Guidance Report
Corporate Sustainability Strategies
September 2024
This guidance report provides strategies for companies to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their corporate structure. From strategic planning to iterative evaluation, the report outlines each step of the ESG implementation process and includes best practices for initial vision and mission statements, materiality assessments, structural integration, budgeting, policymaking and execution, reporting and certifications, and annual review procedurBuilding a credible, durable corporate sustainability program requires more than good intentions — it requires a clear framework, disciplined execution, and ongoing accountability.
VIBE's fourth guidance report, Corporate Sustainability Strategies, is a practical, step-by-step toolkit for real estate companies and organizations at any stage of their ESG journey, from those just getting started to those refining established programs. Published in September 2024, this free report outlines every phase of the ESG implementation process: developing an initial vision and mission, conducting a materiality assessment, integrating sustainability into corporate structure and governance, building a sustainability budget, creating policies, executing programs, navigating certifications, reporting to stakeholders, and conducting annual reviews. Each section includes best practices drawn from real-world experience, making this one of the most actionable corporate sustainability resources available for the commercial real estate sector. The report is designed to help sustainability managers, executives, and board members move from sustainability commitments to verified, measurable performance — addressing the growing demands of investors, regulators, and tenants who are increasingly scrutinizing ESG claims. If your organization is building or strengthening its corporate sustainability strategy and looking for a rigorous, accessible guide grounded in the realities of commercial real estate, this is the resource for you. Download VIBE's corporate sustainability strategies report for free.es.
CREDITS
Lead Author:
Bennett Rea, Editor, VIBE
Author:
Carli Schoenleber, Content and Engagement Specialist, VIBE and Verdani Partners
Research and Editing:
Darian Gore, Research Assistant, VIBE
Content Advisors:
Daniele Horton, Founder and
CEO of Verdani Partners, Founder of VIBE
Mariana Young
Verdani Partners Executive Director of Strategy
Jerry Yudelson, LEED Fellow Emeritus
Project Management:
Paulynn Cue, Project Management, Chief Communications Officer, Verdani Partners.
Julie Jacobson, Executive Director VIBE; Associate Director of ESG, Verdani Partners
Graphic Design:
Cassandra Taylor, Lead Designer, Template Creator, Verdani Partners
Luciana Aguiarde Aquino Manhaes, Lead Designer, VIBE.
Joshua Paul Gaces
Sponsor: Verdani Partners and seeking additional sponsorship
Special Thanks: Ritu Rajashekar (contributing author), Kara Edmonson, Jennifer Newfield, Seth Kamphoefner, Dana Weiss, Kristen Wernick, Ying Mo, Samantha Varela, Katie Teare, Gabe John, Kelsey Ceccarelli, Jamie Bemis
Volunteers: Carolina Guzman, Abbey Serio, David Shi, Alex Siu, Olivia Bain, Carly Trattner, Ann Natunewicz, Maya Noesen, Ansar Mohammed