On February 26, the Retail Real Estate Trends, now in its 11th edition, once again proved to be a key gathering for the retail and real estate sectors.
This year’s theme, “VALUE & VALUES: ESG IN PRACTICE – TURNING VALUES INTO BUSINESS VALUE,” tackled a critical issue that has become even more relevant in light of recent European regulations: how can companies successfully integrate ESG principles into their business strategies, transforming sustainability from a mere ethical commitment into a real driver of competitive advantage?
CEOs, founders, senior executives, and academics shared a clear message: sustainability is no longer just a corporate responsibility statement but a concrete force reshaping retail and real estate. The insights from the panelists demonstrated how ESG-driven strategies can align environmental and social responsibility with business growth, fostering innovation and long-term value creation.
One of the key takeaways from the event was the increasing importance of sustainable real estate assets for investors. Properties that meet high environmental and social standards are not only more attractive but also prove to be more resilient across economic cycles, delivering stronger financial performance.
Another central theme was the role of digitalization in the evolution of real estate. From artificial intelligence optimizing energy efficiency to smart buildings that adapt dynamically to users’ needs, technology is playing an essential role in reducing environmental impact and enabling more efficient property management.
The discussion also highlighted the need for stronger public-private collaboration to tackle the infrastructure challenges of the sustainable transition. In this context, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics was cited as a prime example of how major events can serve as catalysts for sustainable urban development. While the path toward a more sustainable real estate sector is still evolving, the event underscored a growing commitment from industry players. Today, adopting ESG strategies is no longer an option but a necessity to meet future challenges and the expectations of consumers and stakeholders alike.