Cousins Properties Incorporated : 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report

About this update from Cousins Properties Incorporated

A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix We treat sustainability as a core operating discipline - using energy efficiency, high - quality building standards, and responsible governance to protect asset value, attract customers, and deliver long - term shareholder returns. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Achieved Fitwel 2+ Stars on 26 properties Ten consecutive years rated Green Star by Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Green Lease Leader Gold Level Ranked in the Top 10 of companies with the most BOMA 360 Buildings 2025 Atlanta Top Workplaces and Top Workplaces USA 2025 Winner A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix DISCLAIMER General Disclaimers. Except as otherwise noted, the information and opinions contained in this report are provided as of December 31, 2025, and are subject to change without notice. Cousins does not undertake to update or revise any such statements. This report represents Cousins' current policy and intent and is not intended to create legal rights or obligations. The goals, targets, and commitments presented in this report are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that such goals, targets, or commitments will be achieved. Further, historical, current, and forward-looking information included in this report may be based on standards and practices for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls, and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change. Therefore, no assurance can be given that any plan, initiative, projection, goal, commitment, expectation, or prospect set forth in this report can or will be achieved. Accordingly, such historical, current, and forward-looking information or underlying assumptions may be subject to modifications in future reports due to such developing standards, practices, controls, and processes. The metrics and quantitative data contained in this report are not based on generally accepted accounting principles, and while the data and metrics have undergone a limited assurance review, they have not been subject to a financial audit. Such data and metrics are subject to measurement uncertainties resulting from limitations inherent in the nature and the methods used for determining such data. The selection of different but acceptable measurement techniques can result in materially different measurements. The precision of different measurement techniques may also vary. This report also includes certain information regarding sustainability practices that is obtained from published sources or third parties. Although we believe such information is reliable, such information is subject to assumptions, estimates, and other uncertainties. We are dependent on such information to evaluate and implement sustainability practices. The standards of measurement and performance for sustainability issues are developing or are based on assumptions, and norms may vary. The inclusion of information and data in this report is not an indication that such information or data or the subject matter of such information or data is material to us for purposes of applicable securities laws. The principles used to determine whether to include information or data in this report do not correspond to the principles of materiality contained in federal securities laws, the concept of materiality used to determine whether disclosures are required to be made in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or otherwise disclosed, or principles applicable to the inclusion of information in financial statements. This Sustainability Report and the information contained herein are not incorporated by reference into any filing of Cousins with the SEC. Forward-Looking Statements. Certain matters contained in this report are "forward-looking statement" within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts, including statements regarding our plans, initiatives, projections, targets, goals, commitments, expectations or prospects, are forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include information related to our sustainability strategies, initiatives, commitments, and targets. Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, our sustainability performance and our ability to pursue previously-identified strategies, initiatives, commitments or targets may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following: changes in laws, regulations, prevailing standards or public policy, the alignment of the scientific community on measurement and reporting approaches, the evolution of and adoption of new technology, evolving sustainability strategies, risks associated with climate change and severe weather events, and other changes in circumstances. Additional discussions of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements appear in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company. These forward-looking statements are not exhaustive, speak only as of the date of issuance of this report and are not guarantees of future results, performance, or achievements. Additional risk factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance can be found under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Risk Factors, and are specifically incorporated by reference herein. The Company does not undertake a duty to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other matters, except as otherwise required by law. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 A Message From Our CEO Sustainable & Healthy Building Features Accessibility Metrics 52-60 Responsible Governance Leadership 6- 14 Overview About this Report Corporate Overview Company Snapshot Corporate Responsibility Principles Stakeholder Engagement Corporate Responsibility Reporting Priorities 15- 37 Environmental Responsibility G oals and Progress: KPI Metrics Smart Energy Management Water Conscious Operations Waste Diversion Goals and Progress: Building Certifications Maintaining Sustainable Assets 38- 51 Environmental Initiatives Corporate Office Practices Third-Party Benchmarking Climate Change and Resiliency Biodiversity Social Responsibility Cousins' Culture Professional Development Health and Wellness Employee Engagement Civic Commitment Civic Engagement Employee Composition Snapshot Giving Back 61-69 70-87 Board Composition Snapshot Strategy and Risk Oversight Governance Principles and Practices Governance Policies and Ethics Data Tables 2025 Building Certifications 2025 Environmental Performance Limited Assurance Letter Appendix GRI Index TCFD Disclosures A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO "We are committed to creating positive outcomes for our customers, stockholders, employees, and the communities we serve." As Cousins celebrated its 67th year, the Company continued to demonstrate strong momentum and a clear path for future growth. Reflecting on 2025, we advanced our Sun Belt lifestyle office strategy through organic internal