Rethinking Real Estate Finance: Green Bonds and Sustainable Investment in APAC

Simon Yu is an Associate Director at CBRE, the world’s leading commercial real estate services and investment firm. With a strong track record in capital markets, Simon has advised on and executed over HK$8.5 billion (US$1 billion) in real estate transactions, demonstrating deep expertise in investment advisory, transaction structuring, and market intelligence across the APAC region.

A passionate advocate for innovation and sustainability in real estate, Simon co-founded the PropTech Institute in 2019—a non-profit organization committed to accelerating the adoption of technology in the built environment. As President, he has played a pivotal role in cultivating a dynamic ecosystem that connects startups, corporates, and industry leaders to drive digital transformation and sustainable practices in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Simon’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting the integration of AI, data analytics, and green building solutions into real estate strategies. His vision is to create a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable property sector that benefits all stakeholders—from developers and investors to communities and end-users.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Simon actively contributes to cross-cultural and educational initiatives. He serves as President of the Western University Alumni Association in Hong Kong and was recently appointed Co-Chair of the Property Committee at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, where he champions collaboration between Canada and Asia through talent exchange and innovation.

At ReThink 2025, Simon will host the session “Rethinking Real Estate Finance: Green Bonds and Sustainable Investment in APAC,” exploring how financial innovation can unlock capital for greener, more resilient urban development across the region.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Mainstream Adoption of Green Finance Instruments
I envision a significant increase in the issuance and uptake of green bonds and sustainability-linked loans across the real estate sector. These tools should become standard practice for funding new developments and retrofitting existing assets, aligning capital flows with ESG goals.

Accelerated Decarbonization of the Built Environment

I hope to see more developers and asset owners commit to science-based targets and adopt low-carbon technologies, such as smart energy systems and green construction materials, to reduce emissions across the property lifecycle.

Stronger Public-Private Collaboration on Urban Resilience
I would like to see deeper collaboration between government, industry, and academia to co-create policies and pilot programs that enhance climate resilience, promote circularity, and support sustainable urban regeneration in Hong Kong’s dense urban fabric.