Toronto – Avison Young’s 2020 ESG and Wellness Report released today reflects a year where environmental, social and governance tenets became increasingly fundamental to how the firm advises clients and delivers on its own purpose to create real economic, social and environmental value, powered by people.

“With the pandemic putting enormous strain on everyone around the world, we looked for ways to help our people, clients and communities navigate the crisis and move forward with confidence,” said Mark E. Rose, Chair and CEO of Avison Young. “Our ESG strategy is grounded in our belief in the positive impact commercial real estate can make in people’s lives and guided the ways in which we worked on behalf of our people and our clients to improve the sustainability and resilience of businesses, economies and communities throughout the year and beyond.”

From the onset of the pandemic, Avison Young was guided by its values and commitment to put the wellbeing of staff and clients at the heart of its response. This in keeping with the firm’s ESG strategy, which is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world’s blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future. Of the SDGs where it can make its greatest contribution, Avison Young is working toward change and action in good health and social justice, and sustainable cities and responsible consumption.

“We were primed to be responsive to the moment in 2020, strengthening many of our ESG systems, standards, programs and inhouse capabilities,” said Amy Erixon, President of Global Investment Management and head of the firm’s Global Citizenship group. “We are now focused on setting measurable goals aligned to global frameworks such as the SDGs, GRESB, and Principles for Responsible Investment.”

As part of the SDG alignment, the firm is also committed to advancing clean energy and climate action. In 2020, the firm signed on to the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment to make its U.K. operations net zero carbon by 2030. It has also adopted for support Nature-based Solutions and the Paris Agreement as evidence of the threats posed by climate change mounts, presenting risks and opportunities for those invested in, or occupying, real estate.

Along with providing more in-depth ESG education and training to Avison Young employees, the firm continues to add dedicated professionals to deliver diverse technical expertise and sustainability products and services for clients, including ESG strategy and reporting; net zero carbon and climate risk assessment and strategy; and health and wellbeing consultancy for occupiers, developers and landlords.