CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EQ Office, a leader in creating inspiring workplace destinations, today released its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report highlighting the company’s progress on its commitment to preserving local culture, regenerating urban spaces and bringing humanity into the workplace.
“At EQ, our business goes beyond four walls and is rooted in putting people first,” said Charlie Hobey, Managing Director and interim head of ESG at EQ Office. “Every year, it is a central priority to enhance our efforts to inspire the next generation of talent, celebrate diversity, cultivate an inclusive culture and build thriving, eco-friendly communities around the country.”
EQ Office launched its ESG program, EQ Impact, in 2021 to provide access and opportunities for career growth and talent development. Highlights from EQ’s 2021 ESG report include:
1. Social Impact: Preserving local culture
EQ Office expanded its national partnership with YouthBuild USA. Through the partnership, EQ seeks to expand job training, mentorship, and job placement to opportunity youth — young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither in school nor employed — who want a career in real estate or construction-related fields.
EQ Office launched mentorship-to-internship programs in eight cities and supported the transformation of the YouthBuild center in Compton, California into a space where generations can learn and grow. Last year, EQ Office and more than 30 vendors renovated and refurbished Compton YouthBuild, donating 5,516 hours and over $1.2 million in value. The company plans to redevelop another YouthBuild property in 2022.
2. Environmental Impact: Regenerating urban spaces
EQ Office is committed to creating sustainable spaces for tenants, team members, partners and the greater community. In 2021, the company invested $27 million in environmental capital improvements and evaluated each potential investment for its ability to enhance efficiencies, re-use local materials and lower operating costs.
The company’s prioritization of responsible energy, water and waste management and procurement has led to 42 buildings achieving green certifications like Energy Star, LEED or BOMA 360 and 60% of its buildings offering composting. EQ also reduced electricity consumption by 10% across properties and doubled its procurement of clean energy to power 69% of buildings in its portfolio.
3. Governance Impact: Bringing humanity into workplaces
In 2021, over 80% of the company’s vendor searches met Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) standards. Additionally, EQ Office’s DEI Task Force developed a library of educational resources, coordinated multiple events that celebrate diverse heritages and planned a series of DEI workshops to offer all EQ employees in 2022.
For more information on EQ Impact’s ESG program, view the company’s 2nd annual ESG Report here, along with the Executive Summary Report here.
About EQ Office
EQ focuses on the experience of its 20 million square feet - how space feels, activates and performs to amplify the human experience. We're proud to work hand-in-hand with more than 1,500 customers of all sizes, from Fortune 100 companies to emerging startups, to bring humanity back to the workplace. Our diverse team of more than 200 professionals is responsible for creating inspired office environments in major cities across the country including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. As a U.S. office portfolio company wholly owned by Blackstone's real estate funds, we have the resources to lead the changes happening in work space. Explore your space for greatness at www.eqoffice.com.
About YouthBuild USA
With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership. At more than 275 YouthBuild programs across the United States and around the world, students reclaim their education, gain job skills, and become leaders in their communities. To date, YouthBuild has partnered with more than 180,000 young people to dedicate over 50 million hours of service benefitting urban, rural, and tribal communities. YouthBuild strives to create a world where all young people are seen for their potential, and power to transform themselves and their communities. YouthBuild USA — the support center for the YouthBuild movement — strengthens YouthBuild programs through technical assistance, leadership development, innovative program enhancements, and advocacy. YouthBuild programs located outside of the United States are supported by YouthBuild USA’s international division, YouthBuild International. For more information about the YouthBuild movement, YouthBuild USA, and YouthBuild International, visit YouthBuild.org.
