Decarbonising Real Estate Is Achievable, But It’s Not a One-Time Fix
By: Velorine
Why lasting impact in the built environment demands consistent, tech-enabled action
The call to decarbonise real estate has reached a new level of urgency. As cities grapple with climate change and investors push for ESG accountability, the spotlight is squarely on building structures that globally account for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon emissions.
Yet, while momentum is growing, a critical misunderstanding remains: decarbonisation isn’t a checkbox. It’s a continuous journey.
This is the message from Katie Whipp, Chief Business Officer at Re:sustain, a company leveraging cutting-edge digital twin technology to help real estate owners and managers reduce their carbon footprint remotely, intelligently, and at scale.
“We’re seeing more stakeholders realise the value of decarbonising not just for the planet, but for operational efficiency and cost savings,” Whipp explains. “But meaningful change doesn’t come from one-time upgrades. It takes sustained, data-driven focus.”
The Fallacy of One-Off Sustainability Fixes
Many in the sector approach decarbonisation through singular interventions like retrofitting insulation, switching to LED lighting, or upgrading HVAC systems. While important, these isolated actions fall short of achieving long-term emissions goals, especially as regulations tighten and performance metrics become more transparent.
What’s needed is a whole-building, lifecycle-driven strategy, one that adapts over time and is continuously informed by live performance data.
Technology as the Game-Changer
Re:sustain’s solution is rooted in digital twin technology virtual replicas of buildings that use real-time data to simulate, monitor, and optimize building performance. This enables property managers to track carbon output, model improvement strategies, and implement changes without needing to physically assess every building on-site.
“Our platform allows managers to test sustainability measures before committing capital,” Whipp says. “It’s scalable, efficient, and gives owners a clear roadmap to net zero without guesswork.”
Digital twins can identify inefficiencies in everything from ventilation to occupancy patterns, turning buildings into dynamic assets that evolve with their environment and tenants’ needs.
The Business Case Is Growing
Beyond environmental impact, the financial case for decarbonisation is stronger than ever. Sustainable buildings often command higher valuations, benefit from lower operating costs, and attract ESG-conscious investors and tenants.
In fact, Whipp points out that buildings that embed sustainability into ongoing operations are more resilient to regulatory risks and market shifts a critical edge in today’s volatile economy.
“Real estate isn’t just about location anymore,” she notes. “It’s about performance, accountability, and long-term value.”
Making Decarbonisation Stick
To create real change, Whipp emphasizes that the sector must move from project-based thinking to platform-based action. This means integrating carbon performance tracking into every aspect of building management, supported by real-time insights and clear benchmarks.
“It’s not about doing everything at once,” she says. “It’s about making sustainability part of the daily conversation part of how buildings are run, improved, and understood.”
The Road Ahead
As the global race to net zero accelerates, the real estate industry has a rare opportunity to lead. But doing so requires more than ambition. It demands consistency, innovation, and a willingness to adapt.
With digital tools now unlocking new levels of insight and scale, companies like Re:sustain are proving that decarbonising real estate isn’t just possible, it’s practical. But only if we treat it not as a project, but as a process.
