“ The climate is telling us that until we decarbonise those buildings, we can’ t effectively decarbonise the climate”
Katie McGinty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Johnson Controls
Capital constraints pose another challenge. Deep energy retrofits often require substantial investment that may take years to recoup through energy savings. Smaller property management companies particularly struggle to access the financing needed for comprehensive upgrades, despite the long-term financial and environmental benefits.
The complexity of existing building stock complicates retrofit efforts. Historic buildings face preservation restrictions, while older structures may require extensive remediation before
122 November 2025