Sarasin launches green RE securities fund

Sarasin & Partners, the London-based investment management firm, part of Switzerland’s Bank Sarasin, is to launch an open-ended fund aimed at investing in the shares of sustainable energy-minded property companies

London-based investment management firm, Sarasin & Partners, has launched an open-ended green fund aimed at investing in real estate securities.

The firm, part of Switzerland’s Bank Sarasin, said in an announcement it would invest in the shares of sustainable property companies.

The Sarasin Sustainable Equity – Real Estate Global, a vehicle born out of the firm’s decision to reposition its existing Sarasin Real Estate Equity fund, was launched on 10 July.

It will invest globally into listed companies active in real estate and in REITs. All investments would be made using a set of social and environmental criteria.

Jakes Ferguson, fund manager at Sarasin, said: “We have looked at sustainability in global real estate for over 12 months, and find this issue right at the top of the agenda for many western REITs and property companies. We are sure that sustainability will continue to grow in importance in Asia.”

Sarasin & Partners employs more than 160 people and manages approximately £6.7 billion ($10.96 billion; €7.7 billion) in capital.