Assessing the linkages between corporate social responsibility and a-reit performance

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has taken on increased significance in the property sector in recent years. This paper assesses the level of CSR practices by A-REITs across the environmental, social and governance dimensions of CSR and compares this to other ASX sectors. A number of unique CSR A-REIT performance indices are developed for A-REIT investors committed to the principles of CSR, and their added-value assessed via risk-adjusted performance analysis and their portfolio diversification benefits. Importantly, these CSR A-REIT indices do not significantly under-perform the conventional A-REIT indices, as well as providing portfolio diversification benefits. The CSR A-REIT investment implications are also highlighted.