2020 Sustainability Snapshot

In April 2020, NAR released a report that reveals insight as to where sustainability efforts are growing within the real estate industry. Below are a few 2020 REALTORS® and Sustainability report highlights identifying members positioning on sustainable issues.

Residential Highlights

61% of respondents found clients were at least somewhat interested in sustainability.
85% of respondents said properties with solar panels were available in their market.
40% said properties with solar panels increased the perceived property value.
A majority of agents and brokers (70%) said that energy efficiency promotion in listings was very or somewhat valuable.
Over half of agents and brokers found that consumers (52%) were somewhat interested in sustainability, and 9% were very interested.

Bar chart: Sustainability: Value of Energy Efficiency Promotion

Commercial Highlights

A majority of agents and brokers (74%) said that energy efficiency promotion in listings was very or somewhat valuable.
58% of respondents were extremely comfortable or comfortable answering clients’ questions about building performance.
Market issues and considerations agents and brokers listed as important included improving the energy efficiency on existing buildings (49%).
42% of REALTORS® said buildings with green certifications, such as LEED, Green Globes, or Living Building Challenge, had increased commercial property values.
38% of respondents had clients ask for advice on improving energy efficiency in their building or space.