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_REvolve explores the influence of the built environment on climate change

February 22, 2023

At Knight Frank, we are committed to demonstrating the highest level of ambition on climate action to ensure we pave the way to a net zero future.

We know technology can play a significant part in understanding and improving the built environment’s impact on the planet. That’s why Knight Frank has become a key member of REvolve, a collaborative group of leading names in the real estate sector who have come together to provide unique perspectives on complex topics like climate change, digital technology and the built environment.

We discussed in the paper how "climate change risks include both the physical risks of climate change, yet also transition risks which include – energy security, cost of energy, supply chain shortages, regulatory risks, reputational risks, and technological risks". 

The second paper from REvolve, Digital real estate and its impact on the planet, explores the influence that the built environment is having, the role that technology and data can play in minimising this and what needs to happen for the sector to accelerate change.

As mentioned in the paper, "Research has demonstrated that sustainable buildings command higher rents and purchase prices. Knight Frank Research shows this link is stronger in the commercial sector. Within commercial property, particularly offices, BREEAM-certified buildings have shown increased rental values of 3-13% and increased sales values of 8-18%. The BREEAM certification methodology considers health, wellbeing, transport, and proximity to amenity as well as energy and carbon, so it’s possible that this value uptick is due to a better user experience rather than better environmental performance."

We were proud to contribute and hope this paper will continue encouraging discussion within our sector.

Are ESG considerations changing the ways buildings are managed? Read more from Iain Moss, Partner, Property Asset Management, about how occupiers are driving demand for more and better green buildings.