Dr. Patrick Lecomte, Senior Research Fellow and Executive Director of the Advanced Master in Financial Techniques (Financial Engineering Asia Track), delivered a lecture titled “Sustainable Real Estate: A French Perspective” to ASEAN officials participating in the Joint Seminar on Integrated Urban Development, providing an overview of the Policies, Regulations and Business Models for Sustainable Real Estate Development in France.
During the lecture, Dr. Lecomte introduced the French stance with respect to sustainability, provided an overview of sustainable real estate regulation and policies in France, the French real estate and construction sectors, the role of Plan Bâtiment Durable, and shared case studies of sustainable real estate development from two leading French Companies.
He first shared a few facts about global water resources, consumption, global warming and energy consumption, providing a backdrop for understanding the French stance on sustainability. Dr. Lecomte explained that there is a general consensus on sustainability throughout France, and there is a social dimension in France’s view of sustainability.
Following this, Dr. Lecomte provided a comprehensive introduction to the dense legislative framework of French green policies. Such policies have been in place for a long time, and Dr. Lecomte highlighted that the creation of ADEME (The French Environment and Energy Management Agency) was instrumental in spreading the green agenda in each region.
He also spoke about the 2014 Law on Energy Transition for Green Growth, and how it can be considered a landmark in promoting the green agenda.
Speaking about the 3 pillars of sustainability and real estate, Dr. Lecomte elaborated on the importance of environmental performances, economic performances and social performances. He introduced the concept of “eco-build”, and added that resource preservation, environmental and health benefits of the materials are central to eco-building.
The lecture was comprehensive, providing participants with an introduction to the many significant measures taken to promote sustainable real estate development in France.
