Bentall Kennedy Ranked 1st in Americas and 5th Globally for ESG Performance in Commercial Real Estate

TORONTO, September 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Global survey measures environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and accountability among public and private real estate managers

Bentall Kennedy, one of North America's largest independent real estate investment advisors, earned the top spot on the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Foundation's survey report as the highest-ranking fund manager in the Americas. Bentall Kennedy is also identified #5 on the GRESB's "Global Top Ten" list, according to the survey, which measures the social and environmental performance of listed and private property funds.

The GRESB Foundation's 2011 research report is based on a global survey of 340 of the world's largest property funds. The survey captures over 50 science-based data points that gather information on sustainable management practices and policies, and implementation and measurement of energy consumption, water consumption, waste collection, recycling, CO₂ emissions, and on employee training programs and remuneration policies.

The GRESB is an initiative of some of the worlds largest institutional investors with the stated goal of increasing transparency in environmental and social practices in the property sector.

"Bentall Kennedy has earned the top place in the Americas and was ranked among the global leaders in sustainability. This initiative, which is endorsed by 18 of the world's leading institutional investors, rewards actions and measurable performance. Bentall Kennedy has achieved 'Green Star' status, as they have an integrated approach towards measurement and management of key performance indicators, as well as focusing on reduction of resource consumption, and innovation beyond energy efficiency, but also addressing related issues such as productivity and behaviour," said Dr. Nils Kok, Executive Director of the GRESB Foundation.

"We are very gratified with the findings of the study and the increased emphasis that it will place on the importance of sustainable practices in real estate investment and management. This global study will allow investors and tenants to identify and partner with the world's leaders in sustainable and responsible property investment and management," said Gary Whitelaw, Chief Executive Officer for the Bentall Kennedy Group.

"These results are a direct reflection of our clients, tenants, and employees, who are committed to best practices and continuous improvement in responsible property investing. We see ESG as a catalyst for innovation and improved performance," said Whitelaw.

About Bentall Kennedy
Bentall Kennedy is one of North America's largest real estate investment advisors and one of its foremost providers of real estate services. Bentall Kennedy serves the interests of more than 400 clients across 135 million square feet of office, retail, industrial, hotel, and apartment properties totaling CND$24 billion throughout Canada and the U.S. Bentall Kennedy has a 100-year track record of delivering superior returns and a reputation for integrity, innovation and creating value. Bentall Kennedy is a member of UN PRI and is a recognized global leader in Responsible Property Investing.

For more information, visit http://www.bentallkennedy.com.

About the GRESB Foundation:
The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Foundation, an initiative of some of the world's largest institutional investors (representing US$1.7 trillion in assets under management), leading academics and industry bodies, provides a science-based sustainability benchmark for commercial property portfolios; a tool with which institutional investors can start a dialogue on social and environmental issues with their real estate managers.

For more information and to download the report, visit http://www.gresb.com.

For further information:

Giselle Gagnon, Vice President, National Real Estate Services, Bentall Kennedy +1-416-679-2326 or ggagnon@bentallkennedy.com

Or

Christian Gunter, Vice President, Responsible Property Investing, Bentall Kennedy +1-206-623-4739 or cgunter@bentallkennedy.com