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JLL's Business Continuity and ESG Initiatives: A Comprehensive Overview

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Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and business continuity are both increasingly important to risk management and compliance discussions1. When ESG and business continuity join forces, the results can be beneficial for both disciplines – and for the organization overall1. This report delves into JLL's (Jones Lang LaSalle) business continuity and ESG initiatives, examining their strategies, impact, and outlook. JLL is a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. With a global presence and comprehensive service offerings, JLL plays a significant role in shaping the commercial real estate landscape.

ESG Initiatives and Outlook

JLL recognizes the increasing importance of ESG in the real estate sector and has integrated sustainability into its corporate governance procedures2. The company's commitment to ESG is evident in its Sustainability Framework, which focuses on three key areas:





Area of Focus

Description

Key Initiatives

Climate Action

Reducing environmental impact and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Green building certifications, decarbonization strategies, ESG reporting and data management, biodiversity protection.

Healthy Spaces

Creating healthy and sustainable workspaces for employees and clients.

Promoting safe and healthy workplaces, improving health and safety culture.

Inclusive Places

Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and the communities it serves.

Ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity, supporting supplier diversity.

Climate Action

JLL is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions for all its direct operations by 2030, in line with the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) commitment3. They aim to achieve this through various initiatives, including:

  • Green Building Certifications: JLL actively pursues green building certifications for its offices, with 60% of offices over 10,000 square feet already certified3. The goal is to achieve 100% certification by 2030.
  • Decarbonization Strategies: JLL provides decarbonization strategies to clients in the commercial real estate (CRE) sector, assisting them in reducing their environmental impact4.
  • Protecting Biodiversity: JLL realizes that its best opportunity to protect biodiversity may be to promote practices that preserve and protect nature through its supply chain and client services3.

Evolving ESG reporting requirements demand more credible ESG data and improved internal processes for data collection and management3. JLL remains focused on improving its ESG data quality through efforts including conducting data quality assessments, updating the models used to guide emission reduction strategies, and completing a Double Materiality Assessment3.

Responsible Procurement

JLL is committed to responsible procurement practices and minimizing environmental impact throughout its supply chain. This is demonstrated through the following initiatives:

  • Global ESG Sourcing & Procurement Policy: This policy sets out how JLL expects suppliers to contribute to its ESG and sustainability objectives5.
  • Supplier Lifecycle Management Framework: This framework helps JLL understand, address, manage, and monitor supply chain risks throughout the procurement lifecycle2. This includes evaluating suppliers for risk, modern slavery, and ESG requirements2.

ESG Outlook

JLL acknowledges that ESG is an evolving field and remains committed to continuous improvement6. The company actively reviews its ESG policies and practices to align with updated standards and stakeholder expectations. JLL's focus on ESG is driven by various factors, including: 3

  • Regulatory Requirements: New ESG disclosure requirements are influencing the information JLL reports to stakeholders and the underlying data and processes3.
  • Customer Demand: There is a growing demand for sustainable and resilient buildings from tenants and investors in the commercial real estate industry. Regulatory bodies and customers are pushing for sustainable and transparent supply chains, leading to transformations in pricing, procurement, and operations7.

Business Continuity

JLL has a robust business continuity program designed to ensure the continued operation of its key business activities in the event of disruptions8. The program takes advantage of the company's geographically dispersed workforce and utilizes technology to enable remote work8. Key considerations of JLL's business continuity program include: 8





Consideration

Description

Employee safety

Strategies and communication protocols to ensure employee safety during disruptions.

Risk analysis

Financial and operational risk analysis to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Mission-critical systems

Identification of mission-critical systems and processes to prioritize recovery efforts.

Communication

Systems and telecommunications availability or alternative communication methods to maintain contact with stakeholders.

Leadership coordination

Board of Directors and Executive Management communication and coordination to ensure effective decision-making.

Stakeholder communication

Client, employee, and media communications and notifications to keep stakeholders informed.

Technology Recovery Program

JLL has a Technology Recovery Program managed by the Global Technology Recovery Program Manager, who reports to the SVP, Global Risk, Compliance, and Recovery9. This program includes plans for the continuity of regional and global technology teams and the services they deliver to clients and employees. It also encompasses system recovery plans for all mission-critical technology systems9.

Workplace Continuity Planning

JLL recognizes the unique challenges posed by events like the COVID-19 pandemic and provides resources for business leaders to address potential impacts on workplace and workforce performance10. These resources include guidance on remote working programs, strategies for maintaining productivity during disruptions, and considerations for employee safety and well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for business continuity planning because it had no geographic center, its impact was dynamically shifting without regard to borders, and it spread from human to human11.

Business Continuity Plan for Investment Banking

JLL has a specific business continuity plan for its investment banking division12. This plan considers any event, internal or external, that disrupts the company's ability to utilize its mission-critical systems or perform its mission-critical functions12. The plan includes provisions for alternative work locations and communication strategies to maintain operations during disruptions12.

Case Studies

While specific case studies explicitly focusing on business continuity were not found in publicly accessible resources, JLL's website and industry publications offer examples of how the company has helped clients improve their ESG performance13.

ESG Case Study: Global Insurance Firm

JLL assisted a global insurance firm in understanding the investment risks and benefits associated with their ESG strategy14. The project involved developing a cash flow modeling system to assess the financial implications of various decarbonization pathways for 80 properties across five European countries14. This case study highlights JLL's expertise in quantifying the financial impact of ESG initiatives and supporting clients in making informed investment decisions.

