Futureproof or fall behind: insights from the international webinar
On 2 October 2025, CFP Green Buildings hosted the international webinar Futureproof or fall behind: The new imperatives for real estate. More than 200 professionals from 19 countries and over 100 financial institutions took part. With panellists from NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group, NAB and FourTwoThree, the financial value of futureproof real estate took centre stage.
Text: Marvin van Kempen, Duurzaam Gebouwd
Futureproof real estate is both a sustainable and financially essential choice. Those who fail to start thinking long term leave much on the table: stable cashflows, business continuity and a clear competitive advantage. To shine a light on the benefits and strength of futureproof real estate, the webinar Futureproof or Fall Behind brought forward fresh insights.
As organiser, CFP Green Buildings gathered a strong line-up of international speakers to inspire participants. Experts from National Australia Bank (NAB), NatWest, FourTwoThree and Lloyds Banking Group highlighted the added value of high-performing buildings. Early on, it became clear that the value of futureproof real estate goes far beyond the familiar benefits of energy savings.
Pressure on the market is mounting
The real estate sector traditionally moves slowly; major decisions and transitions take time. But the pressure to act on sustainability is rising fast. Regulations such as CSRD, ESG reporting and Net Zero targets are forcing financiers and owners to act. Banks hold a key position here: as their loan books are largely made up of real estate, the financing conditions they set strongly influence the pace of transition.
“Banks have enormous leverage: 50 to 60 per cent of their loan book consists of real estate. What they demand in financing largely determines how fast the sector moves.”
Futureproof real estate leads the way
A striking insight from the webinar: futureproof buildings are increasingly the exception to the sector’s slow pace. ESG-strong assets rise in value faster and outperform the market, with higher rents, longer lease terms and more favourable financing options. The link between cashflows and sustainability has never been clearer: a long-term strategy not only protects value, but also delivers tangible returns and stability.
Challenges ahead
It also became clear that the real estate sector will need to change profoundly in the years ahead, driven by market trends, investor expectations and regulation. Much is happening: banks are linking financing to sustainability, with high energy performance or circularity leading to better lending conditions. ESG reporting is becoming mandatory for large companies. The EU Taxonomy defines which real estate activities are considered sustainable, and banks are using this framework to finance projects.
At the same time, we see worldwide that a large share of existing buildings still fails to meet new energy standards. In many countries, the proportion of high-performing buildings lags behind, creating major opportunities to upgrade the rest of the stock.
The urgency to act
Bram Adema of CFP Green Buildings sees these changes and challenges globaly. Ultimately, every country is working towards climate goals. Each in its own way, with specific legislation and unique challenges. Together with his co-host Lune Walder, he invited a panel of experts from different parts of the world, including the UK and Australia. Do their clients feel the urgency to act?
Nico Neethling of FourTwoThree observed: “Many companies are mainly focused on keeping operations running, on core processes and retaining professionals. Sustainability doesn’t yet take the position it should for SMEs, but that can change.”
That potential lies partly in making building performance visible. By first understanding what you already have, using tools and data. Nico added: “With our Software as a Service platform, we help companies understand climate risks, know their starting point and become more resilient. It connects them to solutions and financial incentives, both driving acceleration.” Green loans from banks, traditionally awarded to frontrunners, are an example. But are there enough options available for SMEs?
Making sustainability accessible
In the past, SMEs found it harder to access green loans for several reasons: less extensive ESG reporting and perceived higher risks for banks. But increasingly, green finance products are becoming accessible to SMEs, enabling the sector to move forward. Chinyelu Oranefo of Lloyds Banking Group added: “We work with CFP Green Buildings and the Green Buildings Tool to accelerate sustainability in a smart and simple way. This makes the business case for improvement clear, even for family businesses taking steps towards futureproofing their real estate.”
She also sees opportunities in simplifying processes for SMEs: “Are we making things needlessly complex? To simplify access to green loans, we could, for example, use a single Key Performance Indicator such as carbon reduction. It’s then up to businesses to demonstrate how their renovation or sustainability measures contribute to the net zero pathway. Accessibility is key.”
“Real acceleration comes when sustainability becomes simple. One clear KPI can have more impact than hundreds of pages of reporting.”
– Chinyelu Oranefo, Managing Director at Lloyds Banking Group
Futureproof now
Looking at this KPI, the Netherlands must reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030. Twenty years later, the building stock will need to be energy neutral and circular. “So what does futureproof mean in 2025?” asked Bram. Brad Chapman of NAB shared his view: “In Australia, as in the Netherlands, we face minimum standards for commercial buildings. Many businesses find it hard to keep up with the climate goals that legislation requires. Whether they’re ready is the question. To make the speed we need, clients require data to make informed choices. By becoming the specialist themselves, they understand the options and the pathways forward – and when to make a move.”
Charlie Foster of NatWest also sees opportunities when clients become specialists: “For new builds, the standards are stricter than for renovations, and often more cost-effective. The business case is more difficult for SMEs. But the aim is to encourage, not to penalise. So we look at what’s possible.”
Timing the transition right
Bram concluded by asking the experts to highlight what banks and advisers can do to help clients make the right decisions about their buildings. Brad was the first to respond: “Get the data in-house and gain insight into where the property stands today.” Nico added: “Make sure your solutions are accessible.” Charlie emphasised: “Go for the right timing. If a system is 25 years old, that’s the right time to make it sustainable.” And Chinyelu wrapped up by saying: “Create the right transition plan. Integrate it into your core strategy, and indeed, timing is key.”
Do you want to see more? Watch the highlights in less than 3 minutes here.
Taking action on futureproofing
Do you, like our panellists, want to get started with futureproofing your country, your clients and your business? Or do you want to know how to make your real estate portfolio futureproof? We are happy to help. Get in touch with us today.
