Bricks and mortar meet human touch, as Avison Young teams up with non-profit Women Photograph to capture portraits of progress.

Toronto, ON, Chicago, IL, London, UK - Global commercial real estate advisor, Avison Young, today released its Impact Report, detailing progress made in climate action, diversity, equity and inclusion, and community impact – as a part of its overall ESG vision and strategy.

The report outlines, among its themes, its progress toward net-zero, striving toward a diverse and inclusive workforce, and steps taken toward creating social value and community impact. Key projects highlighted include:

• The firm’s new global headquarters – designed for connectivity, sustainability, and impact. Still in Toronto, the new office is newly located in the world-class TD Centre in the heart of Canada’s financial district;
• The reimagination of the firm’s Manchester workplace, with a focus on inclusion and serenity. Inspired by quiet zones, dimmed lighting, curved edges and biophilic design, the office provides a people-centric experience for all who enter; and
• Avison Young’s initiative to stay on top of emerging government legislation by integrating knowledge into client counsel and support, as evidenced by New York’s Local Law 97 – considered the world’s most ambitious building emissions legislation.

“Layering onto our environmental initiatives, we have also taken great strides toward addressing social challenges. Social value is changing the way we look at urban regeneration projects – and our teams around the world are proactively rising to the occasion,” said Mark Rose, Chair and CEO of Avison Young. “We recognize that no single organization can tackle these complex challenges alone. Collaboration is key to driving sustainable solutions and achieving lasting impacts. In that spirit, we have actively engaged with stakeholders, including government bodies, city leaders, non-profits, and our real estate industry peers.”

The Impact Report and web experience features creative, bold, photography commissioned by Women Photograph, a non-profit that elevates the voices of women and nonbinary visual journalists, ensuring storytellers are as diverse as the communities they represent. Avison Young partnered with Women Photograph because of a shared commitment to shine a light on gender equality in our industries and to support gender-balanced workforces.