The real estate sector accounts for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions in France, a reality that requires market players to rethink their practices. Faced with this urgent need, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is emerging as a strategic lever for the sustainable transformation of France's real estate stock. Buildings are one of the major sources of energy consumption in Europe, and optimizing their environmental performance is becoming a central challenge if we are to achieve the carbon neutrality targets set for 2050. This transformation is no longer simply a matter of voluntary commitment. European and national legislation, now structured and reinforced, imposes concrete obligations on asset owners and managers. The CSRD directive requires greater transparency on ESG data, while the European Taxonomy classifies economic activities according to precise scientific criteria. For occupying companies, choosing premises aligned with these requirements is becoming a decisive selection criterion, on a par with location or rent.
European regulatory frameworks for responsible real estate
The European Union has deployed an ambitious legislative arsenal to accelerate the ecological transition of the real estate sector. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), initially due to be implemented in 2021, lays the foundations for a coordinated approach on a continental scale. The directive states that improving the energy performance of buildings will drastically reduce CO2 emissions, combat fuel poverty and protect people from volatile energy prices. The stated ambition is to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal that will require massive investment in the renovation of existing buildings.
The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) represents a major turning point for real estate companies. It harmonizes the data published on environmental, social and governance issues. Real estate companies, developers and asset managers must now report in detail on their actions and results. This transparency facilitates comparisons between players and enables investors to direct their capital towards the most virtuous projects. The European Taxonomy completes this system by classifying economic activities according to six criteria: climate change mitigation, adaptation, water management, circular economy, pollution prevention and biodiversity protection.
RE2020 and its progressive carbon emission thresholds
In France, the Réglementation Environnementale 2020 (RE2020) has radically altered the requirements for new buildings. This regulation introduces differentiated carbon emission thresholds depending on the type of building, whether single-family or multi-family. The deadlines of 2025, 2028 and 2031 impose progressive reductions, forcing industry players to adapt their construction methods and master the life-cycle analysis of materials. The stated aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector by over 30%.
The Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE) has become a central indicator for assessing the environmental quality of buildings. Against the backdrop of the French Climate and Resilience Act, which calls for the removal of 4 million heatwasters from the rental market, buildings with good energy ratings are becoming increasingly attractive. For companies seeking to make an effective commitment to CSR, choosing energy-efficient premises represents a concrete and measurable action.
Labels and certifications for recognized sustainable real estate
In thesustainable real estate landscape, labels and certifications offer reliable benchmarks for identifying virtuous buildings. Developed by independent bodies, these benchmarks assess performance according to objective criteria, enabling companies to communicate their commitments with credibility. The choice of label depends on the priorities of each organization: some focus on energy performance, others on occupant well-being or the circular economy.
| Label / Certification | Origin | Main focus | Key criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| BREEAM | United Kingdom | Overall environmental performance | Energy, air quality, water management |
| HQE | France | Holistic environmental quality | Eco-construction, health, comfort, waste management |
| LEED | United States | Energy efficiency and materials | Sustainable materials, responsible practices |
| WELL | International | Occupant well-being | Air quality, nutrition, ergonomics, light |
| Effinergie | France | Energy performance | BBC, Positive Energy House |
| BEPOS | France | Positive energy production | Building that produces more than it consumes |
| B-Corp | United States | Societal and environmental impact | Governance, employees, community |
BREEAM and HQE: two complementary approaches to real estate certification
The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) label, which originated in the UK, enjoys international recognition, making it a benchmark for foreign investors. Its assessment covers the entire building life cycle, from design to operation. Criteria cover energy management, indoor air quality, water efficiency and biodiversity of outdoor spaces. BREEAM-certified buildings generally command a higher market value, as occupants are willing to pay a premium for certified premises.
The HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) label, a benchmark in France, adopts an approach that integrates all the dimensions of sustainable development. In addition to energy aspects, HQE evaluates the sanitary quality of spaces, acoustic and visual comfort, as well as the responsible management of site waste. This certification meets the expectations of French companies wishing to promote their CSR approach to their stakeholders. HQE-certified spaces, such as those proposed at Bordeaux Place de la Bourse, are concrete examples of the application of these demanding standards.
WELL Building Standard: putting well-being at the heart of certification
The WELL label distinguishes itself by placing the physical and mental health of occupants at the heart of its assessment. This international certification measures theenvironmental impact of buildings on their users across ten categories: air, water, food, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, spirit and community. Companies occupying WELL-certified premises are seeing an improvement in their teams' commitment and productivity. A recent study indicates that 60% of users of flexible workspaces feel that their working environment promotes their well-being.
The WELL approach is a useful complement to traditional environmental certifications. An eco-responsible building that failed to take into account the comfort of its occupants would be missing out on a major challenge: attracting talent. Employees, particularly the younger generation, are placing increasing importance on the quality of their working environment. Spaces that combine energy efficiency and well-being, such as those available at Marseille Préfecture, meet this dual requirement.
How operated offices contribute to a company's CSR strategy
Flexible, operated office space is a natural ally for companies committed to corporate social responsibility. These players, already aware of environmental issues, have developed practices that enable them to pool their efforts and optimize theenvironmental impact of commercial real estate. Sharing common spaces, equipment and services generates economies of scale that benefit all members.
