What does real estate sustainability mean to EDENS?
At EDENS, real estate sustainability means driving long-term growth while creating thriving, livable communities. Because buildings and construction generate nearly 40% of global energy-related emissions, we focus on reducing our environmental impact through smarter design, lower energy and water use, waste reduction and responsible resource management—collectively supporting climate resilience.
Is sustainability environmental, social, economic, or all three?
By focusing on places that are emotionally resonant and socially relevant, we drive enduring value that benefits people, the planet and long-term performance. While environmental responsibility is critical—especially as the real estate sector accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions—true sustainability also means strengthening communities and creating lasting economic value.
How does EDENS measure its sustainability progress?
Since 2008, our Sustainability Task Force has guided companywide efforts across five core focus areas, including building practices, resource management, green partnerships, LEED accreditation for employees, and the design of well-connected communities. Our Sustainability Scorecard benchmarks projects against industry best practices and recognized standards, helping ensure continuous improvement as expectations evolve across the real estate sector.
How much do EDENS places realistically reduce carbon emissions?
EDENS invests in initiatives such as solar power, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging to reduce our carbon footprint, while purchasing renewable energy credits to offset common-area electricity use across our portfolio. Our placemaking approach further lowers emissions through sustainable features such as white TPO roofs and green infrastructure. By increasing density at existing centers, we also avoid emissions associated with greenfield development, leverage existing infrastructure, and support public transit and walkable communities.
How do climate and geography affect the real estate industry?
Climate and geography increasingly shape real estate performance and risk. Rising global temperatures are accelerating sea level rise, extreme heat, flooding and more frequent severe weather, all of which affect where and how properties operate. Today, more than one-third of REIT-owned properties are exposed to climate-related hazards, including inland flooding, coastal flooding and sea level rise, and hurricanes or typhoons, with these risks expected to intensify. As physical climate risk grows, it influences asset values, insurance costs, investment decisions and long-term resilience across the industry.
Do EDENS’ retail partners care about sustainability?
Nearly 90% of retail executives say sustainability is important to their business, and 63% of consumers say it is important to shop with retailers that prioritize sustainable practices. We require tenants to be carbon neutral through our leases and work collaboratively with them to adopt sustainable practices and materials that reduce emissions while often lowering operating costs.
Do places that emphasize sustainability increase dwell time and engagement?
Customers tend to feel more comfortable, less hurried and more inclined to linger in spaces that feel healthier and more thoughtfully designed. The World Green Building Council reports that retail environments with green and wellness-focused features improve time spent onsite, repeat visitation and customer satisfaction.
How does sustainability shape EDENS’ long-term portfolio strategy?
Sustainability is central to how EDENS manages long-term risk and protects asset value. We assess climate exposure across physical risks, such as extreme weather, and transition risks driven by regulation and resource constraints. Using industry-recognized analyses, we evaluate portfolio exposure across five core factors—sea level rise, storm surge, heat stress, extreme rainfall and water stress—to inform disciplined investment and capital decisions.