CBRE, a global leader in property management and development, has announced new climate targets as part of its Climate Transition Strategy. These include cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and reducing emissions per square foot from properties and facilities it manages for clients by 55% by 2030. Managed properties, accounting for 97% of CBRE’s carbon footprint, represent the largest source of its emissions.

The 2030 goals are part of CBRE’s overarching commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and value chain by 2040. Both the 2040 net-zero goal and the newly released interim targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), positioning CBRE among a select group of companies with verified plans to transition to net zero.

Rob Bernard, CBRE’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“Only a small number of global companies have reached this milestone of having both a validated net zero target and a published transition plan to get there. We developed our plan in part to show our clients and suppliers what is possible and what actions will drive progress. Their success in reducing emissions is our success.”

A Sector Under Scrutiny

The real estate industry is a significant contributor to global GHG emissions, responsible for approximately 40% of emissions and 34% of energy use worldwide. CBRE’s extensive portfolio, which includes more than 630 corporate offices and over 7 million square feet of managed properties, underscores the importance of addressing emissions in this sector.

With over 89% of CBRE’s total emissions linked to property and facilities management, the company’s new strategy highlights key pathways to decarbonization:

Maximizing resource efficiency: Implementing measures to reduce energy and material waste across properties.
Increasing renewable energy usage: Simplifying renewable energy procurement for clients.
Electrifying building operations: Advising clients on electrification retrofits for building systems and fleets.
Decarbonizing the supply chain: Strengthening sustainability requirements for suppliers and building capabilities to share reliable emissions data.

Accelerating Sustainability at Scale

CBRE’s strategy emphasizes collaboration with clients and suppliers to scale sustainability initiatives across the industry. Bernard highlighted the importance of this approach, stating:

“By simplifying complexity, we are helping accelerate sustainability for ourselves, our clients, and the industry at scale.”

The company is also focusing on enabling clients to meet their own sustainability goals, providing advisory services to improve energy efficiency, adopt renewables, and implement building retrofits.