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On Jan. 7, 2026, Greenplaces hosted a timely discussion on how sustainability is reshaping the built environment. The webinar brought together Corinne Hanson of Greenplaces, Rachel Engstrand of CNaught, and Jonathan Flaherty of Tishman Speyer to examine how organizations are moving beyond compliance and using sustainability as a strategic lever.
The conversation made one point clear: sustainability in real estate and construction has evolved from a reporting obligation into a driver of risk management, asset value, and long-term performance.
Why the built environment is under pressure
Buildings account for roughly 42% of global carbon emissions, placing the sector under increasing scrutiny from regulators, investors, and tenants. Expectations are shifting quickly. Large occupiers now expect energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings that align with their own climate commitments.
As speakers noted, these pressures are no longer theoretical. They are influencing leasing decisions, capital allocation, and portfolio strategy across markets.
Regulations are accelerating action
The panel explored how expanding climate regulations are shaping decision-making in the built environment. Requirements such as California’s SB 253 and SB 261 are increasing expectations around emissions disclosure, assurance, and climate risk transparency.
Despite recent legal uncertainty around some state-level rules, panelists emphasized the importance of staying on track. Completing greenhouse gas inventories, aligning with TCFD and ISSB standards, and strengthening data systems now can reduce future compliance risk and support reporting across jurisdictions.
Turning compliance into business value
Speakers highlighted that sustainability is increasingly tied to competitive positioning. Investors are factoring ESG performance into asset valuations, and sustainability credentials are playing a growing role in RFPs and tenant selection.
Operational improvements such as energy efficiency upgrades, electrification, and renewable energy procurement can also deliver measurable financial benefits, particularly as energy costs and climate-related risks continue to rise.
Data and collaboration matter
Reliable, consistent data remains one of the biggest challenges. Emissions data often lives across multiple systems, making it difficult to report confidently, especially for Scope 3 emissions.
Panelists stressed that progress depends on cross-functional collaboration. Sustainability, facilities, finance, and procurement teams must work together to integrate carbon accounting into core business processes rather than treating it as a parallel effort.
Using carbon credits responsibly
For emissions that cannot yet be fully reduced, carbon credits can play a role when used with discipline. The panel underscored the importance of additionality, durability, and avoiding double-counting to maintain credibility. Credits were positioned as a complement to reductions, not a replacement.
Key takeaway
Sustainability in the built environment is no longer a future consideration. Organizations that invest in strong data foundations, cross-functional ownership, and credible reduction strategies are better positioned to manage risk and unlock long-term value.
The message from the panel was consistent: prepare early, align with global frameworks, and embed sustainability into business strategy to stay competitive as expectations continue to rise.
Dive deeper
Watch the full webinar replay to hear expert insights and see how other businesses are moving from compliance to competitive advantage.
