Stories that move us

Alto Pont-Rouge – new spaces in Geneva to work and live

Right by Lancy-Pont-Rouge train station, on the Esplanade 4 plot, a services building of 28,000 square metres across 15 upper floors has been taking shape over the last three years: Alto Pont-Rouge. This is the next major construction milestone in Geneva’s major development project Praille-Acacias-Vernets (PAV), where a new urban district is emerging on a 230-hectare site.

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From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

To the online edition «Reporting is not enough»

Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

Resources in mind – sustainable investing in circular buildings

Properties are long-term investments that stand for decades and therefore have a major impact on our environment. With this in mind, Swiss Prime Site pursues a sustainability strategy that covers the most important environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.

Read Story

From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

To the online edition «Reporting is not enough»

Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

Contributions in kind – the ideal solution for property owners

Direct property investment can be challenging for property owners. The kind of ­detailed knowledge of regional markets and specific real estate expertise that Swiss Prime Site Solutions offers is essential. Many different factors need to be ­considered in an existing portfolio, such areas as sustainability, vacancy reduction, ­renovation backlogs and utilisation of potential, as well as regulatory and political ­challenges. Economies of scale are also an important consideration here.

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Direct property investment can be challenging for property owners. The kind of ­detailed knowledge of regional markets and specific real estate expertise that Swiss Prime Site Solutions offers is essential. Many different factors need to be ­considered in an existing portfolio, such areas as sustainability, vacancy reduction, ­renovation backlogs and utilisation of potential, as well as regulatory and political ­challenges. Economies of scale are also an important consideration here.

The contribution of real estate to an ­investment vehicle is defined as a contribution in kind. In return, the owner receives shares in the investment vehicle (investment foundation and/or investment fund). The tax-optimised contribution in kind allows the property owner to transfer their directly held property portfolio to an indirect real estate investment. A contribution in kind also gives small and medium-­sized pension funds and institutional investors access to larger real estate investment volumes that are professionally and efficiently managed.

«Our decision to enter into a transaction with the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation was influenced not only by the investment group’s strong portfolio, but also by its professional approach.»

Antonio Sacco
Managing Director of the Ringier Group’s pension fund

Diversification is of central importance in optimising the risk-return profile of a property portfolio. Since direct real estate investment by pension funds has historically grown regionally, contribution-in-kind transactions allow greater geographical and use-specific diversification. Furthermore, the considerations around sustainability are crucially important.

Implementing a contribution in kind is a multi-step process which usually comprises five key milestones. Firstly, the owners need to be willing to sell the properties. The fund management company or investment foundation then checks whether the property is suitable for acquisition, while the custodian bank verifies the eligibility of the investors. The third step involves a thorough inspection of the property, in which the purchase price is determined by a valuation expert, and a purchase price indication is given. The fourth step involves the payment of the purchase price, which is made in the form of share certificates and, if applicable, cash. In the fifth and final step, the previous property owner becomes the new investor with shares.

Swiss Prime Site Solutions has demonstrated its expertise with contributions in kind several times over recent years. We have successfully completed five such trans­actions with a value of about CHF 400 million. For example, we were able to take over 33 properties for the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation as part of a contribution in kind from the Ringier Group’s pension fund. «Our deci­sion to enter into a transaction with the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation was influenced not only by the investment group’s strong portfolio, but also by its professional approach», says Antonio Sacco, managing director of the Ringier Group’s pension fund.

We support our clients throughout the entire contribution-in-kind process with our extensive experience and through access to our nationwide network of experts. Our innovative process for execution of contributions in kind serves as an exemplar.

Benefits of in-kind ­contributions

Better performance

­Efficient use of capital, potential ­revaluation gains, tax advantages for investors, asset optimisation

Less risk

Greater diversification effect, stable cash flow, maximum transparency

Optimisation of resources

Assignment of operational property management, efficiency gains, ­freeing up of resources, succession planning, expertise of Swiss Prime Site Solutions

Greater flexibility

Timing of the contribution in kind ­independent of issuance windows, greater fungibility (possible trade­ability of shares), more decision-­making freedom

The Green Lease

Sustainability and environmental awareness are among Swiss Prime Site’s core values. The company wants to achieve climate neutrality in its own portfolio by 2040. Green leases will play a key role in achieving this goal. But what exactly are they?

Read Story

From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

To the online edition «Reporting is not enough»

Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

Meta Prime Tower

Prime Tower goes Metaverse! With its 126 metres in height and 36 floors, it is one of the tallest office buildings in Switzerland. Now Prime Tower is entering new spheres and since 2023 can also be found in the Metaverse. It digitally covers the entire Swiss Prime Site value chain - from acquisition, project planning and construction to marketing and leasing.

