Feature image: The LEED Platinum Casa Anahuac in San Nicolas de Garza, Mexico. Photo credit: Jorge Taboada—Idea Cúbica.

On Feb. 28, the results of an industry survey were released by CBRE on the value of ESG goals. CBRE, a Gold-level member company at USGBC and a LEED Proven Provider, analyzed responses from a global contingent of more than 500 commercial real estate professionals.

In the survey report, CBRE divides its results into sections on ESG priorities, the value of environmentally and socially focused building features, challenges, and takeaways.

Survey responses included:

Nearly 70% of survey respondents shared that their companies’ focus on ESG grew stronger in 2022.
Over two-thirds said that the foremost concern for them in ESG strategy was to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
79% agreed that green building certifications had an impact on real estate decisions, and almost half of respondents said they would pay a premium for buildings with green certifications.
75% of respondents said that a building's resilience to the effects of climate change had an impact on real estate decisions, and nearly 40% stated they would pay a premium for a building with a high level of resilience.

Green building certifications were considered especially strong factors in the Europe and Asia-Pacific regions, where such certifications are often part of building regulations. Rental premiums for LEED-certified buildings in the U.S. have been explored by reports by CBRE and Cushman and Wakefield in recent years.

The report also found some differences in the top concerns for ESG goals among investors and building occupants:

Occupiers are focused on a more diverse set of ESG initiatives than investors. In addition to the top-three initiatives, 53% of occupiers cite “reducing air, water or land pollution” and 62% cite “improving social mobility, social justice, equality and/or diversity” as very important. The range of ESG initiatives cited by occupiers demonstrates commitment not only to environmental causes but also to bettering employees and society.

Read the report for more insights into ESG goals of real estate professionals.

Read the report

CBRE survey: Real estate sector values green certifications for reaching ESG goals