LinkedIn Top Voice | 600K+ Trained | Helping Corporations navigate ESG | Adjunct Professor | Author | Board Member | LinkedIn Learning Instructor
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
32K followers
500+ connections
About
I work with executives and organizations to turn ESG and sustainability into measurable business performance.
Most companies don’t struggle with ESG because they lack ambition.
They struggle because execution breaks down.
That shows up as:
- strategies that don’t influence real decisions
- teams that are not equipped to operationalize priorities
- reporting that exists but doesn’t drive value or credibility
- missed opportunities in capital planning, risk management, and asset performance
I focus on closing that gap.
I bring over 20 years of experience across real estate, construction, and sustainability, including serving as SVP of ESG at Nareit, where I worked at the center of the REIT industry shaping ESG direction, advising members, and engaging with investor expectations and reporting frameworks.
Earlier in my career, I built and executed multiple corporate sustainability programs inside construction organizations, turning resistance into adoption and strategy into execution.
Unlike many advisors in this space, I bring deep building and construction expertise and understand how decisions translate into real assets, costs, and performance. I am also a LEED Fellow, with hands-on experience delivering high-performance buildings.
Today, I work directly with leadership teams to:
- integrate ESG and sustainability into core business strategy and capital planning
- translate building-level performance into portfolio and enterprise value
- align ESG efforts with investor expectations and reporting frameworks
- upskill teams through targeted, high-impact education
- strengthen positioning through credible, performance-based narratives
My work spans advisory, corporate training, and speaking, with a focus on organizations that want to move faster, think clearer, and execute with confidence.
Core Areas of Work
ESG and sustainability strategy and integration
Decarbonization and climate risk
Real estate and asset-level performance
Green and healthy building certifications
Workforce education and capability building
Investor alignment and ESG reporting
Courses by Fulya
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Introduction to ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance43m
Introduction to ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance
By: Fulya Kocak
Articles by Fulya
Activity
32K followers
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisGreat to be back at REITwise this year. What made it particularly meaningful was seeing the evolution from the ESG Forum into a full conference pathway. It created real space for cross-functional conversations, bringing together teams from accounting and legal to sustainability, social impact, and HR. This event still holds a special place for me. I had the opportunity to program and present the ESG Forum for seven years. Faces change, new leaders step in, others move on, but many of the core challenges remain. The difference now is how we’re approaching them together, with more integration across teams and disciplines. Big congratulations to this year’s Leader in the Light award winners: Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) Tanger Inc. (NYSE: SKT) DiamondRock Hospitality Company (NASDAQ: DRH) Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: HST) Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HPP) KBS Real Estate Investment Trust III (non-listed) AvalonBay Communities , Inc. (NYSE: AVB) Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE: KRC) Veris Residential (NYSE: VRE) Thank you to Nareit, the meetings team, and Jessica Long for another well-executed event. I’ll be sharing a breakdown of the session that stood out to me most in an upcoming newsletter.
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisRecently, I had the opportunity to serve as MC and moderate a panel on asset allocation amid geopolitical uncertainty at the DACOR Bacon House in Washington, DC. Geopolitics is no longer a backdrop. It is shaping capital decisions in real time. A few takeaways: • Geopolitical risk is now embedded in underwriting assumptions, not treated as a scenario exercise • Diversification is still key, not just across asset classes, but across regions, policy environments, and supply chains • Long-term strategy is increasingly influenced by short-term disruptions, but investment fundamentals still apply Grateful to share the stage with Grayce Mei, Duane Green, Deepika Sharma, CFA. We had the privilege of hearing timely insights from Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr. and Ambassador Deborah A. McCarthy and Dana Linnet. Thank you to ThinkSuite Inc, John Tilak for organizing another superb event. that brought the right people together and created space for real conversations and lasting relationships. Thank you Marc Segelnick, and Dana Linnet for hosting us and the curator-led tour of the DACOR Bacon House.
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisJust back from IMN’s Real Estate Decarbonization Summit. One takeaway stood out. Resilience and decarbonization are no longer ESG topics. They are underwriting inputs. The most influential climate risk factor in capital decisions today is not long-term modeling. It is insurance. Insurability and pricing are now forcing investment decisions faster than climate projections. I share several observations from the conference on how insurance, underwriting, Building Performance Standards, and CapEx planning are starting to converge. Full commentary in the newsletter.IMN ESG & Decarbonization 2026: What the Market Is Saying About Risk, Underwriting, and ValueIMN ESG & Decarbonization 2026: What the Market Is Saying About Risk, Underwriting, and Value
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisLooking forward to participating in another impactful ThinkSuite Inc event. I will serve as MC and moderate a panel on Asset Allocation in the Age of Geopolitical Uncertainty, a conversation focused on how investors are adapting strategies amid geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns, and shifting global alliances. I’ll share reflections and key insights after the event.