Read more

From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

To the online edition «Reporting is not enough»

Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

Our commitments

With its business operations, Swiss Prime Site contributes to economic and social development in many different ways. We are committed to training young people and our employees, and we also support social and cultural organisations and projects as part of our various sponsorship activities.

Read more

From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

To the online edition «Reporting is not enough»

Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

To the online edition «Reporting is not enough»

Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 

From box-ticking to impact

We are used to receiving «non-financials» under the label of «sustainability» as a kind of ancillary company report offering a look back over the past financial year. This practice reveals a lot about the significance attributed to non-financials – and demonstrates that companies’ non-financial achievements are hugely underrated. When integrated correctly, non-financials enable strategic targets to be set and put the focus on long-term value creation.

Swiss Prime Site Stakeholder Finance

Nowadays, sustainability features on companies’ agendas across the board. The regulatory environment is increasingly set up in a way that makes the topic unavoidable, for example in the form of the EU’s CSR regulations. Another positive development is the improvement in the quality of reporting, not least thanks to the standards provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). These standards not only help to make the range of different non-financial topics more concrete, but also improve comparability.

A glance at their implementation, however, frequently leads one to suspect that this is only the beginning. From the perspective of company management, sustainability often remains «a topic», but not «the topic». The question that seriously needs to be asked is this: is consistent dedication to sustainability goals an integral part of the business model, or is it just part of the company image? And how does this approach change our usual way of thinking – one which, in a business context, often differentiates between «hard» and «soft» performance indicators?

Non-financial KPIs an indication of long-term value creation

A modern view of sustainable management sees a company as a «value creation machine» that creates value in a variety of different ways. Financial success is supplemented by value creation for customers, employees, society and the environment. This is the approach taken by Swiss Prime Site, the largest listed real estate company in Switzerland. Building on the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines, which were introduced several years ago, the 2017 Sustainability Report applied the principles of «integrated reporting» for the first time.

This had various implications. Firstly, Swiss Prime Site’s business model and that of its group companies was presented as an «integrated value creation model». Secondly, it offers a different perspective in terms of time frame. The focus is increasingly on a forward-looking perspective and the development of long-term goals. In addition, trends are analysed and the risks and opportunities for future development assessed. The reporting itself thus becomes a strategic management tool. Thirdly, a business model requires input in order to achieve output and to have an impact. To achieve this, Swiss Prime Site applies the six capitals of the IIRC standard: financial capital, manufactured capital (relating to infrastructure), intellectual capital, human capital (in the form of employees), relationship capital (relating to customers and stakeholders) and natural capital. In the report, explicit KPIs for both input and output in all Swiss Prime Site’s business areas were developed for the first time. This process is by no means over. The capitals mindset will become part of the company culture as a management instrument and increase the focus on effective long-term success factors.

Non-financials as early indicators

Financial success remains the main focus. Non-financials often run on a different time scale and, if correctly integrated and interwoven, can act as early indicators of financial success that will only become measurable at a later date. This is evident with regard to such issues as customer and employee satisfaction, but less so in the case of, say, climate change. Swiss Prime Site has set a long-term goal and wants to do its part in limiting global warming to under 2°C. This science-based target requires that the property portfolio and the management of the group companies be analysed in detail with regard to CO2 emissions. As this not only includes direct energy usage in the properties but also the supply chain and use by third parties, meaningful performance indicators need to be gradually introduced. At the same time, assessments based on climate change scenarios are being developed which will help build resilience against environmental risks that threaten the property portfolio. Alongside contributions to environmental protection, assurance is needed that the properties can continue to be operated comfortably for users in the long term in various climate scenarios within a reasonable budget.

Integrated thinking as the basis for adaptability

At Swiss Prime Site, sustainability and innovation are managed in the same division. This enables an integrated approach to value creation. Take an example: in 2019, Swiss Prime Site is addressing the overarching topic of climate change. During innovation and accelerator workshops, participants develop and evaluate ideas for new services while considering the wide-ranging potential negative effects of global warming and the associated health risks, regulatory requirements, etc. The capitals are applied right away when assessing the ideas, and additional uses and the non-financial impact are considered alongside the financial perspective. This strengthens the overall capacity to anticipate future developments and react more quickly to possible changes – in other words, it improves the company’s ability to adapt.

The original text by Urs Baumann and Dr Stephan Lienin was published in the article «From box-ticking to impact» in edition no. 14 of «The Reporting Times», the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR)’s magazine.

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Download 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT