2024 was a year of extremes and action in the sustainability world. Record-breaking weather events and shifting climate patterns underscored the urgency of addressing global challenges, while bold advancements in building decarbonization and net-zero strategies pushed innovation to new heights. The SEC’s March 6 ruling, requiring thousands of companies to report greenhouse gas emissions, further highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in today’s business landscape.
At Emerald Built Environments, 2024 marked an exciting milestone: our partnership with Crete United. This collaboration elevated our ability to guide clients with cutting-edge MEP design, decarbonization strategies, and sustainable asset management. It was a year of growth, impact, and collaboration as we helped businesses turn sustainability ambitions into measurable results.
Through it all, our blog has been a hub for ideas, inspiration, and answers to the biggest sustainability questions. As we count down the Top 10 Blogs of 2024, these posts highlight the challenges, opportunities, and achievements that defined the year. Whether you're a seasoned sustainability leader or just beginning your journey, this list is a powerful starting point for planning what’s next.
RECs and carbon offsets are powerful tools for businesses striving for net-zero emissions. With Scope 2 emissions—those tied to energy use—accounting for nearly 40% of global emissions, these mechanisms help organizations reduce their impact while supporting renewable energy projects. This blog breaks down how RECs and offsets work, their differences, and why they’re essential for bridging the gap to climate neutrality.
Sustainability is more than energy savings—it’s a driver of resilience and growth. Consumers are demanding it, with 68% willing to pay more for sustainable products, and businesses are reaping the rewards through stronger brands, lower risks, and better employee retention. Companies with high ESG ratings even see higher returns, outperforming peers by 4.3% annually. From innovation to staying ahead of regulations, this blog unpacks how sustainability creates a lasting competitive edge.
The real push for sustainability is happening at the state level, where tailored building codes and regulations are shaping a greener future. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts are pioneering initiatives like EV-ready buildings, stricter emissions caps, and stretch energy codes to tackle climate and geographic challenges. Did you know that 40% of new multifamily parking spaces in California must now be “EV-ready”? This blog explores how these evolving regulations are transforming construction practices, offering businesses both compliance challenges and opportunities for innovation and growth.
Improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies make it achievable. From tackling HVAC upgrades to enhancing building envelopes, this blog explores five proven approaches that reduce energy costs and boost sustainability. Learn how these changes can add value, cut expenses, and future-proof your property.
Struggling to keep your building sustainable over the long term? A solid facility management plan is your roadmap to success. It’s not just about maintenance—it’s about ensuring your building operates efficiently, meets sustainability goals, and reduces costs. This blog dives into the essentials of sustainable facility management and offers a free template to help you build a smarter strategy.
One topic we found ourselves discussing often in 2024 was the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—a transformative piece of legislation for sustainability and energy efficiency. With $216 billion in tax credits for businesses, it offers significant opportunities, but navigating the details can be tricky. This blog breaks it down into actionable tips, like planning early for energy-efficient upgrades, leveraging renewable energy incentives, and taking advantage of commercial EV tax credits. Plus, it includes insights into how to maximize these benefits as part of a long-term sustainability strategy.
What do balance sheets and climate change have in common? More than ever before. With global standards like IFRS S1 and S2, sustainability is now a critical part of financial disclosures. Organizations that embrace this shift can improve transparency, foster innovation, and build stronger stakeholder trust.
And now we come to the final blog in our countdown, one of the most practical topics of 2024: leveraging the 45L tax credit through Energy Star and Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) certifications. These certifications aren’t just sustainability benchmarks—they’re pathways to significant financial incentives. Developers can earn up to $5,000 per unit in tax credits while future-proofing their multifamily projects for net-zero energy readiness. How can your next project balance sustainability, profitability, and marketability with these tools?
As we reflect on the challenges and successes of 2024, it’s clear that sustainability is a strategic imperative shaping businesses, buildings, and the world around us. This year’s blogs explored practical tools, innovative solutions, and forward-thinking strategies that can guide your path toward impactful change.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue delivering insights and resources to help you navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability. Don’t miss out—subscribe to our blog (fill out the form to the right) and stay at the forefront of sustainability trends, strategies, and opportunities. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of progress and transformation.