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisFuture Readiness: Powered by Impact Leadership In 2026, future readiness is shaped by volatility, uneven regulation, rising environmental and social risk, and rapid technological change. Leadership now requires clarity, discipline, and the ability to make sound decisions under uncertainty. Impact leadership has moved from a sustainability concept to a core business capability. It influences how risk is managed, capital is allocated, and long-term value is protected. As sustainabilty expectations diverge across regions, investors continue to expect decision-useful data, and employees and customers expect accountability reflected in action. From my work with boards and executive teams, one shift is clear: impact is no longer owned by sustainability teams alone. It is a shared leadership responsibility. What Future-Ready Leadership Looks Like • Board and executive accountability for sustainability risks tied to performance and value • Data-informed decision-making supported by clear metrics and governance • Workforce capability so sustainability inform decisions across functions To support this shift, I offer Corporate Sustainability Workforce Education designed to build practical literacy across roles and embed sustainability into how organizations operate. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e89Ya4uQ #Leadership #Sustainability #ESG #WorkforceEducation #RiskManagement #FutureReadiness
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisSustainability reports don’t create impact. Execution does. Every year, organizations publish goals, targets, and commitments. Not all translate them into day-to-day decisions. In 2026, credibility is earned in the gap between reporting and results. From working with corporate leaders across sectors, three barriers show up repeatedly: 1️⃣ Sustainability operates outside core business decisions Data is collected and reports are drafted, while capital planning and operational priorities move forward with limited connection to that information. Real progress happens when reporting, strategy, and operations influence the same budgets and trade-offs. 2️⃣ Data volume outweighs data use Months are spent gathering data. Too little of it informs capital allocation, risk mitigation, or asset protection. Data matters only when it shapes decisions. 3️⃣ Limited internal capability Teams are expected to deliver outcomes without shared understanding or practical tools. Education and alignment turn intent into execution. The organizations making progress are embedding sustainability into how the business runs. If you want a practical starting point, I created a free Sustainability Integration Cheat Sheet based on real-world experience building and strengthening programs on repeat. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dTRxuguT #Sustainability #RiskManagement #CorporateLeadership #Execution
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisCompanies don’t report on ESG & Sustainability for just one reason. These three reasons tend to show up together. 1️⃣ Investor Pressure: Investors are demanding greater transparency and sustainability performance data to make informed decisions. Sustainability/ESG reporting helps meet these growing expectations. 2️⃣ Regulatory Requirements: As regulations continue to evolve, companies must stay ahead of compliance requirements by providing accurate and consistent Sustainability/ESG disclosures. 3️⃣ Stakeholder Pressure: Customers, employees, and other key stakeholders expect companies to act responsibly and demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and ethical goals. As momentum builds around Sustainability/ESG, it’s essential for companies to align their reporting with these driving forces. 💡 Ready to elevate your Sustainability/ESG strategy? Download my free ESG Guide to navigate investor, regulatory, and stakeholder demands: https://lnkd.in/dv28wK4J We now offer ESG Sustainability Board Education for action, if you’re interested, contact us: https://lnkd.in/gc-3i7We #ESGReporting #Sustainability #InvestorRelations #CorporateLeadership #StakeholderEngagement
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisDon't miss this event! I'll be speaking at The Sustainability Reset: Rethinking Business as Usual! Make sure to attend it on April 22.Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared this🌍 Earth Day reminder: Sustainability isn’t just a big corporate goal. It’s already part of your everyday work. In this live conversation, LinkedIn’s Kelly Mumme, M.Ed. will sit down with sustainability and ESG leaders Drew Wilkinson and Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow. Together, we’ll break down what responsible, sustainable work actually looks like for professionals today from business decisions to the tools we use, including AI. We’ll talk about how sustainability supports smarter choices, stronger organizations, and long‑term value without adding complexity to your day. If you’ve ever wondered how sustainability shows up in real work (and why it’s good strategy, not just good ethics), this conversation is for you. 📅 Join us live this Earth Day, 4/22 at 12p EST. #inlearning #linkedinlive #learninglive #earthday #sustainability #sustainableai #sustainablebusiness
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow shared thisIntegrating Sustainability Into How the Business Actually RunsIntegrating Sustainability Into How the Business Actually Runs
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow liked thisFulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow liked thisI’m incredibly thrilled to share that earlier this year I stepped into the role of Global Sustainability Lead at Capital Group. I’m so grateful for the people and experiences that led me here, and excited to continue advancing sustainability at such an amazing organization!
