CB Richard Ellis is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2010 and plans to assist clients with energy efficiency programs at the 1.7 billion sq ft of building space managed by the company around the world.
At the facilities it occupies, the company expects to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2010 through a combination of energy savings, more efficient space utilization, carbon emissions reductions and, if necessary, through investments in carbon offsets.
CBRE will become the first time major commercial real estate services firm to go carbon-neutral.
The company said the initiative is a response to the growing demand for green facilities from both clients and employees.
“Our decision is driven by our desire to do the right thing, but is also a direct result of a rapidly evolving marketplace. A large number of our clients – both property owners and occupiers – are already actively working to reduce energy costs and create greener space,” CBRE’s president Brett White said.
White said figures from the Natural Resources Defense Council show energy use in buildings accounts for 40% of
“The buildings where we live and work every day hold huge potential for reducing energy use and emissions. Improving the performance of existing buildings as well as new ones is going to be an important part of any effective global warming strategy,” NRDC president Frances Beinecke said. “When the largest manager of commercial property in the world takes up a challenge like this, it can have a tremendous impact.”
Australian Property Journal
