Almost half (47%) of UK landlords believe the office market is lagging behind other areas of the property sector in implementing/adopting environmental policies, according to new research commissioned by infinitSpace and The Instant Group.
Censuswide surveyed 250 commercial landlords with offices in the UK and found there was a knowledge gap in terms of the capabilities of landlords to tackle environmental issues, with 47% saying they can’t ‘go it alone’ and need help in shaping environmental policies.
The research also found many buildings were nowhere near full occupancy, with 84% of landlords reporting occupancy of less than 70% and 53% saying their offices were half-empty or less.
Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “As a sector, the office market is a large emitter of carbon and its transition to net zero will be essential in reaching the sustainable future the planet so desperately needs. But success will be dependent upon understanding and mitigating the challenges landlords face in improving the operations of their buildings.
“The research partnership we have unveiled today will go a long way to shedding a light on these challenges and where the sector must act. Expect much more to come, the first few results we have released today barely scratch the surface. The real estate sector can play a significant role in safeguarding the future of our planet – now is the time to execute.”
Sam Pickering, executive director of sustainability at Incendium (part of the Instant Group), added: “The corporate sustainability landscape is rapidly changing due to the urgency of the climate crisis, stakeholder pressure, expanding regulations and consumer-driven transparency. The research partnership between The Instant Group and infinitSpace is a step forward for the commercial real estate sector to identify where key stakeholders can start to make a difference.
“Businesses must adapt – starting with landlords and asset owners. A genuine sustainability strategy requires data transparency in order to influence decision makers that can have a true impact on reducing carbon emissions. Our intention with research initiatives such as this one is to forge a strong foundation for sustainable outcomes for all.”
