Reducing utility expense is the first step. Capturing that reduction at the ownership level is where value is created.
For many commercial assets, utility costs are passed through to tenants under lease agreements. If energy savings are not contractually retained by ownership, the economic benefit may never improve NOI.
Traditional Scenario
Tenant utility expense decreases. Tenant benefits. Owner NOI remains unchanged.
Structured Pass-Through Scenario
Energy savings are contractually retained or partially retained through lease provisions. Owner captures the economic benefit. NOI improves. Asset value increases.