Sustainable real estate


The real estate industry has a fundamental role to play in decarbonising the economy to achieve sustainable targets. Property companies, investors, funds, developers and advisors are making clear ESG commitments.

As the built environment is a significant contributor to global emissions, decarbonisation is no longer optional for property owners and occupiers. Increasing demand from investors, funders and occupiers for climate-resilient, high-performing, sustainable property, coupled with stringent regulatory requirements, is focusing attention on enhancing sustainability credentials.

We advise landowners and occupiers on the sustainable development and management of their assets, ensuring landlords and tenants can work together to share data and improve environmental performance. We advise on the responsible development of property to meet green financing requirements and achieve decarbonisation and certification targets.

But environmental considerations are only part of responsible real estate. By their nature, buildings become part of the communities around them. A property is a long-term asset, however frequently it is traded, refurbished or redeveloped. This brings with it an opportunity to use buildings for the good of the community, creating value for society.

Our experience

  • Green leases
  • Net zero construction
  • Green infrastructure
  • Achieving ESG KPIs in investment and funding real estate acquisition and development
  • Stewardship
  • Urban regeneration

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

Our clients

Landowners, investors and occupiers in each asset class of the real estate industry are putting ESG principles at the forefront. Our deep sector expertise from advising on the management and development of a wide variety of assets, means that we can advise clients on the impact on of these principles on their portfolios.

Our clients are landowners, investors, fund managers, master-developers and higher education institutions.

  • Orchard Street Social and Environmental Impact Fund
  • Urban&Civic
  • Trinity College Cambridge
  • Railpen

Our lawyers

Our team advises on enhancing social value, affordable housing, stewardship and green infrastructure. We have expertise in promoting green design, energy efficiency, and social inclusion. We support master planners and developers in creating new communities and the ownership and maintenance of the places and spaces associated with their neighbourhoods.

Key contacts

ESG Ignite

We explore the opportunities that an ESG-focused approach affords and that everything you do as an organisation has the potential not only to make a positive impact, but also to enhance your long-term sustainability environmentally, socially and financially as well.

ESG blog

Our blog brings you regular updates on the latest legal ESG issues and how they impact organisations, our people, our clients and the wider communities that we work with.

Talking ESG podcast

Explore ESG issues and how they impact Mills & Reeve as an organisation, our people, clients and the wider communities that we serve.