The built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of global annual CO₂ emissions, making real estate a critical player in the energy transition. Our global Real Estate team helps developers, investors, landlords, and tenants navigate this shift by integrating sustainability goals into property strategies and transactions.
What’s happening?
The real estate sector is at the forefront of the global energy transition. Buildings account for approximately 37 - 39% of annual CO₂ emissions worldwide, making decarbonization a key industry-wide priority. Across geographic markets, we are seeing rapid growth in renewable energy projects, with development accelerating to meet demand for clean power.
The proliferation of electric vehicles is driving the rollout of charging networks, creating new requirements and opportunities for property owners and developers. At the same time, the surge in digital connectivity, AI, and data consumption is fueling demand for smart building technologies and renewable power sources.
Green leases have become increasingly common as landlords and tenants collaborate to incorporate sustainability commitments into leases in order to address clean energy use, carbon reduction, and waste and water efficiency. In addition, building owners are exploring microgeneration and localized energy solutions to monetize underutilized property and supply electricity directly to tenants.
These trends reflect a fundamental shift: sustainability goals are shaping investment strategies, development priorities, and the long-term value of real estate assets.
How can we help?
- We serve as real estate counsel for the development of renewable energy projects, including land acquisitions, financing, and ground leases.
- We structure and negotiate joint ventures for the pursuit of energy transition projects, including for large scale energy projects such as offshore wind hubs.
- We advise on lease provisions for energy efficiency retrofits for both landlords and tenants.
- We support clients in seizing localized energy generation opportunities to supply electricity directly to a building’s tenants. See our Microgeneration Hub here.
- We support sale-leaseback transactions and other strategies to unlock capital for sustainable investments.
- We assist in the construction and development of new sustainable and LEED-certified assets.
- We integrate smart building solutions and digital infrastructure integration into lease terms.
By combining deep real estate expertise with an understanding of emerging energy trends, we enable clients to capture value and advance their green initiatives.