CB Richard Ellis building CSR pedigree one home at a time

CBRE Cares program at work in New Orleans

When it comes to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) I think there is good logic in sticking with what you know best when applicable, if for example your company imports agricultural goods/foodstuff it makes great sense to build a CSR plan that incorporates sustainable farming and furthering the cause for reasonable work standards and salaries for those who work on the farms. Stephen Covey has written numerous books about effectiveness in the workplace but the one quote that remains with me is “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing” while that’s outrageously simple I do think some companies miss that opportunity when developing a CSR strategy that can be more in keeping with the nature of their overall business.

I read that CB Richard Ellis *(CBRE) have designated the month of September to their community ‘buildmonth’ for 2010 as part of their “Get Out and Give Back” program. In simple terms the national program is designed to work with various shelter programs to construct new housing and drive affordable home ownership within low-income communities where the stimulus is greatly needed. Such affiliation makes perfect sense for CBRE who are generally recognized as the world’s largest real estate firm with operating revenue of over $4 billion per year and more than 29,000 employees globally. CBRE have established themselves as an industry leader in corporate responsibility having been recognized for various accomplishments in recent years and they also expect to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010. The home building project falls under their ‘CBRE Cares’ program and the company is excited that the program impacts so many cities and regions throughout the country. Chris Kirk the global director of HR at the company adds:

“BuildMonth represents an ideal opportunity for our professionals to roll up their sleeves and help make a difference in the communities in which they live and work. From New York to San Diego and numerous cities in between, CBRE will continue to support those in need with the same respect, integrity, service and excellence we deliver to our clients everyday”

CBRE have partnered with shelter charitable limitations such as Rebuilding Together, Home Aid and Habitat for Humanity to make this year’s project as far reaching as possible. This collaboration allows the company to more effectively manage the investment of resources and volunteers to preserve, build or revitalize housing options in more low income communities. CBRE employees from 15 different states will take time off this month to assist with BuildMonth 2010 with the company offering paid time off to allow their participation. You can learn far more about the CBRE Cares program and Shelter via their corporate site I would also encourage you to view this video about their recent build day in New Orleans with over 200 volunteers.

HomeAid is a leading national nonprofit provider of housing for homeless families and individuals assisting with housing projects in 20 locations in 15 different states. For more information about HomeAid, call 1.888.3HOMEAID or visit http://homeaid.org.

Rebuilding Together is the largest nonprofit organization in the US that works to preserve affordable homeownership and neighborhood revitalization which is accomplished via repairs and renovations being conducted for free. Over 10,000 homes and nonprofit sites have been repaired or renovated annually.  For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org.