Almost half of office landlords (47%) said this sector has lagged behind other parts of the property market when it comes to implementing and adopting environmental policies.
Research by infinitSpace and The Instant Group, among 250 commercial office landlords in the UK, found that the same number (47%) could not shape and implement environmental policies without help.
Only 20% did not feel that this part of the market was falling behind.
The majority (84%) of UK office landlords cited a vacancy rate of 30% or above in their portfolios. Half (50%) said their offices were half-empty or less.
Those with relatively strong occupancy levels were also found to be those with the most robust sustainability policies.
Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “I’m delighted to be partnering with The Instant Group on this important research project exploring the adoption of sustainable policies across the UK office market as well as the challenges landlords face in implementing them.
“As a sector, the office market is a large emitter of carbon and its transition to net zero will be essential in reaching the sustainable future the planet so desperately needs.
“But success will be dependent upon understanding and mitigating the challenges landlords face in improving the operations of their buildings.
“The research partnership we have unveiled today will go a long way to shedding a light on these challenges and where the sector must act.
“Expect much more to come, the first few results we have released today barely scratch the surface.
“The real estate sector can play a significant role in safeguarding the future of our planet – now is the time to execute.”
Sam Pickering, executive director of sustainability at Incendium, part of the Instant Group, said: “The corporate sustainability landscape is rapidly changing due to the urgency of the climate crisis, stakeholder pressure, expanding regulations and consumer-driven transparency.
“The research partnership between The Instant Group and infinitSpace is a step forward for the commercial real estate sector to identify where key stakeholders can start to make a difference.
“Businesses must adapt – starting with landlords and asset owners.
“A genuine sustainability strategy requires data transparency in order to influence decision makers that can have a true impact on reducing carbon emissions.
“Our intention with research initiatives such as this one is to forge a strong foundation for sustainable outcomes for all.”
