Environmental, Social and Governance

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE


Driving sustainable real estate practices is a fundamental principal of our environmental leadership. Protecting the health of our planet is a responsibility we embrace.

• CBRE has committed to minimising that impact for our company, clients and communities, with an aspirational target of reducing scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 68% by 2035.
• We are carbon neutral in Australia, achieving National Carbon Offset Standard certification for our Australian operations in 2011 and offsetting the equivalent of 730 homes’ worth of energy usage in 2019.
• CBRE’s Australian operations hold a 100% renewable energy contract with Red Energy—aligning with our target for reduced Scope 2 GHG emissions.

As the world’s largest manager of commercial buildings, CBRE has both a responsibility and an opportunity to influence the way buildings are built, sourced, managed, occupied and sold.

We believe that sustainable success can only be built on a foundation of responsible business practices and are committed to integrating responsible and sustainable business practices across our global operations.

We recognise that buildings are a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. From resource management and procurement initiatives to employee training and academic collaboration, our sustainability programs help reduce the impact of buildings on the environment and, at the same time, create a positive effect on the communities in which we live and work.

Driving sustainable real estate practices is a fundamental principal of our environmental leadership. Protecting the health of our planet is a responsibility we embrace. In Australia, CBRE has been carbon neutral since 2011, offsetting the equivalent of 730 homes’ worth of energy usage in 2019.

In relation to ongoing global discussion about climate change and its impact on the natural environment, CBRE has committed to minimising that impact for our company, clients and communities. We continue to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and have committed to reducing scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 68% by 2035 from the 2019 base year. This target covers GHG emissions from the company’s global operations and is aligned with the ambition of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. CBRE has committed to achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and to transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.

 

We annually measure our greenhouse gas footprint and track performance against the stated targets and report the results. Further, we will set internal reduction goals and develop guidelines for responsible fleet management practices and travel related activities with a focus on minimising the environmental impact and C02 emissions from each.

In 2011 CBRE’s Australian operations fulfilled its goal to becoming carbon neutral, achieving National Carbon Offset Standard certification for our Australian operations. This procurement of carbon neutral services allows CBRE to measure, reduce and offset carbon pollution associated with its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

In 2020 CBRE’s Australian operations secured a 100% renewable energy contract with Red Energy (a Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric energy retailer), both reducing utilities cost to the business, but also aligning with our science based target aspirations for reduced scope 2 GHG emissions.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION



At CBRE, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) are more than core values—they’re a competitive advantage. CBRE’s DE&I programs are central to our strategy to attract, develop and retain top industry talent, and to create authentic, respectful and safe relationships and workplaces.

Read about [email protected], Gender Equality and Reconciliation at CBRE.

Our mission is to provide a work environment that attracts, develops, and celebrates the professional success of every individual. We strive to create inclusive  workplaces where our people bring their whole selves to work – an environment that:

• Reflects the clients we serve.
• Provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed.
• Values the differences of each individual.
• Recognises their contributions to our firm's success.

DE&I is vital to our success. By creating an environment where each and every individual is valued for who they are, recognised for their contributions and given the chance to grow, we open our business up to new perspectives and opportunities. By actively promoting an inclusive workplace, we strengthen our connection with our employees, clients, suppliers—and the markets we serve.

One of our most successful means of fostering DE&I is through the ongoing support of CBRE employee network groups, including: [email protected] (Building Equality LGBTQI+ group), Women's Network group, NextGen group and other DE&I groups. We also foster partnerships with external organisations and sponsors such as Out for Australia, Pride in Diversity, InterBuild, White Ribbon, CareerTrackers, Supply Nation, Chief Executive Women and Property Council of Australia.  

[email protected]

Our active [email protected] employee group works to ensure CBRE is supporting LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion and that this is embedded and progressed in the way we work with our people, clients and community. [email protected] acts as an advocate and advisor to our LGBTQIA+ employees by fostering a culture and business community in which merit supersedes sexual orientation and gender identity.

Through the efforts of [email protected], CBRE was recognised with Silver Status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) in 2020. Placing CBRE within the top large companies (500+ employees) across Australia who actively promote workplace inclusion.

GENDER EQUALITY

CBRE is committed to advancing gender equality across our entire organisation. This is evidenced by our senior leaders’ commitment to driving aggressive diversity targets and ongoing awards and external recognition in the diversity arena.

 

In 2020, our focus on gender diversity when employing new hires and awarding promotions in producer and manager (or above) positions was 47% in new hires and 40% in promotions.

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, CBRE lodges annual public reports with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.In 2020, CBRE Pacific recorded an overall employee ratio of 58.8% men and 41.2% women, while CBRE’s Pacific Executive Committee was represented by a ratio of 68% men to 31% women.

CBRE has official industry-leading policies in place for FlexWork and Parental Leave, including the offer of paid primary carers leave for both men and women. CBRE invests annually in a range of women talent and leadership programs, and sets hiring and promotion targets to advance gender equality.

RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation is a key pillar in our Pacific DE&I strategy. The CBRE Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group, a body within our DE&I Council, oversees the implementation of DE&I strategies within the organisation and increases our cultural diversity and awareness, including our Innovate RAP. 

The Innovate RAP focuses on how CBRE can contribute to:

• greater economic empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and towards ‘closing the gap’ through education and employment opportunities;
• to encourage a more inclusive workforce by creating awareness and understanding; and
• to provide immersive opportunities for our people to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our Innovate RAP sets out key objectives under the central themes of cultural awareness, respect, education and employee opportunities, and demonstrates how we can maximise outcomes for Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.

 

Our aim is to help establish economic independence, through education and employment opportunities, for all Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders and to drive a more inclusive workforce by creating awareness and understanding in our journey to support reconciliation.

