BNP Paribas Real Estate UK has appointed Donna Rourke as director of environmental, social and governance (ESG).

In the newly-created role, she will be responsible for driving the adviser’s UK ESG strategy for clients and internally. BNP Paribas Real Estate ESG services include advice on the funding, design, planning and project management of sustainable buildings, carbon reduction and offsetting residual carbon. 

Etienne Prongué, CEO at BNP Paribas Real Estate said: “Donna’s appointment signals our desire to continue to build and deliver a competitive and compelling offering in this crucially important area. She will direct our engagement and effective stewardship to grow our distinctive leadership position, always with our clients’ best interests at our heart. Executing against our ESG efforts and creating a positive impact across our business is imperative to delivering value to our clients and Donna will be a critical partner in these efforts.”

Rourke said: “I was attracted to this role because we have a shared view that the real estate sector has a pivotal role to play in mitigating the impact of climate change and creating resilient communities.”

She joins from the University College of Estate Management she led the marketing communications and brand team. Previous roles in real estate include stints with Universal Student Living and Lambert Smith Hampton.