With the goal of achieving net-zero building emissions by 2050, commercial real estate owners and developers are embracing sustainability measures in new and existing buildings.

In the process, they are finding that these efforts can also dramatically reduce costs and appeal to tenants who prioritize wellness in their living spaces.

Energy management and consulting firm Evolution Sustainability Group urges building owners to make human health and wellness a top priority as they embrace sustainability, said Jack Robbins, vice president of Evolution’s New England office.

“It's not enough to create energy-resilient buildings that lower carbon emissions,” Robbins said. “We also have to be mindful in creating healthy buildings that have a positive social impact in environments where people want to live and work.”

Robbins moderated a panel on sustainable and resiliency-focused retrofits and developments at Bisnow’s Boston ESG Construction and Development Summit on Oct. 10 in Boston.

Afterward, Bisnow asked Robbins about sustainable design trends he is seeing in Boston, how companies can stay on top of energy mandates and how Evolution is helping its clients meet sustainability goals.

Bisnow: What are some sustainable design trends you're seeing in Boston?

Robbins: In recent years, our team has seen how real estate has shifted its focus from solely highlighting energy efficiency to emphasizing human health and wellness. While certifications like LEED and Energy Star were once the standard, tenants now prioritize buildings that promote well-being. This trend has led to a significant increase in the amount of Fitwel and WELL certifications that have been implemented through our ESG team.

Bisnow: What was one of the hot topics on the panel you moderated?

Robbins: Building Emission Reduction and Disclosure and Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance compliance remains a pressing issue for building owners. With hefty fines looming in 2025 and 2026, owners and operators must act now and develop a strategy.

To prepare for these deadlines, Evolution has been assisting our clients with energy-efficiency upgrades, renewable energy exploration and planning for the implementation of local offsets that will meet the Massachusetts Class 1 Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC, requirements.

Bisnow: How can building owners stay ahead of mandates requiring net-zero emissions?  

Robbins: Building owners should:

• Organize and manage operational data for carbon reporting.

• Develop a comprehensive road map to net-zero emissions with clear goals and timelines.

• Maximize financial savings and incentives through energy and water efficiency.

• Invest in renewables and REC.

Throughout the process, companies need to track and communicate progress with stakeholders regularly.

Bisnow: How is Evolution Sustainability Group helping clients meet and exceed their sustainability goals? 

Robbins: We start with a thorough assessment to identify inefficiencies and then develop customized strategies to optimize energy use. Our team works closely with clients to implement these solutions, providing ongoing support and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.

By empowering organizations to reduce their energy use, we not only help them achieve their sustainability objectives but also enable them to earn building certifications, demonstrating their commitment to a greener future.

Bisnow: Where do you think sustainable developments are heading in the next 10 years? How will ESG continue to evolve in this sector? 

Robbins: Sustainable development will increasingly emphasize data-driven decision-making, and ESG reporting will become mandatory and more quantitative, requiring detailed disclosure. We will also see companies invest in innovative sustainability initiatives that have the potential to lower the operational costs of energy, waste, water and materials, while also improving compliance, reducing fines and enhancing occupant well-being.

This article was produced in collaboration between Environmental Sustainability Group and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.