Increasingly, companies are addressing sustainability issues in the real estate sector, which is under a lot of pressure due to the large footprint of the sector. Regulation, market expectations and ESG risks are rapidly changing the way companies operate. JLL as a full-service real estate feels it is a necessity to have a sustainability consulting department.
The topic of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) in real estate is evolving rapidly and the real estate sector will have to go through a number of changes to meet the EU’s climate ambitions. Companies will face many challenges as sustainability initiatives and regulations focus on the whole supply chain. Both landlords and tenants are affected and need to take major steps. New regulations and initiatives can be a big challenge for companies in the property market and we see a lot of demand for this type of service to help guide companies.
Steffen Walvius, Head of Sustainability Services at JLL, commented on the global changes to address sustainability: “I see more companies jump on the sustainability bandwagon. When I started, it was just the top performers that had an environmental strategy and reporting systems in place. Now, many other companies are beginning to realize it is not a trend, but critical to address environmental and social issues. The stakeholder pressure, risk mitigation and increased regulation move all investors to strongly focus on ESG issues. Also, local players in the CEE want these services because they realise regulations are coming in hard, and also want to be able to serve regulated stakeholders.”
That’s why JLL is one step ahead of the curve and, under the leadership of Steffen Walvius (Head of Sustainability Services), has created a comprehensive team to offer clients corporate ESG consulting, portfolio sustainability assessments, and strategic advice for green and healthy buildings. This makes JLL the only company in Central and Eastern Europe to have such a large dedicated team focused on sustainability services for real estate. JLL still hiring to grow the team of in-house JLL’ers in Prague that deliver and coordinate a wider group of specialists across CEE.
Part of the international team is Steffen Walvius (Head of Sustainability Services) Martin Vejrazka (Associate Director Sustainability Services), Tomas Pospichal (Senior Sustainability Engineer), Michaela Loova (Junior Sustainability Engineer), Stefanie Schmidt (Sustainability Consultant), Attila Kopanyi (Sustainability Engineer), Celeste Cai (Sustainability Trainee).
What is the forecast for the coming year: “The demand for sustainability services in the real estate sector is big. JLL understands this and is heavily investing in growing these capabilities. Thanks to this attitude, we can grow the team like we are. I would not be surprised if, by the end of 2023, we have a team of 30+ specialists. The clients are asking for it, and we must ensure to keep up with the demand.“
