Tipping point for low-carbon buildings demand in sight: JLL

DEMAND for environmentally friendly buildings is set to increase strongly over the next two years, as companies with emissions-reduction commitments see their leases come up for renewal and seek a greener alternative, said real estate company JLL.

As more companies commit to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, most will be looking to cut those tied to their offices and factories, yet demand for low-carbon buildings is set to outstrip supply.

“Time is of the essence for the real estate industry,” said Guy Grainger, JLL’s global head of sustainability services and ESG.

“We are in a new world where inaction over decarbonisation will see investments fall into economic obsolescence in the coming years, while for real estate tenants, this growing need to show progress against carbon commitments will lead to price friction and a race for low-carbon buildings.”

The number of companies committing to reach net-zero emissions across their business by 2050 has surged in recent years, with 7,600 companies worldwide signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative.

One out of every three leases tied to a carbon commitment will expire in less than 24 months. Average leases are seven to 10 years, meaning many will be live at 2030, a key interim assessment point for many companies’ targets.

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Tuesday, 12 pm

Property Insights

Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond.

Sign Up

For every 3 square metres of global demand, less than 1 square metre is being developed.

Just 30 per cent of future demand for low-carbon workspace is projected to be met by 2030. In London, low-carbon demand is expected to exceed supply by 35 per cent by 2030. In Paris, this rises to 54 per cent, and in New York, an estimated 65 per cent of demand will not be met.

Around 25 per cent of existing office stock is at risk of becoming functionally obsolete in the next five years. REUTERS