Future of Real Estate Power (FoREP)
The built environment represents a significant opportunity to reduce emissions. Commercial buildings are responsible for nearly 16% of carbon dioxide emissions and about 35% of electricity use in the U.S. alone, and on average over 30% of the energy used is wasted resulting in higher than necessary operating costs. Beyond the application of energy efficient technologies and strategies to optimize building operations and maintenance, there is an underlying need for healthy, high-performance physical spaces to meet demands of a growing global population.
The commercial real estate sector will play a significant role as commercial and industrial sector stakeholders continue to drive the uptake of clean energy to power their operations and facilities, and to meet ambitious energy and sustainability goals. CEBA’s Future of Real Estate Power (FoREP) program identifies solutions for commercial real estate building owners, operators, and tenants to key challenges and develop collaborative strategies to support growth of energy optimization and clean energy procurement to reduce emissions.
Commercial buildings are diverse in ownership, operations, and physical features – they include everything from your local grocery store to college campuses, data centers, and skyscrapers. This diversity necessitates a singular tool to increase awareness through consistent demand for energy efficient, zero-carbon strategies. CEBA’s Commercial Real Estate Principles, a foundational tool to support FoREP, leverage tenant demand for sustainable energy solutions to transform how owners, operators, and tenants view emissions reduction potential of commercial buildings.
CEBA members have the opportunity to participate in FoREP, shape its strategy and focus areas, contribute to the development of new tools and resources, and build community with thought leaders.
- 1 About the Commercial Buildings Integration Program. Energy.Gov. 2021.
- 2 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Harvard Healthy Buildings Program.
Commercial Real Estate Principles
As tenants and landlords of commercial real estate, we agree that the following principles will help us meet our clean energy and sustainability goals and support global climate action. We will give preference to partners who do or are working towards the following:
Build Collaboration And Partnership Between Tenants And Landlords
Ensure Transparency Of Energy Use Per Tenant
Prioritize Energy Reduction & Efficiency
Provide Access To Clean Energy Options
Provide Clean Energy Options That Drive The Greatest Impact
Engage In Public Disclosure And Benchmarking
The Commercial Real Estate Principles can be signed by any company – CEBA membership is not required. The intent is to use the Principles to engage your partners in meeting your energy and sustainability goals. To sign on, download and complete the Signatory Form, and send to supplychain@cebuyers.org.