Latest news with #CSOs
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
CSOs: What's holding back sustainability in real estate?
WITH environmental considerations rising in importance across the Asia-Pacific, chief sustainability officers (CSOs) are under mounting pressure. Beyond showing a green upside to projects, they must also make a compelling business case for them. The central challenge for today's CSO is how to deliver on sustainability goals profitably while balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. This means making the most of recent financial and technological innovations. This new pressure is a key finding of CBRE's 2025 Asia Pacific Real Estate Chief Sustainability Officer Survey. We interviewed executives from nearly two dozen corporates in Asia-Pacific – most notably Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and mainland China – divided equally between landlords and investors in commercial real estate. The survey reveals a maturing landscape: Nearly 90 per cent of these companies have a dedicated sustainability function – up 10 per cent in two years – and 70 per cent of their CSOs are full-time. When asked to identify their most pressing challenges, these leaders highlighted three issues that have grown sharply in importance since 2024. First, the CSOs pointed to the complexity of the current policy and business environment. Second, they cited the difficulty of establishing clear financial benefits of meeting their sustainability goals, and the typically lengthy payback periods for sustainability investments. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up Finally, CSOs find that they increasingly must do more with less. More than 60 per cent said they had no plans to expand their sustainability teams, despite heightened operational challenges. New normal One reason for this corporate caution is a regional step change. Sustainable buildings are no longer the exception in Asia-Pacific, they are becoming the norm. CBRE research indicates that the share of green-certified Asia-Pacific office floorspace crossed the 50 per cent threshold in 2024. Our 2025 survey reflects this momentum: Almost two-thirds of respondents said that by 2028, at least 80 per cent of their portfolio will consist of green-certified buildings. While this is good news for sustainability, it also means that the scope for a green premium is fading. Tenants now expect sustainability features and performance as a standard offering, not an extra for which they will pay higher rent. The exception is in less mature Asia-Pacific markets, where the supply of green buildings is tighter and occupiers remain willing to pay more for a building that aligns with their sustainability goals. This leaves CSOs in the position of needing to meet tenant expectations for green buildings – 60 per cent reported pressure from tenants in this regard – while also satisfying internal stakeholders to justify sustainability investments in financial terms, as opposed to treating sustainability as an end in itself. Several CSOs said they needed to demonstrate a return on investment to win approval for projects. The way forward How, then, should CSOs go about this? The path forward involves shifting the focus from purely environmental benefits to the underlying business case and asset resilience. The first step is to recognise that green is the new normal. The sustainability of commercial buildings in Asia-Pacific is quickly transitioning from a 'nice to have' to a 'must have' – an essential component of the asset's value. Additionally, assessing the risk of assets becoming stranded as a result not only of changing tenant expectations but also regulatory change, must be a core part of the calculus for CSOs in establishing the business case for sustainability investments. Next, while sustainability tends to focus on carbon emissions, energy savings and cost savings usually go hand in hand. Sustainable building materials offer an example – for instance, the use of abundant bamboo instead of timber in China. Energy dashboards that optimise lighting as well as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems around building footfall reduce both costs and emissions. Energy retrofits that limit energy waste can have the same impact, although some CSOs noted government incentives are often needed to make these projects viable. On the positive side, the financial sector also offers additional help. Energy upgrades and new green construction are often eligible for green finance. Sustainability-linked loans are the most common instrument, which 77 per cent of survey respondents reported using, alongside green loans, green bonds and other similar instruments. Concessional financing can substantially improve the business case for sustainability projects. Lastly, as climate change poses a direct physical threat to buildings, investing in building resilience is a core part of protecting an asset's long-term value. Taking an integrated approach that prioritises resilience alongside other factors makes sense at a time when under-insurance against climate risks is a growing challenge. Overall, CSOs can build a stronger business case by focusing on projects that strengthen an asset's green credentials while simultaneously lowering its energy costs and bolstering its climate resilience. This approach then becomes as much about the bottom line as it is about cutting carbon emissions. Ultimately, real estate leaders who integrate sustainability with profitability will set the pace for the region's future. The writer is head of research for Asia-Pacific at CBRE
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Thadou Inpi delegation holds peace talks with Meitei groups in Imphal
1 2 Imphal: For the first time since the outbreak of ethnic unrest in the state in 2023, a 16-member delegation from Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), representing the Thadou community, held talks with various Meitei civil society organisations (CSOs) and student bodies, marking a crucial move towards fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among communities. Reliable sources said the ongoing meeting in Imphal includes the participation of several prominent CSOs such as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Federation of Civil Society Organisation (FOCS), Arambai Tenggol and women's groups. Student organisations, including Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK), and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS), among others, are also taking part in the talks. "This is a significant step towards reconciliation and peacebuilding in Manipur," a participant who does not want to be identified told TOI over phone, without further elaborating about the agenda of the meeting. Though the detailed outcome and specifics of what transpired in the meeting are not immediately known, it is believed that the primary agenda focussed on promoting communal harmony and exploring pathways to restore lasting peace in the conflict-hit state. Manipur has been hard hit by communal conflict since May 3, 2023, and nearly 300 lives had been lost and thousands of families rendered homeless due to the ethnic clashes between the Kuki-Zo community and Meiteis.
