What are the biggest challenges in implementing ESG strategies in real estate?

Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability, real estate players face several challenges in implementing ESG strategies:

• High Initial Costs: Green building materials, renewable energy systems, and advanced insulation require significant upfront investment.
• Limited Awareness & Expertise: Many stakeholders lack technical knowledge about certifications like LEED or IGBC, slowing adoption.
• Regulatory & Policy Uncertainties: Inconsistent regional codes and limited enforcement hinder uniform implementation.
• Data Gaps & Transparency: Reliable metrics for carbon emissions or tenant well-being are difficult to gather, complicating reporting.
• Consumer Demand vs. Affordability: While buyers value sustainability, price sensitivity limits the market for premium ESG-compliant properties.

Tackling these challenges requires public-private partnerships, streamlined policies, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure widespread ESG integration.