Social Impact Investing in the Real Estate Industry

This dissertation represents an initial exploration and offers a practical framework, along with managerial recommendations, for social impact investing within the real estate industry. The first paper contributes to the academic discourse by elucidating the understanding, boundaries, and definition of social impact investing. The second paper integrates the academic framework of a balanced scorecard with regulatory stipulations set forth by the European Union, while incorporating specific considerations relevant to real estate assets. This integration results in the development of an analytical grid tailored to assess social impact investing within the context of real estate properties. The third and concluding paper evaluates the applicability of the previously established Real Estate Social Impact Investing Analysis Grid and derives managerial insights from interviews conducted with prominent German real estate top managers and sustainability managers. Overall, this dissertation shall enable all actors in the real estate landscape to understand social impact investing and help to establish social impact investing as an integral part of daily business. In line with the sentiment expressed by the Urban Land Institute (2021, p. 12), "Now is the time to put people and places at the heart of real estate investment and development." Through collaboration and the engagement of all stakeholders, the real estate industry can significantly contribute to addressing social and environmental sustainability challenges in a goal-oriented manner. By doing so, it takes on the responsibility of creating a livable and cherished world for future generations.

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