How do you learn from and benchmark against the best practices of other green real estate developers?

1 Identify your goals and metrics

The first step to learn from and benchmark against other green real estate developers is to define your own goals and metrics. What are you trying to achieve with your green projects? How do you measure your success and impact? Depending on your objectives, you may want to use different indicators, such as LEED certification, energy consumption, carbon footprint, social value, or return on investment. Having clear and quantifiable goals and metrics will help you compare your results with others and identify areas for improvement.

2 Research and network with industry leaders

The second step is to research and network with industry leaders who have proven track records and expertise in green real estate development. You can learn a lot from their best practices, challenges, and innovations. You can find them through online platforms, publications, events, associations, or awards. For example, you can check out the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), which ranks and assesses the sustainability performance of real estate portfolios and funds. You can also join the Urban Land Institute (ULI), which is a global network of real estate professionals who share knowledge and insights on various topics, including sustainability and green building.

3 Analyze and adapt your strategies

The third step is to analyze and adapt your strategies based on the information and feedback you gather from your research and networking. You should not blindly copy what others are doing, but rather understand the context, rationale, and outcomes of their actions. You should also consider your own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and how they affect your green real estate development goals and metrics. You should then adjust your strategies accordingly, and test and monitor their effectiveness and efficiency.

4 Seek external validation and recognition

The fourth step is to seek external validation and recognition for your green real estate development efforts and achievements. This can help you build your reputation, credibility, and trust among your stakeholders, such as investors, tenants, customers, regulators, and communities. It can also motivate you to maintain or exceed your standards and expectations. You can seek external validation and recognition through various means, such as certifications, ratings, awards, or media coverage. For example, you can apply for the BREEAM certification, which is a leading international scheme for assessing the sustainability of buildings and communities.

5 Keep learning and innovating

The fifth step is to keep learning and innovating in the field of green real estate development. The industry is constantly evolving and changing, and so are the needs and preferences of your stakeholders. You should always be on the lookout for new trends, technologies, solutions, and opportunities that can enhance your green real estate development projects and performance. You should also be willing to experiment, fail, and learn from your mistakes. You should never settle for the status quo, but always strive to create value and make a difference.

6 Share your knowledge and experience

The sixth and final step is to share your knowledge and experience with other green real estate developers and the wider community. This can help you establish yourself as a thought leader and influencer in the industry, and also contribute to the advancement and awareness of green real estate development as a whole. You can share your knowledge and experience through various channels, such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, workshops, or mentorship programs. You can also collaborate and partner with other green real estate developers and organizations to create synergies and leverage each other's strengths and resources.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?