Powering a greener tomorrow

Renewable energy overtook coal as the primary global source for electricity in the first half of 2025, according to energy think tank Ember. The team analysed electricity data from 88 countries, representing 93% of global demand, and then estimated changes in the remaining generation to form a worldwide picture.

What does this shift mean for the sector? 

• Stronger Push Towards Sustainable Buildings

• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance will become a higher priority.
• Green certifications (LEED, BREEAM, WELL) may become minimum expectations rather than differentiators.
  

• Lower (and More Stable) Energy Costs in the Long Term

• Operating costs for buildings may stabilise or fall, especially where properties tap into renewables directly.
• Demand-side management and smart building tech (e.g., optimizing HVAC and lighting based on grid signals) become more valuable.
  
  
• Expectations for Electrification
  
  
• Retrofit and new builds will increasingly favor electric heating (e.g., heat pumps) over gas or oil.
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure will be expected as part of standard amenities.

• Carbon Risk and Asset Devaluation

• Properties without sustainability strategies may become “stranded assets” — losing value due to inability to meet future regulations or market expectations.
• Disclosure requirements (such as Scope 2 emissions reporting) may tighten.

• Data-Driven Energy Management Becomes the Norm

• Property managers need to adopt energy analytics tools to track consumption, emissions, and savings.
• Integration with smart grids and demand response programs could unlock new revenue streams.
• ESG reporting will increasingly rely on granular, auditable energy data.

The rise of renewables is more than a global energy headline — it's a clear signal to commercial property managers: sustainability is no longer optional. Properties that align with clean energy trends will not only reduce emissions but gain a competitive edge in an increasingly climate-conscious market.

Link to Global Electricity Insights - https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-mid-year-insights-2025/