Real Estate and Sustainable Development Chair

Created in 2003 and currently supported by Adagio Aparthotel, Iroko, PIMCO Prime Real Estate, Sogeprom, Tishman Speyer and Unibail Rodamco Westfield, the Real Estate and Sustainable Development Chair aims to promote teaching and research in real estate economics, finance and management, in line with today’s sustainable development challenges. It responds to a real estate sector that has undergone profound changes in recent years, driven by the emergence of new players, the consequences of the pandemic, and the globalization of real estate markets (office buildings, shopping centers, business centers, logistics and hospitality real estate).

Today, ESSEC is the only leading business school in France, and among the first in Europe, to create a center of expertise dedicated to real estate management, economics and finance for students in initial training programs.

The Chair serves as a hub for research, teaching and reflection. Students are expected to actively contribute to the Chair’s community life. They are encouraged to participate in several internationally renowned professional events such as the GRI Summit and MIPIM (the International Property Market held in Cannes). The Chair also organizes events and networking opportunities with Chair alumni, panel discussions with the Club Villes et Territoires, as well as an annual international study trip during the T3 block week to cities such as London, Milan, Berlin, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Brussels.

“Real estate holds a unique place in our lives. For many people, owning their primary residence is a ‘life goal’. Real estate is also an asset that is an integral part of many other aspects of our lives (schooling, work, shopping, medical care, etc.). Similarly, real estate has become a financial asset class with undeniable benefits for investors.

Lastly, it lies at the heart of contemporary environmental concerns. The sector, which operates in the interplay of these many aspects, is undergoing a profound transformation and must be exemplary in terms of socially responsible investment and CSR policies. The commitments made by all players are extremely strong and show the way to future generations. By committing to real estate, we are certainly preparing a better world for our planet."

Franck PETEL

Professor, Chairholder

Close academic support between the student, the school, and the company, provided by a committed and collaborative team.
Full immersion in the real estate sector through numerous educational activities organized with partner companies (site visits, projects, business cases, and study trips).
The opportunity to take part in major industry events thanks to numerous partnerships within the sector (MIPIM, RICS, SIBCA, GRI Club).
Open to both French-speaking and English-speaking students, the Chair’s programs offer courses in both French and English, enabling each student to build a curriculum fully adapted to their preferred language.
The teaching period extends over one semester, from January to June (Terms 2 and 3 of the same academic year). All students are required to attend the Chair’s courses during this period. To graduate from the Chair, students must validate 3 compulsory courses and 2 compulsory seminars, representing a total of 6 credits.
The academic curriculum is complemented by a mandatory 6-month professional experience.

chaire immobilier developpement durable valeur ajoutee

Real estate asset management.
Real estate investment.
Real estate finance.
Corporate real estate consulting and location strategy consulting.
Real estate management and corporate real estate departments.
Real estate development and urban planning.

RICS: A Career Accelerator

The Real Estate and Sustainable Development Chair is one of the few excellence programs in France to benefit from RICS accreditation. The “Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors” (RICS) is a leading international professional organization. It promotes excellence and integrity in the real estate, construction and urban development sectors. RICS enjoys a worldwide reputation for defining the ethical and technical standards adopted by the industry’s leading players.

Students from the Grande École Program who successfully complete the Chair benefit from a simplified pathway into this professional network. Indeed, completing the Chair exempts them from the 5 to 10 years of professional experience normally required to begin the membership process. As a result, this recognition represents a true career accelerator for students pursuing a career in real estate.

A dedicated job-dating day enabling students to meet individually with all partner companies and secure their internship within a committed organization.
An international study trip organized around current industry topics and designed to encourage both academic and social exchange.
High-level masterclasses led by leading real estate experts.
Highly selective professional events open to Chair students throughout the year, during both the academic semester and/or the company placement semester.
An integration and mentoring evening bringing together the new cohort and alumni from the previous class, fostering exchanges, experience sharing and strong connections between both cohorts.