Corporate real estate is at the forefront of the global push toward sustainability—facing increasing pressure to reduce emissions, optimize energy use, and align with evolving ESG expectations. But with these challenges come opportunities for innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
This engaging session brings together industry leaders from global organizations to explore how corporate real estate teams are navigating today’s most pressing environmental challenges. From decarbonization strategies and large-scale energy management to workplace transformation and sustainability-driven culture change, our speakers will share real-world insights, lessons learned, and actionable solutions.
Join us to hear from:
A global sustainability leader at IBM driving environmental strategy and innovation across a worldwide real estate portfolio
A workplace and facilities expert shaping high-performance environments and sustainable operations across major organizations
An energy and sustainability leader from Scotiabank managing GHG reporting, emissions reduction strategies, and performance across millions of square feet of real estate
Together, they will discuss:
Key sustainability challenges facing corporate real estate today
Practical approaches to reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency
Integrating sustainability into workplace strategy and operations
Leveraging data, technology, and cross-functional collaboration to drive impact
Whether you’re responsible for facilities, real estate strategy, ESG reporting, or workplace experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you move from ambition to execution in your sustainability journey.
Dr. Stacey M. Gifford
Dr. Gifford is the Global Environment & Sustainability Manager for IBM Global Real Estate. Her team is critical in delivering on IBM’s sustainability goals and continued leadership in environmental responsibility. Stacey joined IBM in 2014 as a Research Staff Member. She is also an IBM Master Inventor and her prior research focused on AI for materials discovery for carbon capture and storage. She earned her Ph.D. in 2013 from Yale University in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics and her B.S. in 2007 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Jeffrey Buck
Jeffrey Buck is an accomplished global workplace experience leader with deep expertise in facilities management, workplace strategy, and organizational culture. He has led high‑performing teams across major organizations—including CBRE, Cisco, Red Hat, Egnyte, and The Instant Group—driving innovative programs that elevate employee engagement and operational excellence. Jeffrey currently serves as Account Director and Head of Facility Operations for The Instant Group, where he oversees the GSK account and leads long‑term strategy, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration. A longtime advocate for advancing the facilities profession, he is an active IFMA member and holds IFMA’s Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) and Facility Management Professional (FMP) certifications. He also holds a Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
Reza Teflissi
Reza Teflissi is an Energy and Sustainability Manager within Global Real Estate and Corporate Services at Scotiabank, where he has worked for nearly seven years. He has a background in Mechanical and Energy Engineering and holds the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) designations from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). Reza leads the Bank’s GHG reporting and audit program and is part of the team responsible for setting the strategy to reduce Scotiabank’s emissions, establishing GHG reduction and operational sustainability targets, and tracking performance against them. His work supports the Bank’s decarbonization goals through the implementation of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across a global portfolio of more than 2,200 locations and over 20 million square feet. In 2023, he was recognized as the AEE Energy Manager of the Year for the Canada Region.