Masterclass Series

Ludger Wibbeke (HANSAINVEST), Michaela Föller (Goldbeck), and Robert Gauggel (Columbia Threadneedle Investments) discuss the urgent need for data-driven ESG management across large real estate portfolios. With stranding risk, rising regulatory pressure, and increasing investor scrutiny top of mind, all three leaders share how leveraging the right data platform and expertise has helped them gain portfolio transparency, identify the most at-risk assets, and build the foundation needed for long-term, CO₂-neutral investment strategies. Their key message: start early, bring in the right experts, and treat ESG as an ongoing journey — not a one-time project.

Ludger Wibbeke, Managing Director of HANSAINVEST, highlights the strategic necessity of sustainability in safeguarding the long-term value and cash flow of real estate assets. Managing over 550 funds, HansaInvest focuses on transparency and standardized data collection to future-proof properties. Wibbeke emphasizes that green transformation is not sentimental—but essential—and that smart metering, operational collaboration, and trust-based partnerships are key to delivering sustainable, economically sound outcomes in the decades-long investment horizon of institutional real estate.

Michaela Föller from Goldbeck underscores the dual importance of ecological and economic responsibility in real estate sustainability. As Head of Goldbeck Sustainability Consulting, she emphasizes the critical need for the industry to leverage its financial influence for transformation and to embrace digitalization for managing data. Michaela advocates for immediate action in data acquisition to underpin strategic decisions, enhance ESG performance, and ensure properties are future-ready.