CBRE launches global green research challenge

Los Angeles -- CBRE Group on Tuesday announced the launch of the Real Green Research Challenge, a four-year, $1 million commitment to fund leading-edge sustainability research and innovation relating to commercial real estate.



CBRE said it is accepting submissions for research proposals, with the goal of developing solutions to the industry’s critical environmental challenges.



“We’ve seen growing market awareness of commercial buildings’ impact on the environment,” said Bob Sulentic, president, CBRE. “This has inspired new thinking and innovation in sustainability research. However, people with good ideas often lack financial support and access to real-time market data and insight into building construction, occupancy and management that only a global firm like CBRE can provide. Our RGRC program will help to unleash innovation by connecting ideas with funding and with CBRE’s unparalleled information and people resources.”



Over the next four years, CBRE will award up to $1 million to fund independent academic research into sustainable real estate practices. Selected applicants will receive up to $250,000 for basic research and implementation, with initial funding in February 2013. In addition to monetary funds, RGRC-funded projects will have access to CBRE’s global market data and resources, which can help them to commercialize their ideas.