Ask an Expert with Todd Brandel

Meet Todd Brandel

An entrepreneurial, law-degree-wielding, ESG advocate for the nation’s largest utility management company. He’s thrived through America’s two key phases of sustainability awareness, and he has a lot of wisdom to share on rolling up your business’s sleeves and putting in the groundwork for a dependable, profitable ESG infrastructure.

How does somebody go from building businesses and practicing law

TO SHARING SOUND ESG PRACTICES WITH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES?

“It might sound cheesy, but my journey to ESG is a lot like the journey for some of our most successful customers-lots of small, wise steps toward a big, happy outcome. I mean, I started my career managing mid-size residential properties. At first, it was all about reducing costs. I noticed how sustainable practices-better waste management, energy conservation, etc.-they didn’t just save money. They also made residents happy. People noticed. People cared how the way they lived impacted their community. That initial success pushed me to look deeper into the ways that environmental initiatives intersected with broader business goals, and before I knew it, ESG had become my career focus.”

When we asked you how the industry had changed, you talked about

AMERICA EMBRACING ESG 2.0. SPEAK TO THAT.

“Yeah, well when I started out, ESG was more of an…optional bonus-something you might showcase in order to stand out. Something you might invest in to do your part and do the right thing. Which wasn’t always the easiest strategy to pitch to property owners. But today, man, it’s non-negotiable. Residents expect it, investors demand it, and regulators are increasingly enforcing it. ESG has evolved from a 1.0 ‘nice-to-have’ to a 2.0 ‘fiscally responsible, profit-driving, and legally required need-to-have.’ I’ve watched this shift accelerate too, especially over the last five years. Properties without a sustainability plan are finding themselves at a disadvantage, both in market competitiveness and operational resilience.”

Implementing ESG can be challenging.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST HURDLE YOU SEE FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS?

“Getting started. The biggest challenge is definitely the initial integration. Many property managers want to adopt sustainable practices, but they don’t know where to start or how to align those efforts with their existing business strategies. Plus, the term ‘ESG’ itself can feel overwhelming; it encompasses SO much-energy efficiency, resident wellness, fair labor practices…so much. I always recommend starting with a clear audit of current operations to identify practical entry points. This approach helps teams take small, meaningful steps without feeling like they need to tackle everything at once.”

What does the future hold for 

ESG IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

“Comprehensive, tech-driven solutions. We’re already seeing a shift from isolated efforts, like recycling programs or LED retrofits, to full-scale smart building systems that monitor and optimize everything from energy use to air quality. ESG goals will continue to merge with technological advancements, creating environments that are sustainable and adaptable. Property managers who invest now in integrated, future-proof tech will be the ones setting industry standards down the line.”

What’s one key piece of advice you’d give to property managers

JUST STARTING THEIR ESG JOURNEY?

“Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. It’s better to start small and make steady, thoughtful improvements than to get stuck planning an ideal that’s never executed. Begin with what you have, measure your progress, and build from there. ESG isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon with long-term benefits for both your properties and the communities you serve.”Follow Todd on LinkedIn
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