Global demand for green office buildings slows amid US policy shift

Global interest in sustainable office buildings has slowed, particularly in North and South America, following policy rollbacks under the Trump administration, according to a survey of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors members. In the US, the proportion of building professionals reporting growth in demand for green commercial buildings dropped sharply from 25% to 11%, while elsewhere it declined from 48% to 40% since 2021.

Green buildings, which reduce environmental impact through energy efficiency, low-carbon materials, and renewable energy, account for a growing focus on carbon reduction in construction. The UN Environment Programme notes that residential and commercial buildings contributed 34% of global carbon emissions in 2023, primarily from heating, cooling and powering buildings. Despite slower demand, energy-efficient buildings continue to offer cost savings and a competitive advantage in attracting tenants.

Survey respondents also reported declining measurement of embodied carbon in materials and construction processes, with 46% no longer tracking it, up from 34% the previous year. Only 16% said carbon measurement meaningfully influenced material choices, highlighting a gap between sustainability goals and current practice.

Nicholas Maclean, acting president of Rics, suggested the slowdown may be temporary, noting that occupiers still prefer sustainable buildings for long-term benefits, including lower operating costs and tenant appeal. Analysts warn that policy and regulatory support play a critical role in maintaining confidence and driving investment in green construction.

See how shifting policy landscapes are shaping sustainable construction priorities globally.