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As JLL looks to up its commitment to environmental sustainability globally, the commercial real estate services company has been commended for its efforts in Sydney.
The firm has just established the JLL Foundation based out of its headquarters in Chicago, which will focus on funding endeavours by organisations that mitigate the impact of climate change all over the world.
Functioning as an impact investor, the group will offer zero-interest recoverable loans to start-ups that can offer solutions to environmental challenges.
It comes just as the company’s Sydney team was commended by CitySwitch – a collaboration between Australia’s major city governments – for its efforts in improving the energy and waste efficiency of one of the city’s major business precincts.
CitySwitch singled out customer relationship manager Kashmir Palou for her work with the stakeholders of Darling Park, a 3.6-hectare business facility located in the heart of the central business district that counts CBA, IAG, Rabobank and Salesforce among its many occupants.
Ms Palou was inducted into CitySwitch’s Hall of Fame for her collaboration with tenants and the building’s facilitator to increase the precinct’s waste efficiency.
JLL’s head of property and asset management for Australia, Richard Fennell, commended Ms Palou’s efforts.
“Kashmir has been an incredible influence in driving meaningful change for sustainability at Darling Park, Sydney. In just one example of her commitment, she worked closely with both the commercial tenants and the buildings’ waste consultants, resulting in the commercial towers improving their NABERS Waste ratings by 0.5 – 1 star,” he said.
Mr Fennell noted that Ms Palou’s success would be used as an example for others looking to up their game in terms of ESG.
“Her standard of excellence, combined with her positive and proactive approach to sustainability, has formed a case study that is now used in developing training material for the sector, and keeps Darling Park at the forefront of sustainability best practices,” he said.
And he asserted the company’s commitment to tightening sustainability practices across the board.
“Leading the way on sustainability is fundamental to JLL’s purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. It’s an honour to receive this recognition of our focus on delivering excellent sustainability advice and services to our clients, and of our commitment to adding value at every opportunity,” he added.
In Australia, upping sustainability standards may be something more companies are focused on in the years ahead, according to Forbury’s Peter Rose, not only out of moral obligation but also as insurance companies look to reconsider the insurability of buildings in high-risk zones facing climate-related challenges.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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