GRESB, which represents the global standard for portfolio-level sustainability in the real estate sector, has released its data and industry report for 2015. The report is based on an assessment of data obtained from 707 property companies and private equity real estate funds. The participants represent 61,000 assets and a total of US $2.3 trillion in asset value.
The property industry is a key component of important sustainability issues. These include making responsible choices about available resources, urbanization and climate change. Strong evidence has been put forward that more sustainably designed and managed commercial buildings can help to provide solutions to these issues, while at the same time creating value for real estate investors as well as their shareholders.
According to the 2015 GRESB report, new data shows that the global real estate market is progressively integrating environmental, social and regulatory considerations into their corporate policies and business strategy. The data also indicates that business’ policies and strategy are backed up by energy and water efficiency programs being implemented and with the result that improvements in sustainability performance being demonstrable.
The sector achieved a better environmental performance. GHG emissions were reduced by 3.04 percent, energy consumption was down by 2.87 percent and water use decreased by 1.65 percent.
More property companies and funds reported on sustainability: 707 companies and funds, totalling 61,000 assets and US$ 2.3 trillion.
Growth in renewables: on-site renewable energy generation was 445GWh, up from 296GWh in 2014.
Chris Pyke, the COO of GRESB, said, “The 2015 GRESB Report and data show that the global property industry is taking sustainability issues seriously, making them a core part of business strategies. In North America, this is reflected in portfolio-wide efforts to save energy, conserve water, and enhance resilience. The recent gains across the commercial real estate sector are impressive, yet in absolute terms, the sector’s environmental impact remains significant and more work remains to be done.”
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