We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions, helping to restore nature, and advocating for climate resilience in our sector.
Our industry relies on products and services made or powered by natural resources. Unsustainable consumption and production not only deplete those resources, but the associated extraction, processing, manufacturing and waste disposal often have a negative impact. This drives three planetary crises: climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution.
As one of the world’s largest privately owned real estate advisory businesses, we’re in a unique position to make a difference, through our own actions and the advice we provide to our clients.
For us, this means:
- Becoming a net zero business
- Tackling nature and biodiversity loss
- Addressing pollution
- Advocating for climate resilience in our sector
Becoming a net zero business
The built environment accounts for around 40% of global carbon emissions. We’re committed to achieving net zero by setting ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. We’re working with our global partners to reduce emissions across our entire value chain. Action already taken includes transitioning to electric vehicles where possible. We also joined the Race to Zero and Business Ambition to 1.5°C campaign.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved our net zero targets. Our near- and long-term targets fit within our wider commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
In the near-term, we’re committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from the 2022 base year. This target covers our own operational energy use. We’ve also committed to reducing scope 3 GHG emissions from use of client assets under property management by 51.6% per square foot and from investments under management by 51.6% per square metre within the same timeframe.
By 2040, we commit to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% and to reducing scope 3 GHG emissions from use of client assets under property management by 97% per square foot and to reducingscope 3 GHG emissions from investments under management by 97% per square metre under management.
Tackling nature and biodiversity loss
We’re collaborating with partners to explore innovative nature-based solutions within property development and management to help restore nature. We have a team of biodiversity net gain and natural capital experts to ensure the solutions we deliver to clients are scientifically robust, draw on local knowledge, and remain equitable and inclusive.
We’re also the first real estate business to sign up to The Capitals Coalition, a global collective advocating for the protection and restoration of natural capital.
Addressing pollution
Pollution reduces the quality and quantity of natural resources available. Many of our offices globally are implementing resource use and waste management strategies to help reduce the need for new raw materials and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Advocating for climate resilience in our sector
We have a huge opportunity to create resilient living and working spaces, and to transform existing building stock so it’s fit for a warming world. We’ve teamed up with Zestec Renewable Energy, a company owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, Europe’s largest renewables investor, to give our clients a zero-capital outlay solar PV solution. This provides clean energy, reduces their energy bills, and supports their ESG objectives.
Our next area for action - Creating an inclusive workplace