A SOURCE OF LIFE
Why trees? Most of us are aware of the positive impact of trees on our lives and will openly admit that they are the foundation of the ecosystem and the future of our planet. However, few of us realise what exactly trees give us. A single tree produces as much oxygen in a year as a human inhales in two years. Between 60 and 200+ grams of oxygen pass through our lungs daily, depending on our physical activity. No wonder then, the Amazon is called the lungs of our planet. In the contemporary world, trees have plenty of work to do – a single vehicle turns as much oxygen into exhaust fumes within an hour as 800 people inhale in the same period. Despite the growth in electric vehicles, the current afforestation of our planet still represents a huge challenge. We should not forget the enormous amount of carbon dioxide produced by power plants, factories or jet aircraft. Photosynthesis greatly reduces the greenhouse effect and stabilises the Earth’s climate. Trees also act as natural air-conditioners by cooling the air on hot days. Even five air-conditioners working non-stop will not be able to match a single tree for efficiency.
A TREE AS A SYMBOL OF THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL FOR THE SECTOR
“At Cushman & Wakefield we believe that real estate should be sustainable, and that is why we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and to balancing environmental, technological, economic and social objectives. We intend to use renewable energy and safeguard water resources. We want to focus on using more durable materials and recycling, and we remain guided by respect for the biodiversity of buildings’ surroundings,” says Krzysztof Misiak, Head of Cushman & Wakefield Poland.
“The challenge for our industry is not to talk about sustainability, but to take real action and make plans that will gradually set a new direction of travel for the real estate sector in the long term,” adds Joanna Buczkowska, Head of Administration, Cushman & Wakefield.
Statistics do not make optimistic reading – cities cover only 3% of the planet’s surface yet consume 78% of energy and produce 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. More than nine out of ten people live where air pollution levels exceed WHO limits. The construction industry accounts for 36% of worldwide energy usage. Buildings consume 1/6 of all freshwater, 1/4 of the world’s wood harvest, and 2/5 of all other raw materials.
It is vital that the industrial market, which has been growing at pace in recent years, takes account of environmental issues in its expansion. On the plus side, a growing number of developers are seeking green certification for their projects, recognising the impact of their buildings on the environment. Sustainable warehouse solutions are discussed in detail in Cushman & Wakefield’s Industrial Goes Green report, which also presents the findings from the firm’s pioneering, in-depth industrial market survey of sustainable solutions in industrial buildings.
At Cushman & Wakefield we continuously set new, ambitious targets for sustainable growth to build a better future for the next generations. We reduce our environmental impact by implementing global and local initiatives on managing energy consumption, GHG emissions, water consumption, waste production, and environmental compliance.
Globally, between 2019-2020, Cushman & Wakefield achieved:
• a 1.1% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions,
• a 2.5% absolute reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions, and
• a 14% reduction in total scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per million square feet (MSF) of office space.
Globally, between 2019-2020, Cushman & Wakefield achieved:
• a 1.1% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions,
• a 2.5% absolute reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions, and
• a 14% reduction in total scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per million square feet (MSF) of office space.