Some operators have set up precise indicators to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Analysis reveals that 20% of a workspace's emissions come from furniture, which has led several players to give priority to reusing materials and extending the lifespan of equipment. This circular approach is fully in line with the objectives of the European Taxonomy and contributes to an overall reduction in the carbon footprint of occupying companies. For those considering setting up teams in the South of France, the options for renting an office in Marseille offer solutions aligned with these requirements.
Rehabilitation and the circular economy: the pillars of responsible real estate
Renovating existing buildings rather than building new ones is a major way of reducingenvironmental impact. Transforming unused surfaces into functional workspaces avoids the artificialization of new land and enhances the value of existing buildings. This approach meets the objectives of Zero Net Artificialization (ZAN), which aims to compensate for all new construction with renaturation measures. Flexible office operators contribute to this dynamic by rehabilitating buildings that have sometimes fallen into disrepair, transforming them into attractive workplaces.
The circular economy also applies to furniture and interior fittings. The choice of biosourced, geosourced or reused materials helps to limit the carbon footprint of development work. A committed operator aims to keep site-related CO2 emissions below 35 kg per square metre, an ambitious objective that presupposes a rigorous selection of materials and service providers. Protecting members' data is another aspect of workspace responsibility, and good cybersecurity practices are part of this overall CSR approach.
Measuring and managing the CSR performance of your real estate assets
It is essential to set up monitoring indicators to transform intentions into concrete results. The most advanced real estate companies publish precise data on their energy consumption, CO2 emissions, the proportion of recycled materials used and occupant satisfaction rates. These metrics, required by the CSRD directive, make it possible to compare performance over time and set ambitious but realistic targets for improvement.
The essential standards that structure real estate CSR require a new rigor in data collection and processing. Carbon audits, carried out according to standardized methodologies, identify priority emission sources and direct investments towards the most effective actions. For companies looking to reduce their footprint, choosing premises that are already optimized represents a valuable shortcut. Operated spaces take care of this complexity, enabling members to benefit from real estate certification without having to manage the process themselves. Teams wishing to find out more about the terms of their commitment can consult the terms of reimbursement in the event of a change of situation.
Concrete strategies to enhance the value of your real estate assets through CSR
Enhancing the value of real estate through CSR is based on a systematic approach that combines technical investment and organizational commitment. Property owners who anticipate regulatory changes protect the value of their assets over the long term. A building that fails to meet energy performance thresholds risks losing its appeal and seeing its rental value fall. Conversely, an ESG-certified building attracts quality tenants who are prepared to make longer-term commitments.
Integrating biodiversity into real estate projects is a major trend. Green roofs, shared gardens and permeable spaces encourage water infiltration and limit urban heat islands. These developments, carried out in collaboration with ecologists and landscape architects, contribute to the quality of life of occupants and the brand image of buildings. Companies that embark on this path can aim for ambitious targets, such as designing 25% of their surfaces as "positive biodiversity". Companies considering a location in the South of France can explore the various options available in Marseille.
Supporting changes in usage to maximize impact
A building's environmental performance also depends on the behavior of its occupants. Everyday actions, from lighting management to the rational use of heating and air conditioning, have a significant influence on actual consumption. Flexible space operators play an educational role by raising awareness of best practices and facilitating the adoption of eco-responsible reflexes. This human dimension complements technical investments and maximizes their impact.
Companies that integrate their premises into a global CSR approach strengthen the commitment of their teams. Working in an environmentally-friendly environment contributes to employees' sense of pride and belonging. This consistency between stated values and actual working conditions reinforces the credibility of the approach and avoids accusations of greenwashing. Data security is another aspect of this responsibility, and simple actions in the field of cybersecurity contribute to a global approach to CSR.
What are the main labels used to certify an eco-responsible building?
The most widely recognized certifications in France and internationally are BREEAM (global environmental performance), HQE (French environmental quality), LEED (American energy efficiency), WELL (occupant well-being) and Effinergie (energy performance). Each label responds to specific criteria, and serves to highlight different aspects of a property's CSR approach.
How does RE2020 affect the value of buildings?
The 2020 Environmental Regulations impose progressive carbon emission thresholds for new buildings, with deadlines in 2025, 2028 and 2031. Buildings that anticipate these requirements gain in market attractiveness, while those that don't risk losing rental and resale value.
Can operated offices contribute to a company's CSR strategy?
Flexible, operated office spaces allow you to pool resources, optimize energy consumption and benefit from certified facilities without having to manage the process yourself. Some operators display measurable commitments, such as furniture re-use or carbon emission thresholds per square meter of site.
What does the CSRD directive require of real estate companies?
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requires companies to publish harmonized data on their environmental, social and governance performance. This transparency facilitates comparisons between players and enables investors to direct their capital towards the most virtuous real estate projects.
How can you concretely measure the environmental impact of your premises?
Measurement involves carrying out carbon footprints according to standardized methodologies, monitoring energy consumption, analyzing the proportion of recycled materials and assessing occupant comfort. These indicators, required by current regulations, enable improvement targets to be set and progress to be communicated.
