China’s green building sector is experiencing a significant upswing, with ESG-related roles proliferating across the market. The rapid development of this sunrise industry reflects a broader trend of sustainability integration within commercial real estate, driven by increasing environmental expectations and evolving investor priorities.
According to job listings from Zhaopin.com, a leading Chinese recruitment portal, a search for “green building” roles under Beijing’s real estate category on 12 May revealed 232 active positions. Among these, the highest advertised monthly remuneration reaches up to RMB 40,000 (approximately USD 4,035), offered for the role of senior green building engineer. Green building consultants are also in demand, with salaries ranging from RMB 5,000 to RMB 10,000 per month.
These professionals are essential across the entire building lifecycle—from materials selection and construction methodology to energy consumption testing, emissions control, equipment upgrades, and low-carbon operations management. Their expertise enables real estate assets to align with ESG goals while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency.
Alan Li, President of CBRE China, highlighted the increasing prominence of such roles amid China’s deepening commitment to carbon reduction. “As the era of carbon constraints fully arrives, carbon emissions may have a more direct impact on asset performance. In the field of commercial real estate, green buildings have become a new norm,” he stated, noting the pivotal role green building consultants play in enabling this transition.
Li pointed out that the rising appeal of ESG-aligned roles stems from several economic advantages. Beyond reducing operating costs and unlocking access to green finance, ESG-certified buildings are increasingly linked to stronger rental performance. In CBRE’s latest tenant survey, 20 percent of respondents indicated they would consider requesting rental discounts if properties lacked green certification.
Investment patterns are also shifting decisively towards ESG. According to CBRE, 91 percent of investors have incorporated or plan to incorporate ESG into their investment decision-making. Additionally, 71 percent are prepared to pay a premium for ESG-compliant assets, underlining the growing valuation advantage such assets command.
Green building consultants provide value to both occupiers and landlords. For occupiers, they offer strategies to enhance energy efficiency, shift to renewable energy, refine workplace planning, decarbonise supply chains, and explore carbon offset initiatives. For landlords, consultants facilitate the adoption of intelligent building systems and green leases, clearly defining responsibilities and benefits associated with sustainable retrofitting. These mechanisms encourage more equitable cost-sharing and stronger commitment to decarbonisation from all parties.
Looking ahead, Li anticipates a surge in demand over the next three to five years as green building standards become increasingly embedded within the real estate landscape. For professionals aiming to enter or grow within the field, foundational knowledge of carbon footprints, national and local policy standards, energy-efficiency technologies, and green finance tools will be crucial.
CBRE, a global leader in real estate consultancy, currently manages over 46,500 buildings worldwide. The company has already delivered green building certification services for more than 20 million square metres of property across mainland China, reflecting its expansive role in steering sustainable transformation.
-China Daily
