Energy measures in buildings represent the single greatest opportunity for our clients to reduce emissions without negatively affecting business operations. We have a significant opportunity to have a meaningful impact on climate change while also being profitable for our clients and shareholders.
What are we doing to manage our clients’ carbon footprint?
• Energy management – Whether a company or investor manages a single asset or a complex portfolio, we help our clients develop comprehensive energy management programs that align with an organization’s broader business strategy and provide measurable savings and results. Our holistic approach considers not just how facilities are built, operated and maintained, but their location and employee behaviors as well.
• Benchmarking – We are a leader in providing rigorous carbon and energy benchmarking services to developer and investor clients in Europe. We also support and develop industry-wide benchmarks such as Greenprint Foundation.
• Renewable energy – In 2010 we announced the establishment of a comprehensive and leading renewable energy solutions practice, offering clients advice across a range of renewable technologies including photovoltaic, onshore wind and biomass. Our advisory services span the lifecycle of renewable installations from feasibility to operation.
What are we doing to manage our own carbon footprint?
• A Cleaner Tomorrow (ACT) programme – ACT is a Firm-wide initiative established in 2008 to drive reductions in our own energy use and carbon emissions, as well as increasing recycling and reducing water use. The program identifies, introduces and advances new sustainability and energy management initiatives in our offices around the world. ACT encourages behavioral change among employees and emphasizes how individual behaviors go a long way in contributing to a more sustainable workplace. See our 2010 e-book progress update to learn more.
• IT solutions – Across our global operations, we have established a best practice IT sustainability program to reduce energy consumption from technology as well as facilitating increased connectivity between different parts of the business using IT solutions, thereby reducing the need to travel.
• Sustainability University – Formed in 2008, its aim is to educate our staff and clients with best practice training and technical expertise, including presentations from subject matter experts from around the Firm on green building topics and trends. Sustainability University aims to increase the number of LEED (or equivalent) accredited professionals across the Firm to 1,000 by 2012.