TORONTO–Bentall Kennedy, one of North America’s largest diversified real estate investment advisors and real estate services organizations, is proud to report that it ranks among the top three companies in North America in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). GRESB’s mission is to enhance and protect shareholder value by evaluating and improving sustainability best practices in the global real estate sector; that mission mirrors a core part of Bentall Kennedy’s mission in North America.
“Environmental, social and governance excellence is our top priority, defining who we are as a company and as an advisor,” said Gary Whitelaw, Chief Executive Officer for the Bentall Kennedy Group. “We are pleased that GRESB has recognized our achievements and we are committed to pushing the boundaries of these priorities. It’s good for our clients, it’s good for our employees and it is good for our communities.”
The GRESB Foundation, based in the Netherlands, conducts an annual survey that measures the ESG performance of listed and private property funds. “The data collected by the survey provides necessary evidence that allows us to have informed discussions with our institutional owners about how we can retain and enhance the value of their assets over time,” said Remco Daal, COO and President at Bentall Kennedy.
The published report cites the organization and/or fund ranked first for each asset class; retail, industrial, office, residential, healthcare and hotels, and a diversified category (there are also sub-categories of “diversified” to denote a combination of only two asset types), in each of the following regions; North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand . Bentall Kennedy was rated as a top performer among the 29 companies in the Diversified category, including all its asset classes.
The survey gathers information on sustainable management practices and policies, and implementation and measurement of energy consumption, water consumption, waste collection, recycling, CO2 emissions, and on employee training programs and remuneration policies.
“We are very proud to be a part of this list of global leaders for the third year in a row,” Whitelaw added. “Investors and tenants alike are choosing to develop, own and occupy buildings that are utilizing advancements that reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions. Offering best-in-class buildings with best-in-class property management services attracts and retains the very best tenants, which in turns enhances asset value for the owner.”
About Bentall Kennedy
Bentall Kennedy is one of North America’s largest real estate investment advisors and one of its foremost providers of real estate services. Bentall Kennedy serves the interests of more than 500 clients and their 145 million square feet of office, retail, industrial, and apartment properties totaling $31.5 throughout Canada and the U.S.
Bentall Kennedy has a 100 year track record of delivering superior returns and a reputation for integrity, innovation and creating value. Bentall Kennedy is a member of UN PRI and is a recognized global leader in Responsible Property Investing.
Bentall Kennedy includes Bentall Kennedy (Canada) Limited Partnership and Bentall Kennedy (U.S.) Limited Partnership.
For more information, visit www.bentallkennedy.com.