Despite geopolitical noise and pushback, occupiers of commercial real estate in Europe remain committed to net zero, sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG).
According to a report by Cushman & Wakefield, the commercial real estate services firm, notable regional differences are emerging in ESG priorities – and considering the US administration’s stance it is perhaps not surprising that ESG is no longer a top priority across the Atlantic.
The What Occupiers Want H1 2025 report looks into key priorities for commercial real estate occupiers, showing that, on the surface, ESG priorities have slipped back globally. The strategic priority of ESG has fallen to pre-2021 levels in global importance, dropping from fifth to eighth.
However, the picture is more nuanced when examining global regions. ESG continues to hold greater significance in EMEA and Asia-Pacific, with European occupiers often ranking it as a top priority, frequently taking the number one or two spot. In addition, larger organisations tend to prioritise ESG more than their smaller counterparts.
Cushman & Wakefield, in partnership with CoreNet Global, collaborates with global commercial real estate leaders biennially to understand the evolving office landscape. The What Occupiers Want report explores the evolution of strategic decision drivers, trends in location and workplace, and perspectives on changes to portfolios.
Globally, over 235 commercial real estate leaders completed the survey. Respondents represent companies with 8.1m employees globally and approximately 340m sqft of office floor area.
The report’s findings seem to be in line with the priorities of real estate investors. CBRE Investment Management has said that, despite the political pushback and geopolitical noise, ESG remains a top priority among European investors.
Additonally, the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Global Outlook 2025 report by PwC and the Urban Land Institute found that 67% of respondents, particularly in Europe, still cite environmental or decarbonisation concerns as important.
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