CBRE has appointed prominent sustainability strategist Julie Hirigoyen as special advisor to its ESG Consultancy.
Hirigoyen, the former chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, is expected to bolster CBRE’s capacity to amplify the sustainability ambitions and performance of organisations investing in or occupying real estate.
She will provide support to CBRE’s sustainability and ESG consultancy team in the UK, led by Kaela Fenn-Smith. As special advisor, Hirigoyen will focus on anticipating emerging trends and priorities for real estate owners, occupiers and investors over the medium to long term.
Hirigoyen and Fenn-Smith, two industry-leading authorities on sustainability and real estate, will now work together to ensure CBRE clients are better prepared for the future, ready to respond to new and emerging challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
Said Fenn-Smith: 'The real estate industry is experiencing significant disruption and clients are having to navigate a complex and fast-changing environment. The traditional approach to investment strategies is now under such scrutiny because ESG and net zero requirements will fundamentally affect performance in the future.
'Having pioneered sustainability in property and construction over the last 25 years, Julie brings a wealth of experience and rich diversity of thought to CBRE, enhancing our ability to advise clients on how to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
'She’s an inspiring advocate for sustainability and a leader with the ability to translate what’s coming into tangible actions for the here and now. I’m hugely excited at the prospect of working with Julie and driving real change together.'
Hirigoyen said: 'Not only do businesses today need a sophisticated response to the host of sustainability demands upon them, but they also need to proactively change their business models to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes long into the future.
'Government regulation lags behind industry practice and simply isn’t fit for purpose – so tomorrow’s companies need to move way beyond compliance. Kaela is inspiring for her vision so I look forward to working with her and the team to help CBRE clients take a more holistic and long-term view of sustainability and to push for more and faster action.'
