A newly forged executive role signals high-level commitment to curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Hines’ global real estate portfolio. The U.S.-based real estate investment, development and management firm has named Michael Izzo as its inaugural vice president, carbon strategy.

He moves from his responsibilities as vice president, construction, in the U.S. east region into the new position affiliated with Hines’ ESG (environmental, social, governance) team. Izzo will now be tasked with steering efforts to reduce operational and embodied carbon across more than 138 million square feet of assets under management, valued at approximately USD $83.6 billion — notably applying experience and knowledge gained in the Hudson Square buildings in New York City, which are set to outperform NYC’s 2030 emission reduction targets for office buildings.

“Based on his deep technical expertise and successful implementation of decarbonization strategies with some of our new projects, we are thrilled that Mike has agreed to lead the carbon strategy for our firm as we embark on creating carbon standards for the built environment,” says Peter Epping, global head of ESG with Hines.

“By bringing focus to significantly reducing embodied carbon, while continuing to decrease operational carbon, we intend to address the holistic impact buildings have on increasing global temperatures, and partake in the transition to net zero,” Izzo pledges. “We encourage all in the real estate sector to join this commitment to create a decarbonized built environment.”