In recent years, green buildings have evolved from a niche concept into a central strategy in the real estate industry. On February 28, 2023, global real estate firm CBRE released a survey that shed light on how professionals in the field view the value of green building certifications in achieving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. The results make one thing clear: green certifications are no longer just a branding tool—they now play a pivotal role in shaping real estate investment and leasing decisions.
Among more than 500 commercial real estate professionals surveyed worldwide, nearly 70% stated that their companies placed greater emphasis on ESG in 2022. Of all the priorities within ESG frameworks, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions was overwhelmingly seen as the most critical—especially across Europe and North America, where climate change has become a driving concern for both policymakers and investors.
CBRE's report revealed that 79% of respondents believe green building certifications significantly influence real estate decisions. Nearly half of those surveyed said they are willing to pay a premium for buildings with such certifications. This “green premium” is particularly evident in regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific, where sustainability standards are often embedded in regulatory frameworks. In London, for instance, CBRE’s separate studies have shown that office buildings certified under LEED or BREEAM command rental rates over 8% higher than their non-certified counterparts.
This trend is mirrored in the U.S. as well. Kathryn Moore, a property developer based in Silicon Valley, explained in an interview: “We recently invested in a LEED Gold-certified office complex. While the construction costs were about 12% higher than traditional buildings, the long-term returns—through premium rents and longer lease terms—more than justified the investment.” Moore emphasized that multinational tenants, in particular, are increasingly making green certifications a non-negotiable requirement.
Beyond energy efficiency, climate resilience is also gaining attention. According to the survey, 75% of respondents consider a building’s ability to withstand climate events a key factor in decision-making, and nearly 40% are prepared to pay more for properties with high resilience ratings. As climate extremes become more common, buildings that can resist heatwaves, flooding, and storms not only reduce operational risks but also offer long-term savings in insurance and maintenance costs.
The report also noted differing ESG priorities between investors and occupiers. While investors mainly focus on decarbonization and financial returns, occupiers embrace a broader spectrum of social and environmental initiatives. Among tenants surveyed, 53% rated reducing air, water, and land pollution as a top priority, and 62% placed high importance on improving social mobility, equity, and diversity.
One example of this shift is Amsterdam-based creative agency Studio Vink, which recently moved into a WELL-certified office building. Besides standard energy-saving features, the building emphasizes occupant well-being, with enhanced ventilation, natural lighting, and even meditation spaces. Founder Jeroen Vink noted, “Our team values mental comfort and a healthy environment just as much as functional space. A wellness-focused building isn’t just better for the planet—it helps us retain talent and improve performance.”
While awareness of green buildings is clearly rising, CBRE also highlighted several implementation hurdles, including the high cost of certification, lengthy processes, and the lack of global standardization. In regions where green certifications are not legally required, progress still largely depends on corporate values and market demand.
Nonetheless, the momentum behind green buildings is unmistakable. From LEED Platinum office hubs near New York’s High Line, to mixed-use developments in Munich made of recycled materials, and natural ventilation skyscrapers in Singapore—these are no longer fringe projects, but landmarks of future-proof urban design.
The value of real estate is no longer judged solely by location, square footage, or price. As ESG considerations become mainstream, buildings with proven environmental credentials, social responsibility, and governance standards are becoming the new gold standard. As one European fund manager put it during the survey: “We’re not just investing in buildings—we’re investing in a sustainable future.”