Cushman & Wakefield publishes its ESG report

07 October 2022

Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield has released its Environmental, Social and Governance report covering its activities during 2021.

ESG refers to the firm’s strategy and efforts across key areas of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. Cushman & Wakefield’s report takes stock of global initiatives and efforts in implementing its ESG strategy and measuring progress toward set targets. The report showcases how Cushman & Wakefield’s efforts in the above areas contribute to sustainable development and impact the business and natural environment.

The firm’s top priorities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing the needs, health and safety of company employees, embracing diversity, maintaining high standards of business ethics and preventing corruption.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Between 2019 and 2021, Cushman & Wakefield achieved an 8.6% absolute reduction in GHG emissions and 13% reduction per 1 million square feet (92,903.04 sq m). It also formed a Global Sustainability Taskforce to develop a strategy around further sustainability initiatives.

Cushman & Wakefield has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and to engage clients whose operations represent 70% of CO2 emissions at properties managed by the firm across the globe.

A responsible business

To further promote corporate social responsibility, Cushman & Wakefield has implemented many ethics and compliance policies and training programmes. In 2021, 92% of employees completed its mandatory Global Code of Business Conduct training. Corporate social responsibility measures also include raising employee awareness of best practices, mandatory compliance with laws and supporting a diverse workplace free from discrimination, and conflicts of interest management in line with RICS standards – Cushman & Wakefield is a RICS regulated firm.

Running a responsible business comprises a range of elements: necessary procedures, innovations and optimizations that minimize the environmental footprint. As a company, to effectively prevent risks at properties under our management, we use the right tools and care about all our stakeholders: real estate tenants, investors, visitors and company employees. To further enhance our solutions in place, we have launched an innovative in-house entrepreneurship programme. Further, as part of our compliance measures, our financial processes in property management for our clients have been ISAE3402 certified. In addition, we continually update our proptech solutions and listen to the needs of our employees and clients,

comments Zuzanna Paciorkiewicz, International Partner, Co-Head of Asset Services CEE, Cushman & Wakefield.

Cushman & Wakefield promotes diversity and inclusion across the globe

Corporate social responsibility – one of the priorities in Cushman & Wakefield’s strategy – is pursued by creating an inclusive culture. Out of approximately 50,000 employees globally, 40% are women. The proportion of women among managers across the organisation is at 42% while women represent 22% of executives and 40% of board directors (compared to 19% and 33% in 2020, respectively).

At Cushman & Wakefield, Millennials/Gen Y make up the largest cohort of employees (44.4%), followed by Generation X (33.6%). Employees aged over 57 and under 25 years account for 17% and 4.9%, respectively.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe and rewarding work environment that enables our employees to do their best work and engage in their communities. We operate with high standards of ethics set out in our Global Code of Business Conduct and are focused on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across our organisation and the real estate industry,

adds Anna Trochim, Head of HR, Cushman & Wakefield.

Wellbeing

Cushman & Wakefield is gradually adapting its offices to the requirements of WELL certification. Changes concern not only office space, but also the firm’s policies, organisation of training programmes, events and direct employee assistance.

As regards employee wellbeing, Cushman & Wakefield’s activities cover all areas of wellbeing, including physical, mental, social, emotional and economic factors. Such efforts are taken continuously both globally and locally. Additionally, employees are provided with support in extraordinary circumstances presented by COVID-19 and other unforeseen financial and personal hardships through the firm’s Global Employee Assistance Fund.

For employee wellbeing, Cushman & Wakefield has enhanced and updated its proprietary Experience per Square Foot survey tool to deliver more precise and timely insights on the pandemic’s impact on wellbeing in the workplace. In 2021, it completed 66,600+ health and safety training courses, amounting to a total of 36,400+ hours of employee training.

Click here to read the full report.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 50,000 employees in 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2021, the firm had revenue of $9.4 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com

Karolina Samczyńska

Head of Marketing and Sales Enablement, Poland at Cushman & Wakefield