In the corporate world, this means rethinking how spaces are designed, occupied, and operated. More than 70% of a property’s environmental impact occurs during its operational phase. That’s why management decisions—such as energy efficiency, ventilation, water treatment, or waste management—are just as important as location or square footage.
The return to the office has reignited many of these conversations. Today, companies are looking for spaces that not only support their strategy but also reflect their values. Some pursue this by choosing buildings with certifications like LEED—focused on efficiency and environmental impact—or WELL—centered on human well-being. Others, with older properties, explore possible upgrades: from immediate, low-cost changes such as LED lighting or sensors to deeper, long-term redesigns.
The design approach has also shifted. It’s no longer just about meeting regulations, but about envisioning—right from a building’s foundation—how the space will be experienced over the next 20 years. Which areas require more light, which materials are most efficient, or how to redistribute usage according to occupancy patterns and schedules. In some cases, a single floor can be divided to avoid running an entire building during periods of low attendance, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Organizational culture is also driving this change. Many internal teams are the ones demanding sustainable conditions: better spaces, greater comfort, sustainable mobility, and more responsible environments. At the same time, companies are beginning to recognize the long-term savings these decisions generate—especially in times of budget adjustments.
Sustainability is also tied to adaptability. Buildings need to evolve—not just earn a certification once. Technologies, regulations, and ways of working change. And that demands ongoing monitoring, constant measurement, and the ability to keep updating.
At Cushman & Wakefield, we work alongside companies, owners, and investors to support this transformation. We design sustainable, scalable, and strategic solutions that enhance asset performance and project long-term value—without losing sight of what matters most: the people who inhabit these spaces every day.