CIRE’s Commitment to Sustainable Impact: A Look at Our Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Initiatives in 2022-2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, CIRE stands at the forefront, championing a holistic approach towards sustainability, diversity, equity, and philanthropy. Our commitment to environmental sustainability, DEI initiatives, and philanthropy defines our corporate ethos, reflecting a conscientious effort to create positive change in the world. Join us as we delve into the key strides we’ve made in 2022-2023, and the ongoing journey toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future.
Environmental Sustainability
CIRE’s dedication to environmental sustainability goes beyond rhetoric, evidenced by our strategic programs aimed at minimizing the ecological footprint of our buildings. Collaboration with property management and tenants has been pivotal in implementing in-office sustainability practices, considering environmental impacts in investment decisions, and fostering tenant partnerships that prioritize sustainability.
- EV charging stations have been installed across all properties where electric space is available
- Installation of rooftop solar panel across multiple properties
- Adoption of drip irrigation system versus spray to reduce water waste up to 35%
- Installing LED lighting retrofits as a longer lasting, more sustainable, and durable lighting option
- Installing recycling compactors to drastically reduce disposable waste and cut down on transportation of waste to recycling centers
We believe these efforts underscore our commitment to sustainable, durable, and efficient practices.
DEIB & Social Responsibility
CIRE believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just ideals but cornerstones for success. Our modern leadership approach values inclusivity, creating an entrepreneurial culture that thrives on diverse perspectives. The I.D.E.A.S. team spearheads initiatives ensuring a workplace where differences are celebrated, opening opportunities for underrepresented groups in the finance and real estate sectors.
Our corporate-wide focus includes initiatives such as:
- We focus our hiring process by evaluating and weighing cultural fit and soft skills just as heavily as we evaluate hard, technological skills which opens candidate opportunities in underrepresented groups.
- The entire team puts significant effort toward supporting one another’s personal and professional growth by creating a work environment that fosters flexibility and high performance.
While we provide great benefits, growth, and learning opportunities, we believe one significant driver of our culture is being true to our core values, which promotes a transparent, caring, and engaged culture where psychological safety is engrained in our operations and where everyone has a voice and feels like they are heard, which cultivates a “win together” mindset.
How do our management team and ideas set us apart?
CIRE’s managerial practices, emphasizing transparency, safety, and community, setting us apart in the following ways:
- Investment in Professional Development: Our tailored approach includes weekly manager-staff meetings, monthly 1:1 sessions with a career coach, and assessments like DISC, 360 reviews, and Blue EQ for heightened self-awareness.
- Diverse Leadership: Achieving a 50% male to 50% female executive team and 64% female overall, our 54% BIPOC workforce challenges industry norms. Our two Co-Founders and COO are DEI Mastery Certified, and our IDEA team undergoes continuous formal DEI training.
- Extraordinary In-Person Experiences: Unique in our industry, our team enjoys in-person retreats, including a 5-star hotel experience for all employees, strategic planning sessions, beach days, holiday events, and specialized training, all funded by the company.
- Safety and Inclusion: Prioritizing psychological safety, we provide training to foster a secure work environment, combat biased attitudes, and encourage an inclusive space where every voice matters.
Philanthropy:
Beyond our corporate walls, CIRE actively contributes to community well-being. We give back to our local communities through organizing, participating, and donating to several local and nationwide organizations. These corporate-level charitable initiatives focus on supporting community-based causes; some examples include clothing donation boxes, raising money to support restaurants and front-line workers during and post-pandemic recovery, and much more.
Recent philanthropic endeavors include:
- Local blood drives for the American Red Cross
- Food bank drives and collection for St. Mary’s Food Bank & San Diego Food Bank
- Raised funds for Ukiah Family Christmas, World Central Kitchen, Women’s Giving Fund, and Feeding America
- We also lead a company wide volunteer day where each office location volunteered at a local food bank: Father Joes Villages (San Diego), LA Food Bank (Los Angeles), and HonorHealth Desert Food Bank (Phoenix)
- We also ran a virtual food bank in 2023 for the holidays with Feeding America, raising over $6600 (66,000+ meals)
Our commitment to philanthropy remains unwavering, with plans for more impactful initiatives in 2024.
As we reflect on the strides made over the last couple of years, CIRE stands as a beacon of sustainable and responsible corporate citizenship. Our journey is ongoing, fueled by the belief that positive change requires constant commitment. From environmental sustainability to fostering diversity and making meaningful contributions to our communities, CIRE remains steadfast in its pursuit of a better, more sustainable future for all. We welcome you to us on this journey, as we continue to innovate and lead the way toward a brighter tomorrow.
Guided by Values. Driven by Prosperity.
