ESG is now a cost of entry for the real estate industry, according to consulting firm Wipfli’s recent survey of 198 commercial real estate executives. Only 23% said environmental, social and governance concerns have not impacted their investor pools or projects. The other 77% revealed ESG has had a variety of impacts, from expanding their investor pools to helping them attract and retain employees. ESG needs to be an essential part of decisions around new acquisitions, lease renewals and investor relations, the majority of respondents agreed.

And real estate investors don’t want to put money into properties just to see them wash away in floods or burn in fires. According to Nareit’s REIT 2021 ESG Report, which surveyed 87 equity REITS, these companies have seen a large increase in investor interest in ESG, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Almost all REITs surveyed had been asked about ESG topics by investors. The topics the most REITs were asked about were greenhouse gas emissions and climate change opportunities and risk. Diversity, equity and inclusion fell to No. 3 after topping the 2020 survey. The REITs also said more investors wanted ESG reports in 2021 than in 2020.

Here’s how some landlords and retailers are making their properties more sustainable in order to keep investor funds flowing:

• Ikea will quadruple the number of electric vehicle charging stations at its 51 U.S. stores to some 200 in coming months. The first locations are expected to open in late 2022 and the rest by the end of 2023. The retailer wants to eliminate emissions from its home deliveries by 2025 and halve relative emissions from customer and employee travel by 2030.

• Mall landlord Macerich installed a software program, Buildings IOT, in 2019 to streamline energy management across 17 properties. It allows managers to use data to make informed decisions about maintenance and capital investments and has been key in a 9% reduction in carbon emissions.

• Kimco Realty has spent 72% of the $493.7 million worth of green bond funds it issued in July 2020 specifically for sustainable projects. Kimco has used green bond proceeds to fund and/or acquire LEED Silver-certified residential and office properties and for the acquisition of 12 Energy Star-certified tenant spaces. It spent green funds on efficiency projects at 123 properties, which have resulted in an estimated greenhouse gas emissions savings of 7,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, based on comparisons of estimated emissions one year before each efficiency project and one year after. Kimco also invested some of the money in sustainable water and wastewater management projects at 45 properties, resulting in an estimated average water efficiency gain of more than 35%.

• A dozen other REITs, including Regency Centers, also have launched green bonds to serve the sustainable investment community.