In August 2025, NAR surveyed its commercial-focused members about sustainability issues facing the industry.
Key Findings
- Prevalence of Green Data Fields Remains Low: Only 13% of respondents reported that their Commercial Information Exchange (CIE) had green data fields to promote sustainable property features. However, among those who do have CIE green data fields, the majority (54%) do utilize them.
- 37% of respondents have completed some form of training on commercial property sustainable elements, such as energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy systems, or eco-friendly building materials.
- Agents and brokers are seeing the value in promoting energy efficiency, as 55% report that energy efficiency promotion in listings is very or somewhat valuable.
- Green building certifications may increase property values but have little impact on time on market. Thirty percent of REALTORS® report increased property values from these certifications, while only 9% report that it shortens time on the market.
- With changing needs and uses for commercial spaces, 32% of brokerage firms have experience working with commercial building repurposing.
- With changing needs and uses for commercial spaces, 32% of brokerage firms have experience working with commercial building repurposing.
- Hard costs are most important to consumers; the sustainable building feature that REALTORS® believe is most important to clients when deciding where to buy or lease is utility and operations costs (32%).
- Improving existing buildings is an emphasis; the sustainability market issue most often cited by REALTORS® was improving energy efficiency of existing buildings (38%).
- Building tenants most often ask about whether a building has energy efficiency features (58%) or has a vehicle charging station (52%).
About the REALTOR® Sustainability Program
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a leader in the dialogue on real estate sustainability among real estate agents, brokers, trade associations, and consumers. Identifying the growth of sustainability in real estate, the REALTOR® Sustainability program conducts outreach to members, trade associations, and agencies to raise awareness and engagement in NAR sustainability efforts. The program coordinates association benefits and resources for its members and is responsible for the implementation of NAR's Sustainability and Resilience Plan. It also introduces corporate social responsibility and triple bottom line concepts into NAR's decision-making practices, allowing NAR to educate and support sustainability in real estate through environmental, social, and economic contexts.
Vision Statement: REALTORS® thrive in a culture of sustainability that promotes viability, resiliency, and resource efficiency.
Member Mission: Provide leadership and strategies on topics of sustainability that benefit members, REALTOR® associations, and communities.
To find out more, visit nar.realtor/sustainability.
