Chicago office of BentallGreenOak volunteers for Habitat for Humanity in West Pullman

On August 16, the Chicago office of BentallGreenOak participated in Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Build Day in the West Pullman neighborhood. Through its Corporate Caring program, the company funded high-efficiency windows, insulation, tankless water heaters and other sustainable building materials.

By the end of this century, Chicago could be dealing with three times as many 90-plus-degree days, if not more. But it’s not just uncomfortable—it creates real financial hardship, particularly for those in lower-income communities. Affordable housing may be a good start—but environmentally sustainable building features are called for to help fight the particularly devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Habitat for Humanity Chicago and the Chicago office of BentallGreenOak, a leading global real estate investment manager, are doing just that. Habitat for Humanity Chicago is focused on keeping energy costs low in the houses they build, and building more energy-efficient, sustainable, affordable housing that exceeds the City of Chicago’s Green Homes Program standards. BentallGreenOak is partnering with them specifically to invest in sustainable building features that will lessen the impact of climate change on their residents.

“Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s leadership in driving a sustainability mindset to their new home construction projects inspired us to partner with them on their mission to provide energy-efficient and climate-resilient homes for local families in need,” said Paul Boneham, managing director and co-head of U.S. asset management for BentallGreenOak. “Our employees are especially energized to support this mission and to contribute, through sweat equity and investment, to the betterment of their community.”