Understanding the adoption of voluntary environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in the real estate sector

The environmental performance of the real estate sector has been subject to growing scrutiny in recent years, with the United Nations estimating that the sector accounts for a substantial share of global energy consumption and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. In turn, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are becoming increasingly significant investment considerations for real estate investors. In this context, voluntary ESG standards are becoming central in promoting sustainable and responsible practices among real estate players, and in helping them to address global challenges. Thus, this report is of importance in three respects: first, we review the academic literature in relation to the drivers of organizational adoption of voluntary ESG standards; second, we analyse GRESB’s Real Estate Benchmark, the de facto industry standard for ESG activities in the real estate industry; and finally, we provide recommendations for industry professionals and future researchers interested in the adoption of voluntary ESG standards in the real estate industry

Governing transitions: Cases and insights from two periods in the history of the UK gas industry

The paper aims to inform historically the analyses of future sociotechnical transition pathways in the electricity sector, particularly those developed by the Transition Pathways to a Low Carbon Economy project. It also aims to inform the theoretical approach to transitions by focusing on key decisions at 'branching points' that led to transitions in the UK gas energy services regime, which occurred under different governance patterns. The first historical case study covers the market-led transformation of the manufactured gas regime from 1877 to 1914, which developed the end-uses of gas beyond lighting to include cooking, and extended access to working class consumers. The second case study covers the period from 1948 to 1977, historically reconstructing the transition from town gas to natural gas. This state-led and coordinated conversion to natural gas was preceded by a period of destabilisation of the manufactured gas regime, the co-existence of several niche technologies and the hybridisation of the key actors and technological infrastructures of the incumbent regime. Comparing the cases provides insights for future energy service transitions by addressing the significance of power, trust and networking in the decision making processes involved in the governance of energy transitions. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd

Cyclopropanation reactions for the synthesis of 2-azabieyclo[4.1.0]heptane derivatives with nitric oxide synthase inhibitory activity

Synthesis of new bicyclic structures containing cyclopro-panes, related to selective iNOS inhibitor ONO-1714, is described. We have evaluated the effect of the compounds obtained on the production of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide and inter-feron-gamma stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages and on in vitro iNOS activity assays. Copyright © 2008 The Chemical Society of Japan.Peer Reviewe