Can you provide an overview of JLL and your role within the company?

JLL stands as a globally renowned real estate services firm, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, providing comprehensive solutions across various real estate asset classes to investors, occupiers, and public authorities. My role has spanned eight years in an executive capacity, five of which were on the global executive board overseeing the EMEA business. For the past two and a half years, I’ve led our global sustainability services, focusing on enhancing environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

How does JLL contribute to real estate sustainability, considering buildings’ significant impact on climate change?

JLL is deeply involved in the entire lifecycle of buildings, offering services from formulating strategies to reduce carbon emissions to managing and reporting. We concentrate on reducing energy consumption, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and advocating sustainable development practices. Leveraging technology and human behavior, we aim to create smart buildings that consume less energy and promote transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy for operations.

We’re also involved in development strategies that minimize the use of materials like concrete and steel, repurposing existing buildings or incorporating sustainable materials to limit embodied carbon emissions.

Addressing the challenge of retrofitting older buildings for sustainability, how is JLL approaching this issue?

The majority of existing buildings being over a decade old emphasizes the importance of retrofitting. Collaborating with companies and cities, we focus on cost-effective repurposing, considering the entire building’s carbon footprint. Repurposed buildings are increasingly favored for their greener alternative to new constructions. For instance, working with companies like Interface, we’ve transformed old buildings into modern, sustainable workplaces supporting employee wellbeing.

How does JLL ensure cost-effectiveness in retrofitting and using sustainable materials in construction?

The shift in occupier demand towards repurposed buildings due to increased environmental awareness drives cost-effectiveness. Innovations in sustainable materials and construction techniques make it viable to build sustainably or retrofit older structures. For example, some buildings in Northern Europe use highly sustainable materials like low-carbon concrete and timber.

Retaining existing structures and materials is economically compelling, contributing to reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in real estate.

What’s the link between real estate and electric vehicles (EVs)?

The connection between real estate and EVs emerges as electric transportation grows. Buildings serve as endpoints for vehicles, thus integrating EV charging infrastructure within them becomes crucial. With the rise of affordable EVs, there’s a demand for on-site renewable energy, ensuring these vehicles are powered by clean energy.

EVs and buildings intertwine regarding energy supply and demand, necessitating expanded clean, renewable energy sources.

How do renewable energy sources and storage technologies contribute to this linkage?

While various renewables supply clean energy, inadequate volume and inefficient storage pose challenges. Advancements promise better battery storage and enhanced renewable energy solutions, crucial for managing energy demand, especially during peak times.

This evolution presents opportunities for innovators to meet the growing demand for green buildings with efficient energy storage systems.

How crucial is collaboration within the real estate industry amidst the green transition?

Collaboration is pivotal in the green transition, fostering synergy between building owners and occupiers to exchange insights and innovations. This shift ensures joint investment in sustainability goals, driving efficient and sustainable practices.

What’s your message to the real estate industry regarding this green transition?

Collaboration surpasses competition in the collective journey towards green and sustainable practices. Building owners and tenants’ collaborative approach fosters shared learning, enhancing sustainability. A balanced partnership can accelerate the green transition, making buildings pillars supporting the global sustainability agenda.