Report Highlights Overlooked Sustainability Policies in Facilities

 

If we’re serious about decarbonizing the built environment, we need solutions that work for every commercial building, not just the top-tier assets. AI tools are a critical enabler of this transformation, and a feasible way to turn our ambitions into measurable results for the buildings that need it most.

 

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Sustainability
 
December 17, 2024
 
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Report Highlights Overlooked Sustainability Policies in Facilities
 

A new report by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), titled Building Transition: Financing Market Transformation, reveals a critical gap in the decarbonization of the built environment. While top-tier green-certified buildings have showcased sustainability potential, the report focuses on the "other 75 percent" — buildings that remain underserved due to financial and operational constraints. 

The report identifies transition financing as essential for bridging the gap, urging a shift from prioritizing certifications to enabling practical, step-by-step improvements. According to Donatas Karciauskas, CEO of Exergio, this is where data and AI-based technology can make a difference.

“The “other 75 percent” is the most pressing issue in our path to net-zero,” says Karciauskas. “Many buildings lack the resources for deep retrofits or top-tier certifications. Existing AI tools can democratize energy efficiency, bringing high-level optimization to buildings that would otherwise be left behind. Of course, they work for new buildings too.”

While certifications and frameworks guide top performers, the report underscores the importance of addressing the larger majority. By focusing on incremental improvements—such as real-time energy optimization and targeted upgrades — buildings can achieve reductions in emissions without the need for extensive overhauls.

Another challenge identified in the report is the misalignment between existing taxonomies and green certification systems. For example, the EU Taxonomy, ASEAN Taxonomy, and more than 15 national frameworks worldwide have varying sustainability criteria.

According to the report, this fragmentation creates confusion not only for building owners, but also for investors, and limits access to financing for many building owners.

USGBC’s findings emphasized that closing the gap for the other 75 percent is essential to achieving net-zero targets.

“This report sends a clear message,” concludes Karciauskas. “If we’re serious about decarbonizing the built environment, we need solutions that work for every commercial building, not just the top-tier assets. AI tools are a critical enabler of this transformation, and a feasible way to turn our ambitions into measurable results for the buildings that need it most.”