Environmental, Sustainability and Governance

Committed to making a difference.

At Mera Investment Management, our mission is to make a meaningful difference through our lending and investment activities.  We place a strong emphasis on lending and investing in sustainable assets as we strive to contribute towards the goal of a net-zero economy. We firmly believe in leaving a positive impact on our built environment for future generations to enjoy. Our approach is rooted in careful consideration of environmental, social, and governance factors, ensuring that our lending activities align with our values and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our dedication to responsible investing goes beyond financial returns; it encompasses the broader goal of creating a better world for all.

How we Do it…….

  • Environmental

    To ensure our lending activities have minimal environmental impact, we adopt a comprehensive approach. Firstly, we actively seek and prioritise financing projects that adhere to green building standards and certifications, such as BREEAM, LEED, WELL and NABERS. These standards promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials, reducing the environmental footprint of buildings.

    Additionally, we engage with borrowers to encourage sustainable construction practices.

    It is a condition of our lending, that all properties must currently hold at least EPC C or higher, or provide evidence that the property will hold an EPC C or higher after any works to the buildings have been completed.

    By integrating these measures into our lending practices, we aim to support the environment and contribute to a more sustainable real estate industry.

  • Social

    Considering the social impact of our lending forms a significant part of our responsible lending criteria and helps us to ensure that the properties we finance align with our social impact goals. This may involve assessing the potential impact on affordable housing, job creation, access to essential services, and environmental sustainability.

    By prioritising projects that have a positive social impact, Mera Investment Management can help contribute to social improvement.

    Within the company we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workforce. We recognize that a diverse team leads to innovative thinking and better decision-making. As such, we prioritize creating an inclusive workplace culture that values and respects the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of our employees.

    Furthermore, we believe in investing in the next generation. We are committed to supporting educational initiatives that empower young individuals to reach their full potential. By providing resources and mentorship opportunities we aim to inspire and enable future leaders in real estate finance.

    We believe that responsible business practices are vital for long-term success and sustainability.

    By adopting these strategies, we can proactively contribute to the betterment of communities, fostering social progress and leaving a lasting positive impact on the areas we lend to.

  • Governance

    In today's evolving landscape, it is crucial that we as real estate finance providers embrace good governance as an integral part of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. Good governance ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making, which are essential for building trust and maintaining long-term sustainability in the industry.

    As part of insuring good governance we are constantly developing and communicating comprehensive policies and procedures that outline ethical standards, compliance requirements, and risk management protocols. These guidelines are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving industry standards and regulatory changes.

    We have a robust risk management frameworks and internal control systems to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively. This includes rigorous due diligence on all or our borrowers and the assets we are lending on. We are transparent and compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements, as well as identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest.

    Part of insuring good governance is fostering a culture of continuous learning and development by providing training programs on ethical conduct, compliance, and governance practices. This ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to uphold good governance principles.

Mera’s Mindful Lending Initiative

Mera’s Mindful Lending Initiative is due to be launched in 2024 and will take a prominent role in our dedication to promoting a more sustainable future. This forward thinking program will showcase our commitment to supporting and incentivising visionary borrowers who prioritise reducing the environmental impact of their properties. 
Our strategy will make significant strides in encouraging the reduction of the environmental impact by the Real Estate industry. Through our Mindful Lending Initiative, we will provide preferential funding to borrowers who share our passion for sustainable projects and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the environment. 
The initiative is being finalised by our consultants prior to being launched in 2024, however it will be both straightforward and impactful – Mera will be providing financial incentives in the form of interest and fee rebates to borrowers when evidence has been provided that their initiatives have created a long-term carbon reduction, surpassing that of the current industry standards. Through this strategy we will be ensuring that our lending activities are contributing towards the goal of net zero. By aligning our lending with our values, we ensure that we are contributing to a more sustainable future. As always, our dedication to responsible lending goes beyond financial returns; It encompasses the broader goal of creating a better world for all.