ABSTRACT

The scope of the Handbook is set out in this chapter, which commences with a discussion about the differences between awareness of the issues amongst real estate stakeholders globally and levels of action taken. The overarching aim of the book, to help move us forward and to help educate and convert those with open minds to enable a more sustainable real estate sector now and in the future. Property (or real estate) is a major global fixed asset, with an estimated total value of US $217 trillion in 2015. The themes covered in the book are governance and policy issues, valuation, investment and finances issues, management and redevelopment and adaptation. The handbook aims to provide a lens on how a shared understanding built on better knowledge can be influential in addressing some of the challenges set out in this chapter. It does not present complete solutions: far from it; but we hope it represents perspectives to educate, inform and provide a platform for future debate.