GlobeSt.com: What is the mandate for this newposition?
Jordan: We're mirroring what we're seeing in the market and theeconomy in general--which because of environmental, social andportfolio sustainability--are intertwined and really require asystems-thinking approach. Our consulting services help with thatsystems thinking, [to allow an] overall [corporate workplace andinfrastructure] that makes sense for the employees, the coststructure, and the corporate mission. We're the integrator of avariety of functions, to set strategic direction for leadingcorporate real estate organizations.

GlobeSt.com: The group is about a year old--how has itevolved?
Jordan: We did start working on our internal sustainabilitybefore that. We wanted to make sure we were practicing what wepreached. We've looked for opportunities to reduce the carbonfootprint of our clients--we have worked to bring more greenexpertise to our building process by familiarizing people withgreen operations and maintenance issues, and green constructionstandards and practices. We're continuing to build capabilities tohelp clients understand the importance of maintaining buildingsystems in an efficient manner, working on workplacesustainabilities. We're taking a holistic view of thesustainability equation to include how employees work in theirspace, and how much space is needed. Occupancy planning has been aproblem in real estate on the corporate side for a long time, andthere is even more urgency now--vacancy drives up property costsand energy costs. With the rising price of energy and loomingcarbon pricing, those issues are front and center for corporations.We're working with our clients to help them understand what to doon this, and how a holistic view goes beyond facilities,infrastructure and energy.

GlobeSt.com: Is that true globally?
Jordan: It depends on the governing body. A global corporationbased in the United States is going to be making a differenceregardless of where you are. Those same corporations are strugglingwith doing the right thing while doing the right thing by theirshareholders. We have looked at green building policies andstandards around the world to help our clients understand themarket forces for their peer companies, local regulatory trends andadoption of green building standards and where those are trendingaround the world. …