Emerging Topics
As climate risks intensify, the real estate industry is being called to lead—not just in reducing emissions, but in shaping a resilient, equitable, and decarbonized built environment. ULI’s Decarbonization Program highlights emerging topics, offering future-forward insights at the intersection of climate, equity, innovation, and investment.
The program spotlights evolving trends and actionable strategies in sustainable real estate. From embodied carbon to climate tech, from tenant engagement to transition risk, ULI’s Decarbonization Program curates knowledge and best practices that drive the industry forward.
Top 5 Topics Shaping Sustainability for Real Estate in 2025
- Simplifying goals and prioritizing decarbonization
- Emphasizing the impact of building materials
- Focusing on occupiers—demand, health, and well-being
- Sourcing and storing green power
- Investing in resilience
Read the 2025 Global Sustainability Outlook Report here!
- Equitable Decarbonization: Explore strategies for ensuring that net-zero transitions deliver benefits across communities—particularly for frontline populations—while aligning with investor priorities and policy frameworks.
- CRREM: Learn how leading portfolios are adopting CRREM pathways to assess stranded asset risk, meet EU Taxonomy requirements, and stay ahead of climate disclosure standards.
Key Reports
Pumping Up Sustainability: Myth-Busting Heat Pumps in Commercial Real Estate (2024)
Heat pumps have a critical role to play as the real estate industry undertakes holistic energy-efficiency improvements on its journey to net zero. This report seeks to convey up-to-date information about electric heat pump technology, to equip real estate practitioners with the knowledge they need to inquire about heat pumps in new and existing projects.
Induction Cooktop Demonstration (2023)
Induction cooktops are one way many real estate companies are advancing building electrification. Induction cooktops are faster, safer, and more efficient than gas stoves or other electric alternatives. Learn about how induction cooktops are the wave of the future of cooking, and how real estate is considering them for the future.
Nature Positive and Net-Zero: The Ecology of Real Estate (2022)
The Nature Positive and Net Zero: The Ecology of Real Estate report, in partnership with research sponsor and partner Jacobs, highlights key global market drivers for developers and owners to preserve and enhance biodiversity in development as part of their overall climate strategy, and provides guidance for owners and developers on best practices for implementing nature positive solutions at multiple scales.