# What the research says about rated buildings.

> The research behind the figures on this site: what JLL and CBRE found about the value, vacancy, tenants and lending of rated office buildings in New Zealand.

Source: https://betterbuildings.co.nz/evidence
Last updated: 2026-10-06

Here's the research behind the numbers on our site, so you can check it for yourself.

**They're worth more.** Green Star rated offices sold for 3.7% to 7.5% more than unrated ones. With a high NABERSNZ Energy rating on top, that rose to 9.8%, and rents were up to 6.7% higher. (JLL, Turning Green to Gold, 2024)

**They stay full.** Offices with both ratings averaged 1.5% vacancy, against 6.9% across the market, with occupancy of 98 to 99%. (JLL, 2024)

**Tenants want them.** 58% of 625 office occupiers across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have sustainability goals, rising to 97% of NZX-50 companies. (JLL, 2025) In Auckland, 78 of the 100 largest prime office occupiers have emissions targets. (CBRE, 2025)

**Some will move.** Companies with climate targets still occupy 123,000 sqm of Auckland prime office space rated below 4 stars or not rated. CBRE expects many to look for better buildings as their leases end. (CBRE, 2025) It is not only offices. Of the prime industrial space used by Auckland's largest occupiers with net zero commitments, only 16% is in buildings rated 4 stars or more. (CBRE, 2025)

**Leases are changing.** More tenants are writing sustainability clauses into leases, asking landlords to hit set benchmarks within set timeframes. (JLL, 2025)

**Valuers are watching.** Since January 2025, the International Valuation Standards have directed valuers to consider sustainability when valuing a building. (JLL, 2024)

**Lenders are too.** Rated buildings are being offered better loan terms, and globally, some lenders are starting to charge more for poor performers. (JLL, 2024)

**The opportunity is in existing buildings.** About a third of New Zealand's prime offices are over 25 years old, and existing buildings with a clear pathway can still attract the best tenants. (JLL, 2025)

**A note on the numbers:** Most of this research covers office buildings, and premiums show what rated buildings achieved, not a guarantee for any single building.

## The reports

- [JLL, Turning Green to Gold: The impact of green certifications on rents, prices and values, August 2024](https://nzgbc.org.nz/news-and-media/sustainable-offices-deliver-better-returns-new-report-finds)
- JLL, The Supply-Demand Imbalance of Sustainable Office Buildings in New Zealand, April 2025
- [CBRE Research, How do occupier sustainability commitments flow through to their occupancy decisions?, June 2025](https://www.cbre.co.nz/insights/viewpoints/the-sustainability-gap)

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Financing options shown are indicative, based on ASB Bank Limited sustainable finance criteria, and do not represent an offer, approval, or commitment to lend. Estimates are modelled from the information you provide and from buildings of a similar type; they are not a guarantee of savings or of a rating outcome. Fees shown exclude GST and are not reimbursed. Better Buildings does not provide financial advice.

[Important information](https://betterbuildings.co.nz/important-information)