Sustainability remains a core priority for investors and managers despite recent language shifts around ESG, according to a new survey undertaken by GRESB and MIPIM.
The survey of real estate professionals found that two-thirds of respondents still see sustainability as central to their strategy, with nearly half planning to do more in 2026.
Just under a third (29%) of firms said they have changed how they talk about sustainability and 14% now avoid the term ‘ESG’ altogether.
The main driver of sustainability strategies for businesses are investor or lender requirements, which was cited by 49% of respondents, followed by value creation (38%) and regulation (29%).
Nicolas Boffi, MIPIM director, said: “Despite significant structural challenges around viability and a rapidly changing geopolitical climate, our delegates are telling us that sustainability remains as important as ever. Investor and lender requirements are driving ESG strategy, even if they no longer call it that, and access to capital increasingly depends on credible performance. Cost concerns remain a hurdle, which is why MIPIM 2026 will see sustainability play a leading role across our programme, not least on our Road to Zero platform, which will focus on the hard numbers behind decarbonisation and adaptation.”
Chris Pyke, chief innovation officer, at GRESB, added: “The conversation around sustainability may be shifting, but the underlying investment drivers haven’t changed. This survey shows that sustainability remains central for most investors and managers – because it’s tied to risk management, asset value, and access to capital. The focus is moving beyond terminology toward measurable outcomes like resilience and decarbonisation.”
The findings will be discussed at MIPIM 2026, including through the Road to Zero platform, which will focus on the investment case for decarbonisation and resilience
