Toronto, ON and Chicago, IL – Avison Young is further demonstrating its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals by today announcing the appointment of Brandy Burdeniuk as Director of ESG, North America.

“Brandy will lead the delivery of our global mandate to North America, where clients increasingly expect ESG to factor into all real estate and investment counsel,” said Jon Gibson, Global Director, ESG. “In this newly created role, Brandy will ensure environmental, sustainable, social impact and resilient practices are at the forefront of both Avison Young’s internal operations as well as client consultancy and embedded service offerings. There is no one better suited for this role; Brandy brings incredible passion, unmatched energy and deep experience to this space.”

Based in Toronto, Burdeniuk’s oversight of the ESG strategy in North America will include identifying innovative projects and partnerships, and designing go-to-market strategies for the firm’s sustainability service offerings. She will develop and support goals that help clients future-proof businesses around climate action, governance, wellbeing and sustainability – while working closely with colleagues around the world to deliver consistent, aligned approaches. Burdeniuk will set measurable data-driven goals and align North American metrics to global frameworks, demonstrating the positive impact real estate can have on lives.

Burdeniuk brings nearly 20 years of real estate strategy and public policy experience. She is well-known for her client-first approach, and for simplifying and energizing difficult, complex topics. Burdeniuk has counseled leading businesses, investors, institutions and governments on healthy, equitable, resilient communities – and in 2006, co-founded a project management firm focused on high-performance buildings. Most recently, she was with the Canada Green Building Council, developing strategic partnerships with industry and government.

“I’m eager to showcase my commitment to leading sustainability-focused initiatives and building business cases and policy to future proof investments and mitigate risk,” says Burdeniuk. “As a firm with ESG baked into its purpose – creating real economic, social and environmental value -- Avison Young is serious about aligning market and stakeholder needs with sustainability practices, which is why I couldn’t be happier to join.”

Burdeniuk’s arrival follows the appointment of Gibson as Global Director of ESG – a concrete step toward strengthening the firm’s team that is focused on programs, commitments and actions around climate change and sustainability. Avison Young has aligned its strategy to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and supports other global sustainability frameworks and initiatives. Learn more about the firm’s report on Ten Trends for a Zero Carbon World.