Decarbonization Offered a Real Return on Investment for Businesses, says Leading Sustainability Expert

In a bid to address growing concerns over climate change mitigation and resilience, Buro Happold's Duncan Price highlights the benefits of decarbonization in providing real returns on investment for businesses.

With more than 450 firms committing $130 trillion to achieving net zero globally, the issue is becoming increasingly urgent. According to CBRE research, only 15% of global assets currently align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C target, and it's estimated that 37% of buildings worldwide will need to be decarbonized by 2030.

Price, who works closely with leading clients such as Empire State Realty Trust and Aviva Investors, believes that businesses must take bold action to address climate change. "We're seeing examples from our client base of companies that have taken a leading position and are absolutely convinced they're doing better as a result of their net zero alignment," he says.

While some companies may face challenges in achieving net-zero emissions, many others are already reaping the benefits. Derwent London, Empire State Realty Trust, and Aviva Investors are among those institutions that have successfully integrated decarbonization into their strategies.

However, Price notes that the current pace of progress is insufficient to meet even the most ambitious targets. "Clients need help planning how they're going to get there," he emphasizes. "Partly by doing pilot projects and learning, then sharing that learning across the industry."

A clearer business case for decarbonization is needed, with tangible progress demonstrated between 2025 and 2030. As Buro Happold expert Price concludes, "That means making the business case for decarbonisation at every level."