Benefits for Business Development and Customer Service

JLL's ESG and business continuity initiatives offer several benefits for business development and customer service:

  • Attracting and Retaining Clients: JLL's commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices resonates with clients who prioritize ESG3. This can lead to increased client acquisition and retention.
  • Enhanced Brand Reputation: ESG initiatives enhance JLL's brand reputation and position the company as a leader in sustainable real estate solutions15.
  • Improved Employee Engagement: A strong ESG focus can attract and retain talent, as employees increasingly seek to work for companies with a purpose2.
  • Increased Operational Efficiency: Sustainability initiatives often lead to improved operational efficiency and cost savings, benefiting both JLL and its clients16. Properties with robust ESG ratings see direct financial benefits, including operational savings, increased productivity, and enhanced tenant retention16.
  • Risk Mitigation: Business continuity planning helps mitigate risks associated with disruptions, ensuring continued service delivery and client satisfaction8.

Customer Desires

Customer demand for ESG and business continuity considerations is increasing in the commercial real estate industry17. Key customer desires include:

  • Sustainable Buildings: Tenants and investors are seeking buildings with strong ESG credentials, including energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and healthy indoor environments18. Tenants want spaces that reflect their ESG goals and policies18.
  • Resilient Workspaces: Businesses are prioritizing workspaces that can withstand disruptions and ensure business continuity19.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Customers expect transparency and accountability from real estate companies regarding their ESG performance20.

Softwares, Consultants, and Partnerships

JLL utilizes various software solutions, consultants, and partnerships to support its ESG and business continuity efforts:

Softwares

  • IBM Envizi ESG Suite: This software helps JLL manage and report ESG data, supporting decarbonization strategies and meeting reporting requirements4.

Consultants

  • Internal Sustainability Experts: JLL has a dedicated team of sustainability experts who provide consulting services to clients22.
  • Third-Party Experts: JLL engages with third-party experts for ESG due diligence and to further examine ESG risks and opportunities6.

Partnerships

  • IBM: JLL partners with IBM to deliver sustainability solutions using IBM Envizi technology4.
  • GRESB: JLL is a GRESB Partner, demonstrating its commitment to ESG reporting and benchmarking23.
  • World Green Building Council (WorldGBC): JLL is committed to the WorldGBC's net-zero carbon emissions goal3.

Conclusion

JLL is actively engaged in a range of business continuity and ESG initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company's comprehensive approach encompasses climate action, healthy spaces, inclusive places, and robust business continuity planning. JLL leverages technology, partnerships, and a dedicated team of experts to support its efforts and meet evolving stakeholder expectations.

JLL's business continuity program is designed to minimize disruptions and ensure continued service delivery to clients. The program leverages the company's mobile workforce and their ability to work remotely, enhancing its adaptability and resilience8.

JLL is working to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, which is 10 years ahead of the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign's target15. This commitment, along with its other ESG initiatives, positions JLL as a leader in the evolving landscape of sustainable real estate. However, the company faces potential challenges in meeting the increasing demand for sustainable buildings and managing the complexities of ESG reporting and data management.

Despite these challenges, JLL's proactive approach to ESG and business continuity creates opportunities for growth and strengthens its position in the market. By continuing to innovate and adapt to evolving customer demands and regulatory requirements, JLL can further enhance its sustainability performance and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

Works cited

  1. Business Continuity Meet ESG: Why It's Time to Work Together - Riskonnect, accessed January 19, 2025, https://riskonnect.com/business-continuity-resilience/business-continuity-esg-work-together/
  2. JLL ESG Performance Report 2022, accessed January 19, 2025, https://s202.q4cdn.com/536608393/files/doc_downloads/investor_toolkit/2023/jll-esg-performance-report-2022.pdf
  3. JLL ESG Performance Report 2023, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.jll.co.uk/content/dam/jll-com/documents/pdf/other/global/jll-esg-performance-report-2023.pdf
  4. JLL and IBM Collaborate on ESG Reporting and Data Management Solution for Commercial Properties, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/en/newsroom/jll-and-ibm-collaborate-on-esg-reporting-and-data-management-solution-for-commercial-properties
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  8. October 2017 - JLL, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/content/dam/jll-com/images/company-information/Business-Continuty.pdf
  9. Technology Recovery Program | JLL, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/content/dam/jll-com/images/company-information/JLL-Technology-Recovery-Program.pdf
  10. Coronavirus (COVID-19) business continuity planning - JLL, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/en/coronavirus-resources/workplace-continuity-planning
  11. COVID-19: 8 key considerations for workplace continuity - JLL, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/en/views/covid-19-8-key-considerations-for-workplace-continuity
  12. Business continuity plan - JLL, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/en/invest-in-real-estate/investment-banking/business-continuity-plan
  13. JLL Client Stories and Customer Success, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.jll.com/en/client-stories
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  15. How JLL approaches its ESG strategy - | Governance Intelligence, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.governance-intelligence.com/esg/how-jll-approaches-its-esg-strategy
  16. The Strategic Advantage of ESG in commercial real estate - Equiem, accessed January 19, 2025, https://getequiem.com/blog/the-strategic-advantage-of-esg-in-commercial-real-estate
  17. ESG In Commercial Real Estate - Smarter Technologies, accessed January 19, 2025, https://smartertechnologies.com/blog/esg-in-commercial-real-estate/
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