GWL Realty Advisors Champion Disability Inclusion within ESG
The business world is rapidly evolving. This is evidenced by more awareness and concern for corporate responsibility. Shareholders now more than ever before expect companies to operate in a responsible manner. And regulatory changes are promoting transparency.
In short, there is a shifting focus on providing long-term benefits for companies and society.
GWL Realty Advisors Inc. (GWLRA), a Canadian real estate company, is all about providing value to people and communities. GWLRA manages a diverse portfolio of office, industrial, retail, and multi-residential assets and an active pipeline of new development projects.
Helping to Make Communities Better
“From the very beginning, we recognized that we have a responsibility to the communities we serve,” said Elizabeth Schreurs, Vice-President of Property Management for the central region and corporate properties at GWLRA. “Whether that means supporting local charitable initiatives, arts and culture programs, or ensuring our buildings and public spaces are accessible for all to enjoy, our goal is to help make communities better.”
Part of making communities better, she added, is the pursuit of improved accessibility and Universal Design features to provide exceptional services to tenants, residents, and other occupants – many of whom make up the 1 in 4 Canadians who have a disability.
“Working to effectively manage occupant comfort and wellness is an important part of our job, and we are proud to offer livable and workable environments,” said Elizabeth.
“Accessibility, which enhances comfort and wellness, plays a big role in that. We believe that more accessible buildings contribute meaningfully to the lives of those in the communities where we live and work.”
Pillars and Priorities
Three pillars are widely used to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of a company – Environmental, Social, and Governance – more commonly referred to by its acronym ESG.
A brief breakdown of ESG:
- The environmental criteria of ESG assess a company’s commitment to preserving and safeguarding the natural world, considering sustainability practices and efforts to mitigate environmental impact.
- The social criteria examine how a company interacts with and impacts its employees and society. It includes issues such as business ethics, fair treatment of employees, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and community engagement.
- The corporate governance criteria focus on the structure and conduct of a company’s leadership and management. Effective corporate governance ensures accountability, integrity, and responsible management practices.
GWLRA has made great strides in accelerating its ESG efforts, including a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
Embracing Disability-inclusive Practices has Positive Impact on Businesses and Society
When it comes to focusing on the ‘S’ of ESG, GWLRA has the foresight to recognize that accessibility and inclusion have a significant positive impact on business and society as a whole – a rarity for an organization as disability inclusion is not often incorporated into ESG.
But by embracing disability-inclusive practices, companies like GWLRA gain access to a diverse talent pool, improved employee engagement and productivity, and enhanced innovation. Disability intersects with other social and environmental issues, making it an intrinsic component of ESG, just as much as other social and environmental concerns such as gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development.
78% of Canadians Agree Disability should be included in DE&I Strategies
According to an Angus Reid poll titled Corporate Canada gets mixed report card from Canadians living with disabilities, 78% of Canadians agreed that disability should be included in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategies.
As a reflection of conscious consumerism, Canadians in the same poll said that they would be more likely to give their business to a company or organization if they knew there were specific policies in place to support those with disabilities.
Studies also show that inclusive businesses are six times more likely to be innovative and agile. Furthermore, disability-inclusive companies have 28% higher revenue and 30% higher profit margins than companies that aren’t and twice the net income (from Accenture Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusive Advantage report. Download the full report here - pdf - 907 KB).
For GWLRA, the dedication to ethical decision-making surpasses financial incentives when it comes to ESG.
RHFAC Provides Much-Needed Measurement
Disability data is commonly absent from ESG and DE&I indicators, metrics, and targets. But there is pressure from investors on companies to improve their reporting standards. But accurate reporting requires measurement.
And this is where the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) comes into the picture.
RHFAC is a national rating and recognition program that measures the level of meaningful accessibility of a site based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision, and hearing. It recognizes an organization’s commitment to accessibility through formal certification.
“The buildings we manage offer a tremendous opportunity to add value to the communities where we operate, and we continue to find ways to improve our buildings through initiatives like the RHFAC,” said Elizabeth
“Because RHFAC provides both informative and actionable recommendations that move beyond basic code compliance minimums, our property management and asset management teams' benefit. Not only do they come to understand how well they are doing currently but are also given a roadmap so that accessibility can continue to be improved over time.”
Accessibility is related to two of GWLRA’s six strategic priorities:
- To achieve performance excellence
- To contribute to stronger, livable communities
GWLRA views RHFAC as a win-win proposition; the program helps the company achieve its strategic priorities and provides tangible measurements showcase ESG commitments and progress.
To date, GWLRA has 13 RHF Accessibility Certified buildings in its portfolio, including its five Toronto offices and North York Centre buildings.
“We believe that true success lies not only in financial growth but also in our commitment to ESG,” added Elizabeth.
“By improving accessibility, we are not just building ramps but bridges so that we can unlock the potential of our fellow Canadians to pave the way to a brighter, more equitable future.”
