Corporates Embrace Carbon-Neutral Office Spaces in Sustainability Push
Real estate is a significant contributor to global emissions, and the industry is evolving to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. Large corporates are now assessing the carbon footprint of office spaces before leasing, leading to a shift t
Carbonneutral Office SpacesSustainable Real EstateGreen CertificationsRenewable EnergyCircular EconomyReal EstateJan 26, 2025
Companies are now assessing the carbon footprint of office spaces before leasing to achieve carbon neutrality, and they are engaging auditors to check both operational and embodied carbon emissions.
This move goes beyond green certifications and ensures that the space remains carbon neutral throughout its life cycle.
Vibhor Jain, founder and CEO of Carbon Guardians, a company that provides carbon-neutral managed office spaces, explains, “We have developed a platform that calculates, reduces, and offsets both embodied and operational carbon in office spaces.
Real estate plays a vital role in global emissions, and it’s imperative for the industry to evolve.” Carbon Guardians offers services from leasing and interior fit-outs to facility management, helping companies meet their sustainability objectives.
Developers are also stepping up their efforts to cater to the growing demand for sustainable workspaces.
For example, Tata Realty and Infrastructure has implemented advanced energy monitoring systems across its portfolio of Tata Intellion offices.
Ritesh Sachdev, senior vice president and head of commercial leasing at Tata Realty, states, “This granular data enables us to identify optimization opportunities and implement targeted solutions.
We have achieved a significant milestone with 51% of our electricity needs being met through renewable sources, demonstrating tangible progress toward carbon neutrality.”
According to the World Economic Forum, buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of raw material use.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the real estate sector.
Sachdev outlines three key areas for future focus “First, implementing advanced building management systems that provide real-time energy consumption data and optimization opportunities.
Second, increasing our renewable energy adoption with a target of 60%.
Third, incorporating circular economy principles in our operations, including water recycling and waste management, where we are already achieving 100% landfill diversion.”
Sumit Gera, CEO of India Business Parks at CapitaLand Investment, emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“All our occupied buildings are certified as green and equipped with high-efficiency infrastructure to lower energy and water usage.
Over 50% of the energy consumed across our parks is sourced from renewable sources.
Additionally, two of our largest parks in Bangalore and Chennai have achieved Net Zero certifications for water and waste management and are on track to achieve carbon net zero status.
These achievements are part of our broader ambition to attain net zero status for all our parks by 2030,” he said.
All new projects from CapitaLand are developed with low carbon intensity, adhering to the United Nations’ sustainability guidelines for embodied carbon.
The Indian office market has seen a record-breaking year, with leasing across the top eight cities estimated to have crossed 80 million square feet in 2024.
Companies are not only focusing on the environment during the construction stage but also during the operational stage.
Some are even calculating the carbon footprint of the interior.
As international occupiers increasingly seek sustainable spaces, developers are now pursuing international green certifications that appeal to these potential tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are large corporates assessing the carbon footprint of office spaces before leasing?
Large corporates are assessing the carbon footprint of office spaces to achieve carbon neutrality and meet their sustainability goals. This practice goes beyond green certifications and ensures that the space remains carbon neutral throughout its lifecycle.
What services does Carbon Guardians offer to help companies meet their sustainability objectives?
Carbon Guardians offers services from leasing and interior fit-outs to facility management, providing a platform that calculates, reduces, and offsets both embodied and operational carbon in office spaces.
How has Tata Realty and Infrastructure implemented advanced energy monitoring systems?
Tata Realty and Infrastructure has implemented advanced energy monitoring systems across its portfolio of Tata Intellion offices, measuring both direct energy sources and indirect grid consumption to identify optimization opportunities and reduce carbon emissions.
What is the World Economic Forum's assessment of the environmental impact of buildings?
According to the World Economic Forum, buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of raw material use, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the real estate sector.
What are the three key areas Tata Realty and Infrastructure is focusing on to ensure a carbon-neutral portfolio?
Tata Realty and Infrastructure is focusing on implementing advanced building management systems, increasing renewable energy adoption, and incorporating circular economy principles in their operations, including water recycling and waste management.
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