Technology and Innovation Weekly Digest

Welcome to the Technology and Innovation digest where we explore the most recent developments and innovations promoting sustainability and efficiency across the sector. This week we’ll look at how Grosvenor Property UK, Zillow, Switchee, BlackRock, and the UAE Ministry of Energy are improving operations through the use of technology, investments, and green efforts.

Aaliyah Pollock, AI Data and Tech Analyst

Grosvenor Property UK Invests in noa’s Fund II to Drive Sustainability and Innovation

Grosvenor Property UK has invested in noa's Fund II. Europe’s largest VC, noa, aims to transform the real estate and construction industries through technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, builds climate resilience, and accelerates energy transition and digitisation. Since 2022, Grosvenor has been investing in early-stage companies that are capable of achieving its commercial, environmental, and social impact goals. This partnership aligns with Grosvenor's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the built environment.

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Zillow and Moody’s Enhance Multifamily Rental Market Analytics

Zillow has partnered with Moody’s to enhance data and insights for the multifamily rental market. In July, Zillow's rental partners will receive new market reports featuring local real estate trends, including rent, vacancy, and inventory data, automatically available in their Zillow Rentals Ad Manager accounts. This collaboration combines Zillow’s rental property data with Moody’s commercial real estate expertise, offering detailed market analytics to help property managers optimise pricing strategies and reduce lease downtime. Future enhancements will provide even more detailed insights, benefiting investors, lenders, and brokers in the multifamily rental industry.

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Switchee Announces £5 Million Investment from Octopus Ventures and AXA IM Alts

Switchee, a social housing technology provider, has secured a £5 million investment from Octopus Ventures and existing investor AXA IM Alts. This follows a £6.5 million investment led by AXA IM Alts in May 2023. Switchee's IoT devices help over 130 social housing providers keep homes warm, safe, and sustainable by preventing mould, lowering heating bills, and improving communication between residents and landlords. The new funding will accelerate Switchee's goal to install devices in 1 million UK social homes, enhance their Trusted Installer Network, and support government-funded initiatives such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The investment reflects a shared interest towards mitigating climate change and improving the quality of social housing.

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BlackRock introduces Climate and Decarbonization Stewardship Guidelines

BlackRock has introduced its "Climate and Decarbonization Stewardship Guidelines," setting separate engagement and voting policies for climate-focused funds. This aims to balance growing climate-conscious investment demands with fiduciary duties. With criticism from anti-ESG movements, BlackRock adjusted its climate initiative involvement to focus on client-directed investments. Despite pressures, many institutional clients plan to increase climate transition investments. The new guidelines prioritise sectors critical to the low-carbon transition, requiring companies to disclose alignment with the Paris Agreement and set science-based emissions targets. Over 80 European funds will adopt the policy, with more to follow globally.

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UAE Launches National Green Certificates Programme

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE has launched the National Green Certificates Programme which aims to promote environmentally friendly building practices. The goal of this programme is to establish guidelines for sustainable materials, indoor air quality, water management, and energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The programme aligns with UAE's objectives for a green economy and sustainable development by providing technical support and consultations for participating businesses to ensure they meet sustainability objectives.

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