We believe these activities will provide our people with deeper social consciousness, improve how we meet community needs and help build a vibrant and socially responsible business sector.

Through this commitment to Reconciliation, we launched the  CBRE Indigenous Centre of Excellence in 2019, with the aim of increasing supply chain diversity and connecting Indigenous organisations with business opportunities through CBRE and its client base throughout Australia (read more in ‘Procurement’).

Our Indigenous Centre of Excellence provides an opportunity for Indigenous organisations to bid for relevant business opportunities valued up to $50 million annually either working directly with CBRE or within CBRE’s client base as new contracts become available or as existing contracts are renewed.

In 2020, despite the unprecedented challenges in operating within a COVID-19 environment, CBRE was able to establish strong working relationships, and identify approximately $24 million in opportunities for our ICOE partners. Whilst less than our initial $50 million target, we are incredibly proud that whilst navigating this difficult and changed industry landscape, we were able to remain focused and build a strong foundation for ongoing growth and success.

Beyond the opportunities initially identified, CBRE and the ICOE will also establish a Social Development Initiative in 2021 that will divert a percentage of the profits made through the ICOE back into Indigenous communities. Specific investments will be announced as the program continues, however, CBRE is aiming to improve education and employment options for Indigenous communities as a primary focus.

COMMUNITIES AND GIVING

• Through our CBRE Cares programs and initiatives, we’re committed to making considered contributions to the communities in which we live and work.
• We donated more than AU$200,000 to the Australian Red Cross in 2020.
• Our Employee Resilience Fund raised US$6.1 billion, helping colleagues facing financial hardship due to a natural disaster or pandemic.

We are deeply committed to supporting and adding value to the communities where our people live and work.

‘CBRE Cares’ describes our company’s commitment to the community and the shared value we bring to others through focused projects and collaborative networks of giving. We leverage the passion and talents of our employees to create real benefit for those in need through community outreach and support, disaster-response initiatives and locally driven programs.

In Australia, we have strong relationships with key charity partners, including the Australian Red Cross and Property Industry Foundation. Through these relationships, we have been able to make meaningful contributions that we are extremely proud of, including donations of more than AU$200,000 for the Australian Red Cross in 2020.

Further to this, CBRE is proud to be able to support employees who are facing financial hardship due to a natural disaster or pandemic through its Employee Resilience Fund. In 2020, our global Employee Resilience Fund raised US$6.1 billion, helping colleagues in need globally, including in Australia.

PROCUREMENT

• CBRE has a responsibility to progressively influence global supply chains with an annual global spend of more than AU$50 billion and over 85,000 direct and indirect suppliers throughout the world
• We founded the Indigenous Centre of Excellence (ICOE) to increase supply chain diversity and connect Indigenous organisations with business opportunities through CBRE and its client base throughout Australia.
• We have pledged to spend $1 billion with diverse suppliers in 2021 and to grow this spend to $3 billion in five years.
• CBRE has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to consistently reviewing and strengthening its processes and systems to minimise the risk of human rights infringements anywhere in its operations and supply chain.
  

More than ever, organisations understand that their purchasing power and procurement practices can positively impact the way products are designed, manufactured and sold, as well as supporting local businesses and their communities.

With an annual global spend of more than AU$50 billion (representing what we contract for ourselves and our clients from suppliers of good and services), CBRE recognises the opportunity to influence suppliers on a large scale, while also mitigating supply chain risks.

CBRE works with more than 85,000 direct and indirect suppliers throughout the world and expects them to conduct their operations in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner. At the same time, we have the opportunity to use our multi-billion-dollar global supply chain to promote sustainable business practices and support local businesses around the world. The magnitude of the impact of our supply chain far exceeds our own sustainability impact as a firm. For all of these reasons, procurement is now a globally recognised pillar of CBRE’s corporate responsibility program.

CBRE Indigenous Centre of Excellence (ICOE)

In 2019, we launched the CBRE Indigenous Centre of Excellence (ICOE), which aims to increase supply chain diversity and connect Indigenous organisations with business opportunities through CBRE and its client base throughout Australia.

Nine Indigenous organisations spanning a range of industries and locations have been announced as founding members, based on selection criteria including Supply Nation Certified Supplier status and a demonstrated commitment to delivering positive employment and education outcomes for Indigenous Australians. The members are offered the opportunity to bid for relevant business opportunities valued up to $50 million annually either working directly for CBRE or within CBRE’s client base as new contracts become available or as existing contracts are renewed.

To ensure positive social outcomes for the Indigenous community, CBRE is also developing a social development initiative whereby a percentage of the profits achieved through the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be reinvested in Indigenous community initiatives.

CBRE announced a pledge to spend $1 billion with diverse suppliers in 2021 and to grow this spend to $3 billion in five years. By achieving these goals, CBRE will substantially increase its engagement and partnerships with businesses that are certified as owned by underrepresented groups, including minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ and disabled individuals. The company is also committed to increasing support for small businesses.

Our Australian business will help contribute to this target through its spend with certified Supply Nation members, noting that all of our ICOE members are Supply Nation certified.

MODERN SLAVERY

We are committed to growing our business in socially responsible ways, we accept that we have a responsibility to respect and create opportunities to advance, human rights as a purchaser of goods and services, as an employer and as a supporter of the communities in which we live and work.

Despite the global challenges associated with COVID-19, we have continued to work on developing a Modern Slavery Framework into our supply chain to assess and address modern slavery risks and build awareness across the business in Australia. Our parent company, CBRE Group Inc, has published five modern slavery statements in the UK and this is the first for our Australian business.

We will continue to develop our Modern Slavery Framework and processes and take further steps to collaborate with our clients, suppliers and employees to protect human rights in our business, industry and the community.

Access our Modern Slavery Statement 2020 here.