BentallGreenOak Gives Back: Q&A with CFO Richard Crofts

The Chicago office of BentallGreenOak recently participated in Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Build Day in the Far South Side’s West Pullman neighborhood. Through its Corporate Caring program, the company funded high-efficiency windows, insulation, tankless water heaters and other sustainable building materials.

Connect Media caught up with BentallGreenOak CFO Richard Crofts on the impetus behind the company’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Green Homes, in Chicago and other cities.

Q: Why is BentallGreenOak partnering with Habitat for Humanity on sustainable housing initiatives?

A: Giving back to the community is a key part of our culture at BentallGreenOak. The company and our employees are active in the communities where we operate and live. Working with the Habitat for Humanity Green Homes initiative gives us the opportunity to uphold our commitment to sustainability beyond our own buildings. In Chicago, and other cities throughout North America, our teams are helping low- to moderate-income families achieve affordable homeownership in homes that are designed to maximize energy efficiency – in turn helping families to lower their utility bills and reduce their impact on the environment.

Q: What role can real estate companies play in leading the world into a more sustainable future?

A: Real estate companies have a tremendous opportunity to lead the world into a more sustainable future. Consider that the built environment accounts for about 40% of global energy use, and approximately 30% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Just imagine the impact we could make on the planet by reducing our energy footprint.

We are looking to achieve these reductions not only by investing in sustainable new assets, but also by retrofitting established infrastructure with sustainable features. Refurbishing the built environment will increase property values, reduce energy use and carbon emissions, and provide a strong foundation for other industries to further build upon.

Q: Why is it particularly important to invest in energy-efficient features in affordable housing projects?

A: Numerous studies show the impact that rising temperatures are beginning to have on urban development in a number of cities across the country. And the effects of climate change are disproportionately burdensome to low-income households. By investing in technology to reduce a home’s environmental footprint, we can also drastically improve the financial well-being for residents. Features such as high efficiency windows, tankless water heaters and insulation are long-term investments that can contribute to sustainable energy consumption and help households to reduce the cost of living.

Pictured, above: BentallGreenOak’s Build Day volunteers. Below right: Richard Crofts.

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