Sustainable building

We shape the future of real estate for a better world

Through its ambitious policies, JLL is fully committed to a sustainable future, including developing initiatives that tend towards greener and more responsible real estate. We caught up with Marine Guiot, Head of CSR France – Belgium – Luxembourg to find out the latest.

In 2020, JLL signed the World Green Building Council’s Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. What does this mean in reality ?

We have pledged that our offices will be carbon neutral by 2030. We are talking about a stock of more than 460 offices worldwide, or almost 500,000 square metres. In this regard, we are focusing on the energy performance of the buildings we occupy. JLL is increasingly opting for green certifications, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources.

How does JLL integrate Paris Agreement targets into its global strategy ?

The SBTi – Science Based Targets Initiative, a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resource Institute (WRI) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), considers the JLL approach to be both realistic and feasible. We have also been recognised as a Net-Zero Standard business: we are one of the world’s first seven companies to be certified for our commitment to carbon neutrality. Having our approach validated by the SBTi is a very strong symbol of our commitment to sustainable development.

Why has JLL chosen to commit itself so fully to sustainable development ?

Our awareness of the role and impact of real estate on the climate was the main driver here. Real estate (construction and operation) accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions.
It was therefore clear that JLL should play its part in this regard. Finally, new regulations bolster and even speed up efforts to engage us when it comes to this common cause. In order to assist our clients achieve compliance, we have expanded our range of services .

How are you engaging with your clients as part of this ambitious policy ?

We encourage them to aim for carbon neutrality because we believe that everyone has a role to play in meeting these massive objectives. Until five years ago, this topic was deemed to be of secondary importance and considered a passing trend. Driven by new regulations and environmental concerns, sustainability is now fully integrated into our supply chain, group strategy and client base. 

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