The Star
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
You can't have proper reform if there is political instability, civil society groups tell Opposition
IPOH: Political instability will kill off any chance of comprehensive institutional reform, say six civil society organisations (CSOs). Commenting on Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's recent claim that the Himpunan Turun Anwar rally on Saturday (July 26) had the backing of top CSOs, they said their meeting with him on July 1 was not connected to the planned gathering in any way. In a joint statement on Friday (July 25), Bersih, C4 Center, Ideas, Projek Sama, Pusat Komas and Transparency International Malaysia said they met the Larut MP and other parliamentarians to discuss critical matters regarding institutional reform, which they felt should be taken up by Perikatan Nasional as the main Opposition. The CSOs said comprehensive, robust reform can only come about with the support of all parties, whether they are in the government or the Opposition. "This is based on our national political experience and the lessons learned since the change of government in 2018, the Sheraton Move, multiple changes of prime minister, and the memorandum of understanding between (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's administration) and Pakatan Harapan," the statement read. "We want to see more institutional reform beyond what has been achieved so far by the Madani government. "This requires not only the determination of the government, but also effective (action by) the Opposition, including the four states under Perikatan, in terms of ideas and commitment," it added. The CSOs said institutional reform would benefit all parties in the long run, which was why it should be given unanimous support. "On this basis, we reject any mid-term change of government like the Sheraton Move that threw the country's politics into disarray during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Even if there is a change of government, the new administration may lack the clarity or commitment to implement institutional reform, or may be too fragile to undertake any meaningful change. "It is only when all parties are racing towards reform that the movement can be driven and steered effectively," it added. The CSOs believed that institutional reform is a safeguard for the people to hold those in power accountable, preventing the abuse of power and authority for political or personal gain. "Towards this end, we have engaged, discussed and held forums with MPs across political lines to push for the implementation of institutional reform under the Madani government. " We want to see the implementation of institutional reforms that will provide a level playing field for all parties in the 16th General Election," they added. They pointed out that the Opposition is duty-bound to the people to provide checks and balances for the benefit of the country. "Malaysia has so much to offer internationally, and this can only happen if we uphold the values of human rights, good governance and accountability. "We will continue to remain on this path of demanding institutional reform, serving as an important bloc representing the people's demands," they added.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
MACC forms civil society anti-corruption caucus in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has introduced a new Anti-Corruption Caucus, engaging Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enhance transparency and governance. This initiative aligns with Strategy 3 of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which focuses on amplifying public involvement in anti-graft efforts. The caucus, led by the MACC Community Education Division and supported by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, aims to provide a structured platform for CSOs to contribute expertise and policy recommendations. 'This strategic initiative supports Sub-strategy 3.1 of NACS, creating a structured platform for CSOs to share their expertise and perspectives actively through annual reports and recommendations to the government,' MACC stated. Membership includes organisations with proven commitment to integrity and governance, such as Transparency International Malaysia and the Malaysian Youth Council. Each member will assist in planning activities, raising awareness on corruption, and proposing reforms under NACS. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki presented appointment letters to caucus members at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya. The selected organisations will serve from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. - Bernama
Malay Mail
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Civil society takes seat at anti-corruption table with new MACC-led caucus
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has established an Anti-Corruption Caucus involving various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). In a statement today, the MACC said the formation of the caucus is part of Strategy 3: People's Voices under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which prioritises empowering public voices in the fight against corruption. 'This strategic initiative supports Sub-strategy 3.1 of NACS, namely to create a structured platform for CSOs to share their expertise and perspectives actively through annual reports and recommendations to the government. 'It is led by the MACC Community Education Division, with strategic and technical support from the Malaysian Institute of Integrity as the implementing partner,' it said. The MACC said the caucus adopts an inclusive approach, comprising qualified organisations with expertise, experience and commitment in the areas of integrity, corruption prevention and governance, representing diverse sectors of society. 'Each member is responsible for contributing their expertise to the planning and implementation of caucus activities. 'They also play a role in disseminating information on corruption-related issues, acting as intermediaries between organisations and the public, proposing issues and recommendations, and driving the implementation of programmes under NACS,' it said. Through systematic and collaborative execution, the NACS' objective to strengthen a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across all levels of society will be achieved, MACC added. Meanwhile, the appointment letters for the Anti-Corruption Caucus members were presented by MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today. The caucus membership for the term from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027, includes the Anti-Bribery Management Systems Practitioners Malaysia, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Organisation, Transparency International Malaysia, the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students, the Business Integrity Alliance and the Malaysian Youth Council. — Bernama
