Real Estate, Society, Environment

This course explores an emerging worldwide context for real estate practice in which success is measured not solely by the financial bottom line but also by achieving beneficial social and environmental outcomes. Under such labels as sustainability, ESG, and social impact, for-profit and not-for-profit developers, investors, owners, lenders, philanthropic organizations, and public agencies pursue this broader agenda, supported by some and challenged by others from both inside and outside the real estate field.

Through lectures, readings, class discussion, and visits by guest speakers who will present project based-exercises, students will learn how transnational, national, and local policy mandates and market preferences for beneficial social and environmental outcomes can be seen as opportunities rather than constraints, and how aligning profit and purpose can lead to best practices for real estate organizations and more rewarding professional and personal engagements for real estate practitioners.

Although this is a limited enrollment course, MRE students should enroll directly during the open enrollment period and not enter the Limited Enrollment Course Lottery.

Note regarding the Fall 2025 GSD academic calendar: The first day of classes, Tuesday, September 2nd, is held as a MONDAY schedule at the GSD. Courses that meet only on Tuesdays will meet for the first time on September 9th. Courses meet regularly otherwise. Please refer to the GSD academic calendar for additional details.