Federal Realty Investment Trust: Best ESG Real Estate Investment Strategy US 2022

Federal Realty Investment Trust, one of the oldest US REITs, boasts a 54-year record of annual dividend growth, the longest record in the REIT sector. The company targets high-density coastal markets where retail demand exceeds supply. It develops, operates and owns a portfolio of properties ranging from neighbourhood shopping-centres to mixed-used urban communities. Federal Realty is a long-term holder of real estate and its success is founded on continual reinvestment in its properties to meet evolving community and market demands. It has appointed a dedicated head of sustainability to oversee and coordinate all ESG efforts for its properties and external reporting. A multi-disciplinary sustainability council and Board of Trustee oversight support the goal of exemplary corporate governance. Federal has invested nearly $2.3bn in buildings that have achieved or are expected to achieve LEED-certification with most of that investment being in buildings with gold-level certifications. It has invested heavily in energy efficiency measures with 13.6 MW of solar capacity from its properties and LED lighting in more than 65% of its properties. Federal protects the biodiversity in its markets by not developing on greenfield locations and incorporating water conservation measures into its projects. Through a local partnership Federal is also investing in historically underserved markets and helping to drive their economic growth. The CFI.co jury presents Federal Realty Investment Trust with the 2022 Best ESG Real Estate Investment Strategy (US) award.