Office real estate is undergoing rapid change, with the emergence of major new challenges in terms of energy efficiency, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and regulations... All in a complex period for asset valuation! Here are the major trends to watch for over the next 24 months.

Energy efficiency and tertiary decree: the shift not to be missed

With more than 80% of the 2050 real estate stock already built in 2024 according to ADEME, the energy transition of buildings is a priority for the tertiary real estate sector in order to respect the ambitious trajectory outlined by the Tertiary Decree. A major challenge which involves an in-depth review of the management and renovation of real estate assets.

To respond to this, investors and managers are already banking on innovative solutions: reinforced insulation, more efficient heating and air conditioning systems, optimization of the technical management of buildings, energy efficiency management platform, etc. Energy certifications (BBC, HQE, BREEAM, Tertiary Eco Energy Rating, etc.) will become essential to certify the performance of assets.

3 reasons why it is urgent to take an interest in it:

1. To control the operating costs of its real estate portfolio in a context of unstable energy prices

2. To achieve the objectives set by the Tertiary Decree and protect yourself from the fines and sanctions provided for

3. To optimize the value of its assets thanks to labels and ratings that reward the efficiency of a building (like the DPE in housing)

CSR and societal impact: a growing requirement in offices

Beyond just energy issues, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is taking a growing place in office real estate. Users, whether businesses or employees, are increasingly attentive to the societal and environmental impact of the buildings they occupy.

CSR criteria, such as the well-being of occupants, sustainable mobility or even biodiversity, are becoming key elements in the specifications of developers and brokers, but these CSR criteria are also used within the framework of performance reports. activities or recent regulatory reporting (European taxonomy, new CSRD standard). Owners and managers will therefore have to integrate these aspects from the design or renovation of their assets, relying on recognized labels and certifications (WELL, HQE, BREEAM, etc.).

3 reasons why it is urgent to take an interest in it:

1. To make the real estate portfolio a visible symbol of your company’s CSR commitments

2. To optimize the reach of your employer brand through concrete actions and better occupant comfort

3. To embody a culture of change and encourage collective emulation among employees

Reinforced regulations: a necessary adaptation of real estate players

In this rapidly changing context, regulations are also strengthening, forcing tertiary real estate players to adapt. Beyond the Tertiary Decree, new standards are emerging, such as the 2020 environmental regulations (RE2020) which governs new construction or the BACS Decree for the automation of equipment.

Owners and managers will therefore need to demonstrate anticipation and agility to comply with these ever stricter regulatory requirements. This will involve the implementation of multi-year work plans, regular energy audits and even optimized management of consumption data.

3 reasons why it is urgent to take an interest in it:

1. To install robust regulatory monitoring, resistant to the rapid evolution of the legal framework

2. To ensure the increase in skills of the employees responsible for the subject at your place

3. To comply with the law… quite simply!

Digitalization and optimization: opportunities for real estate players

Faced with these challenges, office real estate is called upon to reinvent itself. Far from being a constraint, these developments represent real opportunities for the most proactive players.

Indeed, the most efficient buildings in terms of energy and CSR will have a clear competitive advantage. They will be more attractive for companies concerned about their environmental and social footprint, less expensive in terms of charges, and therefore more easily marketable: the famous “green value” of real estate assets.

To manage this transformation of buildings as closely as possible, professionals will therefore have to adopt new tools and technologies in order to digitalize their fleet: management platform, IoT, digital twin, GTB/GTC, AI, etc. The profession of fleet manager and real estate manager is about to begin a major transformation!

3 reasons why it is urgent to take an interest in it:

1. To master the technological building blocks gradually, while training their teams

2. Because a digital fleet is better exploited, which makes it a definite competitive advantage in a tense market

3. Because (large) investments are frozen in the sector and the period is particularly favorable for optimizing what already exists!

To seize these opportunities, tertiary real estate players will, however, need to demonstrate innovation and agility. Those who have been able to anticipate these developments and adapt to them in depth will do well in the years to come.

Evolution of energy consumption of tertiary buildings in France