Skanska's D.C. Playbook: Leasing Momentum and Sustainability Drive Long-Term Value

The Washington D.C. office market faces headwinds—vacancy rates at 22.6%, federal lease declines, and rising construction costs—but one player is defying the odds. Skanska USA, a leader in sustainable development, has positioned itself to capitalize on structural shifts in demand for premium, eco-conscious spaces. Its strategic focus on high-quality leases and green certifications in D.C. is creating a moat around its assets, making them prime candidates for long-term value growth.

Leasing Momentum: Anchored in Premium Spaces
Skanska's crown jewel, the 17xM office tower, exemplifies this strategy. The 334,000-square-foot project, targeting LEED Gold and WELL precertification, has leased 81% of its space as of Q2 2025, with a fourth major tenant (to occupy in mid-2026) and retail anchor Uchi, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. This momentum is critical: in a market where trophy vacancy rates hover at 11.5%, Skanska is securing deals in the segment most insulated from broader D.C. office malaise.

The project's leasing success isn't accidental. By designing spaces that cater to modern tenant needs—flexible layouts, biophilic design, and tech integration—Skanska is attracting law firms (e.g., Cooley, Groom) and financial institutions (e.g., UBS) willing to pay a premium for high-quality, future-proof environments. This contrasts sharply with the broader market, where two-thirds of law firm relocations since 2024 reflect a flight to such spaces.

Sustainability as a Competitive Weapon
Skanska isn't just chasing leases; it's embedding sustainability into its DNA. The 17xM project's 20% carbon reduction via the EC3 tool and its SmartScore certification (North America's first) underscore its commitment to ESG leadership. This isn't just virtue signaling—it's a business strategy.

Consider the OZMA residential project in D.C.'s NoMa district, targeting LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications, or the 3901 Fairfax Drive office tower (WELL v2 Gold pre-certified) in Northern Virginia. These assets aren't just eco-friendly; they're designed to command higher rents and lower turnover. In a market where 30% of office space is now “non-developable” due to zoning or cost constraints, Skanska's green-certified buildings are becoming scarce resources.

Note: A strong outperformance here would validate investor confidence in Skanska's strategy.

Market Context: Why D.C.'s Pain is Skanska's Gain
D.C.'s office market is bifurcated. While overall vacancy is high, A+ and trophy spaces are seeing occupancy gains (534,420 sq. ft. in 2025) as tenants prioritize quality. Skanska's focus on these segments is paying off: its assets are in the 11.5% vacancy “sweet spot,” far below the 22.6% average.

Moreover, the construction cost challenges—tariffs, labor shortages—aren't deterring Skanska. Its Spring 2025 report highlights proactive measures like domestic sourcing and contingency budgeting, minimizing delays. This resilience is critical in a market where 30-year-low office pipeline activity means supply constraints will keep pressure on occupancy rates.

Investment Thesis: Buy the Green Transition
Skanska's D.C. plays are a bet on two trends:
1. Demand for premium, sustainable spaces: As ESG mandates grow (e.g., SEC regulations, tenant requirements), Skanska's certifications become de facto entry barriers.
2. Scarcity of developable sites: With limited land and high costs, existing green assets will appreciate as alternatives vanish.

For investors, this means:
- Hold or Buy SKF: Despite macro risks (e.g., tariffs, interest rates), Skanska's strategic focus aligns with long-term trends. Its 2045 net-zero target and pipeline of green projects (e.g., OZMA's 275 units) provide a clear growth path.
- Monitor occupancy trends at 17xM: A full lease-up by 2026 would validate the premium model.

Risks to Watch
- Federal spending cuts: D.C.'s economy is tied to government spending. A prolonged downturn could hit even premium spaces.
- Construction delays: Skanska's 2025 projects depend on timely delivery; labor shortages could disrupt timelines.

Conclusion
Skanska isn't just building offices—it's curating ecosystems that blend sustainability, productivity, and exclusivity. In a D.C. market split between “have” and “have-not” spaces, its assets are the former. Investors seeking resilience in real estate should look past headline vacancy rates and focus on the winners of this sustainability-driven realignment. For now, Skanska is at the top of that list.

A rising ESG score here would reinforce its leadership in the space.