Keppel REIT ready to ride sustainability wave: report

RHB expects Keppel REIT’s sharpened ESG focus to give it an edge.

Keppel REIT (KREIT)’s share prices might have weakened in the past few trading sessions by as much as 13% as its acquisition of SPH ex-media gains traction.

Nevertheless, RHB in a brokerage report said that its office properties will help it recover in the future.

“KREIT’s assets are well-positioned to ride the sustainability wave. As highlighted in our recent office thematic report, we expect the Singapore office sector to remain vibrant post-COVID-19 with landlords holding strong quality grade-A assets and an emphasis on sustainability metrics,” RHB said.

It noted that KREIT has a strong ESG focus. All of its Singapore buildings are Green Mark Platinum certified, with Keppel Bay Tower being Singapore’s first zero-energy commercial building that is fully powered by renewable energy.

It also noted that KREIT has contributed a total of 790 hours for various community initiatives in 2020, has a 74% female full-time employee roster, and has increased its frequency of investor education and interaction.