Two companies—GridPoint, which is in building energy management and optimization technology and TimberRock, a software firm providing energy solutions to reduce emissions—announced a new emissions management system. The companies claim it would help "commercial businesses looking to comply with climate-related emission disclosure guidelines and drive emissions reductions."

There's been growing interest in ESG on the part of CRE investors, according to a Colliers report from late last year. "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations, particularly environmental ones, are prominent on the investor agenda, with three quarters of investors integrating environmental factors into their strategies," the report said. In the Americas, only 14% of investors have no ESG focus, while 57% have some focus and 29%, strong focus.

The SEC has indicated its interest in requiring ESG reporting from public companies, including greenhouse gas emissions; how the company governs and manages climate-related risks; actual or likely material impacts on business, strategy, and outlook; financial statement metrics; and information about climate-related goals and any transition plans. That would require reporting on buildings and facilities. As a result, the rules could eventually hit CRE hard.