Building Decarbonization Barometer: Global Investment In Healthcare, Retail And Offices 2025

Executive Summary

Buildings account for over a third of energy-related carbon emissions, making them a critical focal point in the global decarbonization effort. Traditionally, building decarbonization activities have been driven by net zero targets, often in response to environmental concerns (or branding objectives). However, this narrative is evolving. Many firms, irrespective of their stance on climate issues, are pursuing decarbonization as a strategic business imperative. By reducing emissions, organizations aim to mitigate trade and transition risks, enhance energy security, preserve asset value and ensure long-term operational resilience. To provide a barometer of industry progress, Verdantix surveyed 300 global real estate executives overseeing high-emitting portfolios in the healthcare, office and retail sectors. By analysing capital allocation trends, identifying the funding required to meet sustainability goals and assessing the most impactful interventions, this report provides a comprehensive view of real estate executives’ priorities for 2025 and the years to come. Complementing this analysis is the landmark Verdantix Building Decarbonization Barometer portal, which offers additional insights to support organizations on their decarbonization journeys, as well as a dedicated benchmarking advisory service that tracks investment trends and enables benchmarking against peer spending. Together, these resources provide building owners, occupiers and investors with the insights needed to identify financing solutions, secure energy resilience, pursue effective technologies and advance carbon reduction plans. Furthermore, it builds a business case for decarbonization and resilience initiatives, highlighting their direct impact on value creation, futureproofing buildings and ensuring long-term operational continuity. For vendors, this report identifies emerging market gaps and unmet needs, offering opportunities to align their solutions with evolving corporate demands.