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow liked thisFulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow liked thisThe month of March signified a big milestone for me - my 18th Amaversary! Hard to believe my time at Amazon is now old enough to vote (and play the Lottery)... 😉 It’s been wild, reflecting on how it all started. My Day One was at the old Pacific Medical Center building, overlooking Seattle on Beacon Hill. All of the new hires fit inside one room for our orientation, and dogs roamed the converted hospital hallways. Fast forward to today: I'm leading The Climate Pledge - but it doesn't feel like I've been at Amazon for 18 years, because I've had 3-4 different careers! I've had the opportunity to learn about fashion and retail, mobile apps and gaming, music and film publicity (never would’ve predicted that one!!), and now, climate and sustainability. It's been a gift to continuously learn, and to be able to re-define myself. When I’m asked why I’ve stayed in one place so long, these are the some of the things that come to mind - along with one piece of advice for those just starting out on their Amazon journey: 1. Build your own runway. The coolest thing about this place is getting to chart your own path. You’re encouraged to build and create your own future. Sometimes, you might fail – but that’s not seen as a defect, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. The people who thrive here are the ones who ask: “How can I improve this [insert thing] for customers? What can I add? What if we tried something completely new?” 2. Embrace change as opportunity. Change is inevitable. Resisting it is futile. You might as well flip it and ask yourself, “What can I learn? What new area can I test out?” Every pivot I've made started with knowing very little about what would come next -- and it’s been So. Much. Fun.! 3. Give yourself grace on Day One (and Day 100). Hot take for high-achievers: You don't have to know everything immediately. Amazon is big and complicated, so give yourself time to observe, learn, and understand before you feel pressure to prove yourself. You'll deliver better work when you do. Looking ahead to my next year, it’s all about the Pledge’s mission and momentum – and spreading the word! There's so much good work happening, both at Amazon and across our 600+ signatories – I’m energized to keep building, collaborating, and making a meaningful impact on our future. Here's to Chapter 18!
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Fulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow liked thisFulya Kocak Gin, LEED Fellow liked thisIt was a great time at this year's REITwise conference spending time with all the real estate professionals from around the country. Really enjoyed the content during the conference, including our own Kristi Knudson closing things out on the last day!
Experience
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Nareit
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Clark Construction Group, LLC
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USGBC Materials & Resources Technical Advisory Group Member
USGBC LEED Committee
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James G. Davis Construction
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Project Manager
Ser Construction, Ltd
Education
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Penn State University
Master of Science Architecture
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Studies focused on "Public Plazas" and "Sense of Place"
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Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Real Estate Standards Committee Member
GRESB
- 1 year 2 months
Environment
Composed of up to 15 individuals from GRESB Members or Partners around the globe, the Real Estate Standards Committee oversees the development and maintenance of Real Estate GRESB Standards.
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Task Force on Climate Action
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- 3 years
Environment
The Chamber’s Task Force on Climate Actions engages members on a range of investments, innovations, and internal processes that businesses are employing to tackle climate change.
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CRREM Global Scientific & Investors Committee member
CRREM - Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor
- 3 years 2 months
Environment
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Performance Data Standard Technical Working Group
GRESB
- 1 year
Environment
This working group worked alongside GRESB’s other Industry Working Groups to help GRESB to iterate and improve its standards and assessments.
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Past Board Chairwoman
USGBC - National Capital Region Chapter
- 6 years 1 month
Environment
The U.S. Green Building Council National Capital Region (USGBC-NCR) is working to make healthy, sustainable buildings a reality for the people of the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area within a generation. - See more at: http://www.usgbcncr.org/about-us/#sthash.CYKkI8tk.dpuf
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Chair
Maryland Green Building Council
- 2 years
Environment
Appointed by Governor Larry Hogan, I chair the Maryland Green Building Council which was created in 2007 to guide Maryland’s High Performance Building Program. The Council is supported by state agency, DGS and composed of private sector and State agency membership. The Council's role is to make recommendations about implementing the High Performance Building Program, assisting the Governor and General Assembly on green building legislation and working to promote green building throughout the…
Appointed by Governor Larry Hogan, I chair the Maryland Green Building Council which was created in 2007 to guide Maryland’s High Performance Building Program. The Council is supported by state agency, DGS and composed of private sector and State agency membership. The Council's role is to make recommendations about implementing the High Performance Building Program, assisting the Governor and General Assembly on green building legislation and working to promote green building throughout the government and private sector.
http://dgs.maryland.gov/Pages/Energy/GreenBuilding/index.aspx
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Committee Member
US Green Building Council, Materials & Resources Technical Advisory Group
- 3 years 1 month
Environment
Under the direct management of the LEED Technical Committee, Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) recommend technical solutions to rating system development and maintenance issues. The groups provide a consistent source of technical advice to LEED committees and working groups regarding credit and prerequisite improvement and supporting tool development.
