HIW CRR 2022 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 9
C L I M AT E R E S I L I E N C Y
We collect environmental data for our properties through an integrated management system that aims to analyze and mitigate environmental and climate risks and promote
resiliency. Our goal is to increase energy, water and waste efficiencies across our portfolio, minimize our impact on the environment and make positive contributions to our
customers, our communities and society.
We believe we have an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing our environmental footprint associated with the development and
operation of our properties. As such, we are actively transitioning our portfolio to low-carbon and have aligned our initiatives with global standards and best practices, as
illustrated below, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
Highwoods climate resiliency initiatives strive to accomplish the following:
• Support global climate commitments.
• Manage climate-related physical and transition risks throughout the life cycle
of our assets.
• Utilize industry leading risk assessment tools to evaluate the potential financial
impacts of climate risk factors.
• Develop Climate Resiliency Plans for assets with elevated climate-related risks.
• Implement strategies to improve climate resiliency:
– Due diligence climate risk assessments
– Business continuity planning
– Emergency response and evacuation planning
– Floodable first floors
– Elevated electrical infrastructure
– Temporary flood barriers
– Life safety analysis and back-up energy generation
Further, Highwoods has adopted an asset life cycle perspective when assessing
physical and transitional climate-related risks. This life cycle view of our
portfolio is informed and guided by our environmentally focused acquisition,
development and asset management procedures aimed at driving resiliency
and sustainability. Key considerations of our approach include:
• Site Selection
• Material Sourcing and Procurement
• Renewable Energy
• Biodiversity and Habitat
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Waste Management
• Water Management
CARBON
OFFSETS
HIGHWOODS
LONG-TERM CARBON
STRATEGY
OFF-SITE
RENEWABLES
ON-SITE RENEWABLES
ELECTRIFICATION
UPGRADE SYSTEMS
REDUCE ENERGY USAGE
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