Game Changer 2025 by Blackprint: A Summary

With an impact score of 44, ESG regulations emerge from the report as the number 1 force shaping the future of the industry. Since the introduction of the EU Taxonomy Regulation in 2021, the focus on sustainability and transparency has intensified and now developers, investors and managers must adhere to stricter reporting standards, focus on energy efficiency, and integrate sustainable building materials. These regulations not only drive compliance but also create opportunities for innovation, as businesses seek to meet the demand for more sustainable and responsible buildings.

Close behind with an impact score of 43 is the issue of changing or increased stakeholder expectations. Traditionally, the user as a customer was neither the direct contractual partner nor the primary focus of the industry. However, the Game Changer report reveals that growing stakeholder demands, particularly regarding sustainability and digitalisation, are shifting this dynamic, especially in consumer-facing stages of value creation. Innovations such as 15-minute cities, enhanced tenant services, flexible floor plans, and a focus on quality of stay and comfort are driving change and creating new value.

Rounding off the top 3 game changers is the longstanding concern of declining margins and inefficient processes. This problem is particularly evident in construction, where labour shortages and outdated practices hinder productivity. In addition, areas like facility management are becoming more complex but suffer from shrinking margins. With the increasing pressure to streamline operations, these inefficiencies are driving the need for digitalisation and better process management.

With impact scores of 41 and 40 respectively, climate and energy transition are also growing in importance in real estate. Property owners and developers are increasingly recognising the need to future-proof buildings against climate risks, which, as they become more prominent, will continue to drive changes in how properties are valued, insured and maintained. Likewise, as countries strive to meet carbon reduction targets, energy-efficient buildings are becoming the norm. This includes the use of technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and smart grids, as well as an emphasis on creating energy-efficient communities and buildings. Meanwhile, the report shows that new technologies like AI, with an impact score of 39, are already having a significant and fast growing influence, affecting over 50% of the sector despite only being on the real estate radar for a few years.

As we head into 2025, the real estate industry is poised for a period of profound transformation. The key drivers identified in the Game Changer report will not go away and the rising demands they create must be met. Sustainability, digitalisation and social responsibility are no longer optional – they are essential. But they also present a great opportunity. Embracing ESG principles, leveraging emerging technologies, and responding to evolving stakeholder expectations are crucial to staying competitive. Companies that take these expectations seriously will be ahead of their competitors and create properties that remain relevant in the long term.

At Susteco, we are committed to supporting the real estate industry in successfully navigating this transformation. With our ecosystem, we combine technological innovation with sustainable strategies while fostering collaborative approaches. In this way we help organisations stay ahead of the curve, ensuring their projects are not only economically viable but also ecologically and socially responsible, fulfilling stakeholders’ expectations while addressing the great responsibility we all share to maintain a liveable environment in a rapidly evolving world.