Energy and Sustainability Director

CBRE is seeking a Global Head of Sustainability in London to lead the FM-related Sustainability program for a banking sector client. The role involves developing and implementing sustainability strategies, driving energy efficiency, and engaging stakeholders. Responsibilities include overseeing ESG initiatives, reporting on sustainability performance, and collaborating with various teams to achieve net zero goals. The position requires strong leadership and expertise in sustainability practices.
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions is a leading global provider of integrated facilities and corporate real estate management. We are recruiting a Global Head of Sustainability to join the team in London. The purpose of the role is to lead the FM related Sustainability programme for a global client operating in the banking sector. Blending client facing strategic engagement and policy development with leading specific ESG related programmes of work, the Global Head of Sustainability will be responsible for leading an ESG based net zero program. The Head of Sustainability will engage with the customer and the FM delivery team to shape strategy and define net zero transition workstreams which align with published commitments and mitigate transition risk

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Sustainability Strategy for the clients Global Real Estate portfolio, across all functions/specialisms:
• Utilising expertise from CBRE and industry best practice, develop, maintain and apply a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with the client’s goals and industry best practices
• Identify and prioritise sustainability objectives, targets, and initiatives across the real estate, facilities management, and project management service delivery lines
• Drive continuous improvement by monitoring progress against the plan, tracking progress, and reporting on strategic initiatives (i.e., delivery of energy retrofit projects, adoption of green leases)

2. Sustainable Practices Implementation:
• Lead the design and implementation of sustainable practices, programmes, processes and technologies across the account and throughout the client’s real estate, facilities management, and project management teams
• Drive the implementation of the 2050 net zero plan
• Create and apply a governance and guidance system for the programme, including standards, guidance notes and playbooks (this being a mix of CBRE and the client documentation)
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and other sustainable measures across the portfolio
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability considerations into BAU real estate, construction, and operations processes (i.e., site acquisition criteria)

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
• Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, vendors, regulatory bodies and research organisations
• Act as a subject matter expert on sustainability, providing guidance and support to CBRE teams and client stakeholders
• Support occupier engagement with sustainability initiatives through planning events and other engagement campaigns
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and sustainability-related initiatives

4. Reporting and Benchmarking:
• Develop and implement robust measurement and reporting frameworks to assess the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on sustainability performance, goals, and progress for internal and external stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for benchmarking and sharing best practices across the account, and where desired by the client, within the industry
• Provide input to indices such as DJSI, FTSE4Good an MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes where required by the client

Experience Required
• A broad understanding of all aspects of energy and sustainability within the Real Estate sector
• Experience of working with GHG disclosure programmes such as SECR, CDP, and GRI
• Experience or understanding of Science Based Targets, RE100, EP100, EV100 and similar
• A systemic thinker with the ability to drive collaboration across a wide range of stakeholders in multiple geographies and with varying competencies
• A competent communicator with the ability to engage on often challenging subjects to develop competencies and generate shared purpose
• Technical competent in understanding complex problems, think strategically and identify sustainable solutions
• Ability to analyse corporate portfolio performance by benchmarking and derive measurements of performance reflecting all aspects of sustainability

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

No agencies please.

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