While in Poland over 20% of investors are favouring projects that have high Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-related ratings which is fourth highest figure globally, Hungary and the Czech Republic are the two countries globally with the highest share (over 40%) of respondents saying that ESG considerations play no role when they evaluate real estate projects, according to the latest results of the RICS Global Commercial Property Monitor.

Even if demand has only risen relatively modestly, feedback suggests that green building certifications are having an impact on rents and prices. Globally, around 35% of contributors believe that green buildings receive a rent premium over comparable non-green buildings. The majority (more than one-fifth) state that the rent premium is up to 10%, with only 7% judging it to be higher. Meanwhile, almost 40% state that even if there is no rent premium for a green building, those without a green certification are subject to a brown discount, according to Property Forum.

Survey feedback from across the commercial property sector suggests that occupier and investor interest for green buildings has risen by some degree over the past twelve months. Globally, almost 40% of survey participants believe that occupier demand for buildings with green building certifications has risen modestly in the past year. This share is slightly higher in Europe, with around 43% of contributors noting a modest increase of the demand.

Regarding price premiums, 42% of survey participants globally state that green-certified buildings attain a price premium over comparable non-green buildings.