LEED-certified buildings command higher resale values and lower operating costs. LEED is a crucial strategy for achieving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, decarbonization, and equity. LEED-certified buildings are a solid asset for investors, occupants, and the community. They’re proven to be top-performing commercial real estate investments.
LEED helps investors measure and manage their real estate performance. It allows investors to implement building performance management practices, reduce operating costs, and increase asset value.
LEED-certified properties outperform during periods of recovery following recessions, experiencing lower vacancy rates than non-LEED-certified properties after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic accelerated tenant demand for ESG properties. Since 2020, LEED-certified properties’ occupancy rates increased from 90% to 92%. Non-LEED occupancy rates fell from 90% to 88% during the same period.
Since 2018, LEED-certified properties have commanded a 21.4% higher average market sale price per square foot than non-LEED-certified buildings. LEED-certified offices consistently command premium pricing across quality grades and geographies.
Class A LEED-certified urban offices generate a 25.3% higher price per square foot than non-certified buildings. Meanwhile, Class A LEED-certified suburban offices achieve a higher premium of 40.9% over non-certified properties.
Class B LEED-certified offices achieve the highest premium, 77.5%, compared to their non-certified comparables.
LEED-certified buildings focus on occupant health, providing healthier and more satisfying indoor spaces while addressing public and community health concerns. The rating system focuses on strategies such as smoking bans and reduced exposure to toxins from materials to improve air quality. Active design and support for local, sustainable food production promote physical activity and healthy eating.
Employers in LEED-certified spaces report higher recruitment and retention rates and increased employee productivity. LEED creates healthier spaces with cleaner air and access to daylight and is free of toxic chemicals in paints and finishes.
Improved indoor air quality can reduce absenteeism and lost work hours affected by asthma, respiratory allergies, depression, and stress, leading to self-reported improvements in productivity.
Energy-efficient buildings reduce pollution and improve outdoor air quality in major industrial areas, making LEED a vital tool in smog reduction.
LEED buildings use less energy and water, utilize renewable energy and fewer resources, produce less waste, and conserve land and habitats. LEED certification is a global solution for cities, communities, and neighborhoods. Through sustainable design, construction, and operations, LEED can help new and existing buildings reduce carbon, energy, and waste emissions, conserve water, prioritize safer materials, and minimize exposure to toxins.
Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy-related CO2 and are critical in addressing climate change. Energy-efficient buildings reduce pollution and improve outdoor air quality in major industrial areas, making LEED a vital tool in smog reduction.
By building to LEED standards, buildings have contributed 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions from water consumption, 48% fewer greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste, and 5% fewer greenhouse gas emissions from transportation than conventionally constructed buildings. By 2030, LEED projects will divert more than 540 million tons of waste from landfills.
