{"id":59106,"date":"2025-04-05T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-05T06:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.urbanitae.com\/?p=59106"},"modified":"2025-04-04T22:20:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T20:20:47","slug":"real-estate-sustainability-key-updates-from-the-sbtis-new-criteria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.urbanitae.com\/en\/2025\/04\/05\/real-estate-sustainability-key-updates-from-the-sbtis-new-criteria\/","title":{"rendered":"Real estate sustainability: key updates from the SBTi\u2019s new criteria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The real estate sector is responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions<\/a>, according to a report by Savills. For this reason, it is at the heart of global efforts to curb climate change. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly apparent, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released new guidelines specifically designed for the sector, aiming to help companies set clear, ambitious goals aligned with the global objective of limiting warming to 1.5\u00baC.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we explore the key elements of the new SBTi standards,<\/strong> how they will reshape the roadmap for the real estate sector, and what practical applications they may have for companies seeking to transform their operations\u2014not only as an environmental necessity but also as a strategic opportunity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Context and Challenge: The Real Estate Sector and Climate Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The real estate sector plays a leading role in the climate crisis due to its significant impact on global emissions. According to the European Union, the sector accounts for over a third of emissions,<\/strong> a figure that clearly underscores the urgency of accelerating its decarbonization. Furthermore, with a projected 15% increase in global built-up area by 2030\u2014mainly in emerging economies\u2014the challenge of minimizing environmental impact becomes even more daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economically, the real estate sector is already feeling the effects of climate change, as construction delays<\/strong> caused by adverse weather conditions are already costing billions of dollars worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to this emergency, SBTi offers a specific solution<\/a>: a framework tailored to the sector\u2019s needs that covers both new and existing buildings.<\/strong> It encompasses the entire lifecycle of a property, from design and construction to use and eventual demolition, focusing on reducing both operational and embodied emissions through achievable, science-based strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Tools for Decarbonizing the Sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The new SBTi manual<\/a> introduces a series of tools that allow companies to tackle the sustainability challenge in a structured way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n