As businesses grapple with the current energy crisis and prepare for it to worsen, new research from JLL finds that rising energy costs are expediting the move toward more efficient buildings.
Net-zero carbon (NZC) intervention measures directly impact a building’s bottom line, and failing to decarbonize leads to significant financial risk, according to JLL’s new Retrofitting Buildings to be Future-Fit research. For many buildings, meeting 2050 decarbonization targets put forward in the Paris Climate Agreement is grounded in retrofitting current spaces.
“Retrofitting existing buildings is the quickest and most cost-effective way to accelerate decarbonization in the built environment,” said Guy Grainger, JLL global Head of Sustainability Services and ESG. “Whether it is lenders on real estate or occupiers of buildings, requirements are changing and real assets will become illiquid unless there is a plan to transition them.”
In the global north, retrofitting rates need to triple from barely 1% today to at least 3% of existing buildings per year to meet decarbonization targets, according to JLL’s research. An estimated $3 trillion will be required in the office sector alone to meet these targets.
“Retrofitting existing buildings is the quickest and most cost-effective way to accelerate decarbonization in the built environment.”
— Guy Grainger, JLL global Head of Sustainability Services and ESG
In the developing world, new commercial and residential real estate will need fresh approaches prioritizing carbon and energy efficiency to improve resilience to climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future. Addressing the knowledge gap, upskilling the workforce, and scaling technology will be critical to accelerating the pace of retrofitting.
“Retrofitting does not need to be an all at once endeavor. But, reporting and disclosure is not enough – this requires intentional investment and a strategic approach,” said Grainger. “Retrofits are both more viable and responsible when considered in tandem with broader asset repositioning that responds to changing workplace dynamics and climate resilience. We have enough proof points that show we have been underestimating the return upside of intervention and underestimating the value downside of inaction.”
Retrofitting buildings to be more energy efficient will also require owners and occupiers to deepen relationships and form new business models to gain the significant value they both have when investing in sustainability. The alignment of stakeholders extends beyond just the landlord and tenant as suppliers, building operators, management teams, on-site teams, and even local governments must work together to transition to a low-carbon economy.
