CBRE partners with Johnson Controls to expand energy efficiency program

As part of its drive to accelerate decarbonisation and improve energy efficiency, CBRE has partnered with Johnson Controls to expand access to turnkey efficiency upgrades and retrofit opportunities that do not require a capital outlay in markets in Continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.

CBRE and Johnson Controls are simplifying the complexity of sustainability programs across clients’ commercial real estate assets by combining scoping, development, funding, execution and performance monitoring into one program.

On average, buildings generate nearly 40% of global carbon emissions and consume over 30 percent of all energy. And, while average building energy intensity fell by 14% globally from 2010 to 2022, the aging of commercial properties will increase the need for scalable sustainability and efficiency programs. This is especially true when considering 80% of buildings that will be occupied in 2050 already exist, which means they will need upgrades and retrofits to meet future efficiency goals.

Robert Bernard, CBRE’s chief sustainability officer said, “Reducing carbon emissions across a real estate portfolio is an increasingly complex undertaking. Clients look to CBRE to simplify the challenges so they can reach their sustainability goals faster. This partnership eliminates the need for upfront capital that is required to optimise building performance and drive cost savings.”

Katie McGinty, Johnson Controls vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer said, “One of the challenges in driving sustainability is overcoming the perception that sustainability means compromising other investments. This partnership will demonstrate that achieving business and net zero goals go hand in hand. We are excited to work with CBRE to provide innovative financing solutions and help their customers start realising cost savings and sustainability benefits quickly.”

Financing for sustainability and energy efficiency projects will be available from Johnson Controls for CBRE-led projects in countries in the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific and Continental Europe,  augmenting and supporting existing CBRE capabilities.