CBRE Partners with Ecolab to Improve Water Use in Commercial Real Estate

CBRE announced it is working with global water solutions and services leader Ecolab to improve water efficiency and quality in commercial real estate. This is the latest move by CBRE to expand its capabilities at the intersection of sustainability and real estate.

The commercial real estate sector uses a significant amount of water in operations. CBRE estimates the properties it manages-totaling nearly 8 billion sq. ft.-use more than 100 billion gallons of water annually.* This positions CBRE to help improve water use across the industry.

"We are focused on creating value for our clients by solving their biggest sustainability challenges, and water is increasingly important, especially in sectors like data centers, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The combined expertise and scale of CBRE and Ecolab creates an advantage for companies in addressing their end-to-end water needs and has the potential to transform water use in the industry" said Rob Bernard, chief sustainability officer, CBRE.

Ecolab provides water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services across millions of customer locations in more than 170 countries. CBRE’s clients will now be able to access Ecolab’s proprietary water technologies and expertise, delivered alongside CBRE’s integrated real estate services. Together, Ecolab and CBRE offer a holistic approach to water management across commercial portfolios, helping clients unlock value, improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, while driving measurable performance and impact.

"Water is central to operational impact and profitable growth for many businesses" said Emilio Tenuta, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, Ecolab. "In manufacturing, up to 75% of energy flows through water systems-making water efficiency a powerful lever for climate resilience and business performance. Through our partnership with CBRE, we’re working to help clients unlock value through smarter operations, improved efficiency and measurable impact"

In 2024, Ecolab’s programs helped customers save 226 billion gallons of water, conserve 65 trillion BTUs of energy and reduce 4.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Along the way, Ecolab delivered $9.1 billion in cumulative value, demonstrating that performance and impact can go hand in hand.

Water availability, quality and efficiency are important considerations for some of the world’s fastest-growing and highest-profile industries, including data centers, life sciences and semiconductor chip manufacturing. Many companies in these industries rely on smart water management systems to maintain the integrity of their operations, and many have sustainability goals aimed at optimizing their use of resources like energy and water. The partnership between CBRE and Ecolab aims to help companies in these industries align these objectives, creating positive environmental and economic outcomes.

Ecolab is the latest partner that’s helping CBRE expand its capabilities in areas of growing importance to its clients. This includes agreements with climate risk analysis platform Climate X and sustainability data intelligence platform Deepki. In addition, CBRE enhanced its capabilities with the acquisition of the renewable energy advisory group from NRG.

*Based on ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmark averages for commercial building water use.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

About Ecolab
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on more than a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $16 billion, employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, high tech, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. www.ecolab.com. Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab.