Most multi-let industrial (MLI) providers are now looking seriously at implementing ESG strategies to reach Net Zero before 2050. For most, this is no small task. With large portfolios of energy-hungry estates, reducing their carbon footprint will require large investments and some clever implementations. This isn’t, however, simply an exercise in appeasing government regulations. As the world increasingly favours green technologies and companies with social goals, large retirement funds and other large investment vehicles are already beginning to pivot towards companies with net-zero strategies in place. It’s simply good business. The economic damage from rising sea levels could be catastrophic and as regulations increasingly bite, the companies that are likely to see the best returns over the next couple of decades are those that do the hard work now. Unfortunately for MLI providers, they have a long journey ahead of them to achieve true net-zero emissions.

Technology could potentially present a great opportunity not only to reduce a company's reliance on fossil fuels but also as a source of evidence proving the success of their schemes. IoT sensor data gathering, renewable power generation and monitoring, digital ESG scoring matrices and even connectivity all present different opportunities to reduce emissions intelligently. Simply dumping solar panels onto the roof of every building won’t be enough to truly reach Net Zero – and it absolutely won’t be enough to demonstrate to investors that you are truly carbon neutral.