ESG
Vanbarton Group recognizes that our investment and management decisions directly impact the environment, our employee and tenant well-being, and surrounding communities. By embedding ESG best practices into our corporate, advisory, investment, and management activities, we strive to make a positive difference.
The following foundational elements are regularly incorporated into Vanbarton’s ESG initiatives. These principles serve as pillars to a more effective and accountable ESG Program.
Vanbarton employs a systematic approach to ESG implementation starting with annual asset-level ESG reviews. The team refers to Vanbarton’s ESG best practices, which align with certain green building certification principles and industry-recognized best practices, to identify feasible initiatives to improve building performance and the occupant experience. Low-intensity, prescriptive baseline measures have also been established, and the ESG Committee reviews alignment with these measures on an annual basis. Properties are benchmarked annually, and ENERGY STAR certification is pursued for any eligible asset. In 2022, Vanbarton earned ENERGY STAR certification for eight buildings, making us an official member of Certification Nation, which is a one-time recognition in celebration of ENERGY STAR’s 30th anniversary. The firm also manages LEED certified assets and commits to certifying new construction projects to a minimum of LEED Gold.
Providing the team with access to a range of solutions and information sources ensures a continual flow of knowledge and data that will inform ESG decisions throughout the investment process. This includes data management and tracking systems, training for the team on pertinent ESG topics and efficient operational processes, and guidance and engagement with industry groups, third-party experts, and stakeholders. Regular cross-functional engagement to discuss ESG matters supports the firm’s long-term goal of incorporating ESG into the fabric of the firm and brings additional accountability to the ESG Program.
ESG is rapidly evolving, and Vanbarton is committed to establishing a structure that will support the evolution and advancement of our ESG program and considerations.