CEnv Profile | Robbie Epsom, EMEA Head of Sustainability & Senior Director, CBRE Investment Management

Robbie Epsom CEnv | Awards Finalist CEnv profile

Robbie Epsom CEnv was a finalist in our 2023 Awards for the Environmental Professional of the Year Award. In this profile you’ll gain an insight into Robbie Epsom’s career, thoughts on the CEnv registration and how being a finalist has impacted his career.

What does an average day look like in your career?

A typical day involves a dynamic mix of strategic leadership, operational oversight, investor engagement, thought leadership, and problem-solving. I spend time aligning CBRE IM’s sustainability initiatives with our broader business goals, ensuring seamless integration across our EMEA operations. This typically includes five key things: 

1. Strategic Direction: Working with the global Sustainability Team and EMEA investor/operator teams to develop and implement sustainability strategies that are both ambitious and achievable. 
2. Operational Oversight: Ensuring that sustainability practices are embedded into our investment and risk processes, from due diligence to asset management. I also coordinate our extensive sustainability programme in the EMEA region which involves setting the scope and working with a wide network of consultants and technology suppliers to deliver positive change.  
3. Industry Collaboration: Engaging with industry peers, regulators, and policymakers to shape the future of sustainable real asset investment. This also involves contributing to industry discussions, publishing articles, and speaking at conferences to position CBRE IM as a thought leader in sustainability. 
4. Investor Engagement: Communicating our sustainability vision and performance to investors, addressing their concerns, and demonstrating the value of sustainable investments.
5. Complex Problem-Solving: Identifying and addressing challenges related to sustainability implementation, such as regulatory changes, asset transaction risks, or technological advancements. 

What are the top three key knowledge areas that are crucial to your role?

• Sustainability Expertise: A deep understanding of sustainability principles, frameworks, and best practices, combined with the ability to apply this knowledge to real estate investment and management. This includes expertise in areas such as climate change, circular economy, life cycle assessment, biodiversity, and social impact. 

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to think critically about complex issues and develop innovative solutions that align with both sustainability goals and business objectives. This involves understanding the broader context of the real estate industry and identifying emerging trends and opportunities. 
• Influence and Stakeholder Engagement: The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors, tenants, regulators, and industry peers. This involves building relationships, influencing decision-making, and advocating for sustainable practices within the wider real estate sector.

What part of your job do you find the most exciting?

The most exciting aspect of my role is the opportunity to drive positive change at scale. By leveraging CBRE IM’s position as a global leader in real asset investment management, I can help to accelerate the transition to a net zero and sustainable economy. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our initiatives across our virtual global city contribute to a more sustainable future. 

How has achieving CEnv registration impacted your work?

CEnv registration has provided me with a strong foundation in environmental science and sustainability. It has enhanced my credibility with stakeholders and the required continual professional development has led to a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of sustainability initiatives. This has been invaluable in developing and implementing effective sustainability strategies and being recognised as a Sustainability Leader. 

As an award finalist, how has that recognition helped you?

Being an award finalist has been instrumental in maintaining my motivation to keep pushing forward in the challenging sustainability landscape. The external validation and recognition provided by the award reinforced the significance of the work I’m doing and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. In a sector as challenging as sustainability, it’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate individual efforts. 

This recognition has also served as a reminder that I’m not alone in this fight. It has connected me with a community of like-minded professionals who are also working towards a more sustainable future. By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can collectively overcome challenges and drive meaningful change. 

Why would you encourage others in your sector to aspire to become a CEnv?

I strongly encourage others in the real estate sector to consider pursuing CEnv registration. In an industry where sustainability decisions have far-reaching consequences, particularly within the heavily regulated financial sector, it’s imperative that decision-making roles are filled by credible and experienced professionals. 

CEnv registration serves as a recognised benchmark of sustainability expertise, demonstrating a deep commitment to the field and a rigorous understanding of its principles and practices. Just as with professions like law, engineering, and accounting, achieving chartership or a similar designation signals a high level of competency and professionalism and in many cases is a prerequisite. 

By becoming a CEnv, you not only enhance your individual credibility but also contribute to elevating the standards of the entire industry. This can lead to new career opportunities, access to valuable networks, and the ability to influence decision-making at a higher level. Ultimately, CEnv registration is a powerful tool for driving positive change and ensuring a sustainable future across the economy.