A Groundbreaking Tool for Advancing and Measuring CRE Supplier Diversity

Originally published on February 2, 2023, by Brielle Scott for NAIOP E-Newsletter.

NAIOP, in conjunction with the Commercial Real Estate Diverse Supplier (CREDS) Consortium, has debuted the commercial real estate industry’s first collaborative supplier diversity initiative, helping to advance member companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives. NAIOP chapter leaders from across North America had the opportunity to learn more about the program this week at the Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat in Washington, D.C.

“We talk a lot about ESG as an element that guides corporate policies and investing strategies,” said Duane J. Desiderio, senior vice president and counsel for The Real Estate Roundtable, who spoke at the session. He said most companies are familiar with the ”e” in ESG – company policies related to environmental regulations, energy usage, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, etc.

But when it comes to the “s” or social aspect of ESG, “That’s where we heard from our members we needed to get involved,” Desiderio said. “What are the metrics for social impact in a company?”

The Real Estate Roundtable is one of seven real estate trade associations participating in the CREDS Consortium, joined by NAIOP, ICSC, Mortgage Bankers Association, NAREIT, National Multifamily Housing Council and CREW Network.

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