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Voting Member
DCRA, Green Technical Advisory Group
- 6 years 1 month
Environment
In April of 2014, District of Columbia became the first jurisdiction to adopt IgCC as a mandatory code. I have served as a voting member in the effort of creating the first green codes for the city.
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Committee Member
The American General Contractors Association, Environmental Forum
- 5 years 8 months
Environment
Participated in awareness and advocacy of environmental issues affecting the construction industry.
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Committee Member
National Institutes of Health, Health in Buildings Roundtable (HIBR)
- 3 years 8 months
Health
NIH HIBR's mission is to identify and support research that addresses human health and building impacts, and to apply the most advanced research to building design, construction, and landscaping in order to assure that human health needs are fully supported.
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Board Member
Bethesda Green Business Incubator
- 4 years
Environment
Bethesda Green is a non-profit organization that incubates local green start-up businesses and supports green communities.
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Committee Member
ASHRAE 189.1 Standard for High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
- Present 11 years 9 months
Environment
Standard 189.1 provides total building sustainability guidance for designing, building, and operating high-performance green buildings.
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Work Group Member
US Green Building Council, Greenbuild Working Group
- 1 year
Education
Skills
Honors & Awards
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Women of Influence Award
GlobeSt.
Since 1983, GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum has recognized a growing number of commercial real estate female professionals for their remarkable achievements. These individuals have personally impacted the market and have significantly driven the industry to new heights via their outstanding successes.
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E+E 100 Honorees
Environment + Energy Leader
The E+E 100 is a list of the people who have broken new ground or advanced best practices to help their companies — or the industry as a whole — achieve great success in commercial and industrial environment and energy management.
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Member of the Year
USGBC National Capital Region Chapter
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2015 Women in Sustainability Leadership Award
Green Building & Design Magazine
Fulya Kocak Gin was selected as one of The Top 20 Most Powerful Women in Sustainability. The winners were selected by a judging panel that includes Rochelle Routman of Mohawk Industries (and the chair of the WSLA Alumni Group), Kimberly Lewis of the USGBC, Charmaine Atherton of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Chris Howe and Laura Heidenreich of Green Building & Design. The 20 winners were honored at an event Nov. 19, 2016, at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Washington…
Fulya Kocak Gin was selected as one of The Top 20 Most Powerful Women in Sustainability. The winners were selected by a judging panel that includes Rochelle Routman of Mohawk Industries (and the chair of the WSLA Alumni Group), Kimberly Lewis of the USGBC, Charmaine Atherton of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Chris Howe and Laura Heidenreich of Green Building & Design. The 20 winners were honored at an event Nov. 19, 2016, at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Washington, D.C.
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LEED Fellow
U.S. Green Building Council
The LEED Fellows program recognizes exceptional contributions to the green building community as well as significant achievements within a growing community of LEED Professionals.
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2014 Sustainability Leadership Award
District of Columbia Mayor
Clark's Director of Sustainability, Fulya Kocak, earned a Sustainability Award from Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray for her efforts as a leader and innovator in sustainable design and construction. The annual Sustainability Awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, schools, institutions, and organizations for their environmental leadership and contributions to the Mayor's goal of the District of Columbia becoming the greenest, healthiest, and most livable city in the…
Clark's Director of Sustainability, Fulya Kocak, earned a Sustainability Award from Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray for her efforts as a leader and innovator in sustainable design and construction. The annual Sustainability Awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, schools, institutions, and organizations for their environmental leadership and contributions to the Mayor's goal of the District of Columbia becoming the greenest, healthiest, and most livable city in the nation.
Ms. Kocak supports the Sustainable D.C. Plan as a volunteer, working with local green non-profit organizations and industry groups to promote sustainability. She also has been a leader in promoting the city's first green construction codes, dedicating her time and efforts as a member of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Green Building Technical Advisory Group, ensuring cost effectiveness, constructability, and applicability.
Organizations
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U.S. Green Building Council
USGBC Faculty
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