Trump environmental policies dampen global green building market as climate action urgency grows

The worldwide momentum for environmentally sustainable office buildings has hit a significant roadblock, with demand growth slowing dramatically in response to the Trump administration’s rollback of environmental protections, according to a new industry survey.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) found that building occupiers and investors throughout North and South America reported markedly reduced interest in green commercial properties. Construction industry professionals attributed this decline directly to shifting U.S. policy priorities under Trump’s leadership, which has emphasized deregulation over environmental protection. While other global regions also experienced decreased demand for sustainable buildings, the drop was less severe than in the Americas.

This cooling market trend comes at a particularly concerning time for climate action advocates. The United Nations has simultaneously issued calls for accelerated efforts in the buildings sector, emphasizing that rapid adoption of green construction practices is essential for meeting international climate goals. The buildings industry represents a significant portion of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, making sustainable construction a critical component of climate mitigation strategies.

The survey results highlight how political shifts in major economies can ripple through global markets, potentially undermining environmental progress. As the world’s largest economy, U.S. policy changes carry outsized influence on international business decisions and investment patterns. The slowdown in green building demand raises questions about whether private sector environmental initiatives can maintain momentum without supportive government policies, and whether global climate targets remain achievable amid such policy reversals.