Boston — Citing the company’s commitment to lead the real estate industry on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, the Ceres board of directors has approved Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate services and investment management, as a Ceres network company. Jones Lang LaSalle is the first real estate-sector firm among more than 70 companies to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges.

Earlier in 2008, the Chicago-based company released its first sustainability report, as well as a Global Sustainability Commitment which includes high level targets and goals for increasing best practices for new building construction, improving building energy consumption, increasing employee sustainability training and education, leveraging supply chain power procurement and measuring carbon emissions. 

“We view sustainability as an essential element of corporate social responsibility. We also strongly believe the pace of the necessary sustainability agenda will accelerate as the revenue growth and cost savings opportunities for companies that incorporate best practices and innovative thinking into their business models take hold,” said Lauralee Martin, chief operating and financial officer of Jones Lang LaSalle. “In our goal to be the real estate industry leader in environmental sustainability and energy management, we are implementing these opportunities into our own operations and those of our corporate and investor clients.  We look forward to working with Ceres, a leader in driving corporate sustainability performance  to enhance financial results.”

In 2007, Jones Lang LaSalle helped companies reduce energy consumption by 210 million kWh, thereby saving $38 million in energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 133,000 metric tons.

“Jones Lang LaSalle’s strong commitment to sustainability is exciting and has potential to transform an entire industry,” said Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres. “The company’s top executives recognize the competitive advantage of making its own internal operations more sustainable, but more importantly, of helping its clients do the same, which will truly impact  the real estate industry as a whole.”

Jones Lang LaSalle clients include many Ceres network companies. The firm was motivated to engage with Ceres to deepen its interaction with stakeholders and expand and formalize its sustainability programs. Companies that join Ceres must make continuous efforts to improve their sustainability performance and overall reporting practices by engaging with investors, environmental groups and other outside stakeholders.

For more information, visit www.ceres.org and www.joneslanglasalle.com.