burn no fossil fuels on site, and we endeavour to design projects that generate their own renewable energy.
We choose materials and construction methods that keep the impact of building itself low. Wherever we can, we avoid impact at the source rather than offsetting it later.
We design spaces that promote well-being for our residents: natural materials, abundant light, and access to gyms, outdoor space and community lounges, in walkable neighbourhoods.
Signatories and frameworks
We design, measure and report against recognized standards.
Standards we follow
We set our emissions targets using national CRREM decarbonization pathways: science-based annual carbon intensity limits from 2020 to 2050, specific to each country and building type.
The Growth Trust prioritizes projects designed to meet, or already certified to, the Zero Carbon Building standard.
As a signatory, we have committed Growth Trust assets to be managed toward net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Using the SDG Compass, we identified the SDGs our sustainability metrics contribute to measurably.
How we report
We are a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment and report annually.
The Growth Trust reports to GRESB annually.
We report sustainability indicators in accordance with INREV reporting guidelines.
Our sustainability indicators are available in the Common Impact Data Standard format.
Our emissions reporting follows the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. For Growth Trust assets, we also report embodied carbon under the Scope 3 Standard.