growth and external investments, while maintaining our best-in-class balance sheet. Throughout the year, leasing activity was robust and the Company had fantastic financial results. Cousins remains exceptionally well - positioned to benefit from improving market conditions. Our strategy continues to be grounded in four core operating principles: Assemble the premier lifestyle office portfolio in dynamic markets such as Austin, Atlanta, Tampa, Phoenix, Charlotte, Dallas, and Nashville. Approach capital allocation with discipline, prioritizing opportunities where our competitive advantages are strongest. Maintain a fortress balance sheet. Leverage our local operating expertise and entrepreneurial mindset across high - growth markets. Today, Cousins owns the leading lifestyle office portfolio in the Sun Belt. Our 2025 accomplishments underscore the strength and resilience of this portfolio and our financial position. As we look across the region, we see firsthand how our trophy, lifestyle properties deliver an exceptional experience for our customers. As return-to-office mandates have become widespread, many companies lack the space to accommodate their pandemic-era headcount growth. This is an excellent setup for Cousins to advance our strategic priorities. This is our eighth Corporate Responsibility Report, and the values it reflects have been part of our identity from the start. We are committed to creating positive outcomes for our customers, stockholders, employees, and the communities we serve. We also seek to make a positive social impact in our workplace and in our communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and maintaining a healthy company culture. Through a combination of financial support and lending our expertise and time with industry and nonprofit organizations, we encourage good corporate citizenship. Throughout 2025, our employees were actively engaged in Company-wide initiatives that delivered value and positively impacted the communities we serve, from volunteer initiatives to career days, to name a few. We are proud to share highlights from our ongoing corporate responsibility journey. I am grateful for our hardworking, dedicated, and resilient teams who deliver exceptional service to our customers every day. Colin Connolly President and Chief Executive Officer A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix ABOUT THIS REPORT We are pleased to present Cousins' 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report. From the outset, we have embedded the principles of environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and strong governance into our operations, and each year we continue to build on these commitments. This report highlights key performance indicators (KPIs), including our progress in reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use. The materiality analysis described in the Corporate Responsibility Principles section informs the content of this report. Additionally, we structured and developed the report in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), as detailed at the end of the document. Most data in this report relates to properties in our portfolio located in Austin, Atlanta, Tampa, Phoenix, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, and Nashville. We note calculation methodologies where applicable. Unless otherwise specified, annual data covers the period from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. Static data-such as the number of buildings, total square footage, or employee count-is current as of December 31, 2025. For questions or comments, please contact Emily Ormsby, Vice President of Sustainability, at [email protected] . This report has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate members of our Disclosure Control Committee and by the Board of Directors' Sustainability Committee. Hayden Ferry, Phoenix A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix CORPORATE OVERVIEW Cousins Properties (NYSE:CUZ) is a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company, based in Atlanta, Georgia, and acting through its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP, primarily invests in Class A lifestyle office buildings and opportunistic mixed-use developments located in the Sun Belt markets of the United States. Founded in 1958 by Tom Cousins, the Company creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise as a leader in the development, acquisition, leasing, and property management of high-quality real estate assets. As of December 31, 2025, Cousins owned and managed an approximately 21 million rentable square foot trophy office portfolio with 450,000 square feet under development, located primarily in the high-growth Sun Belt markets of Austin, Atlanta, Tampa, Phoenix, Charlotte, Dallas, and Nashville. Cousins is committed to creating value for all its stakeholders by executing attractive investment opportunities, understanding the business strategies of its customers, and providing exceptional customer service. Cousins has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, a fortress balance sheet, and opportunistic investments. For more information, please visit https://www.cousins.com . Vantage South End, Charlotte 7 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix COMPANY SNAPSHOT BY THE NUMBERS As of December 31, 2025 4 67 Buildings - 23M Gross Square Feet 1, 2, 3 Across the Sun Belt 21 20 8 7 4 3 2 2 Austin Atlanta 2 Tampa Phoenix Charlotte 2 Dallas Houston Nashville 2,3 Nashville Total Market Cap $7.8B FFO $478M Net Operating Income $673M Total Revenues $994M Employees 351 Phoenix Austin Dallas Houston Tampa Atlanta Charlotte 1 Gross square feet as of December 31, 2025. Gross square feet differs from rentable square feet as reported in our quarterly supplements primarily due to common area spaces in our multi-tenant properties. 2 Reported gross square footage excludes residential components of mixed-use properties at certain assets in Atlanta and both residential and retail components at certain assets in Nashville, as well as parking garage spaces across the portfolio. Note: These exclusions apply throughout this report unless otherwise noted. 3 Includes two office buildings under development as of December 31, 2025, as part of phase 1 of our multiphase Neuhoff development. This project reached substantial completion in the first quarter of 2026. 4 See 4Q 2025 Earnings Release & Quarterly Information Package for more information. 8 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix Honoring the Legacy of Tom Cousins In July 2025, Cousins Properties marked the passing of Tom Cousins, our visionary founder. When Tom founded Cousins Properties in 1958, he brought with him a bold vision for real estate development rooted in integrity, purpose, and strong principles. His leadership helped shape not only the Atlanta skyline - with landmark projects like the CNN Center, the Omni Coliseum, 191 Peachtree Tower, and his favorite Bank of America Plaza - but also the broader residential and commercial real estate landscape across the Sun Belt. Tom's immeasurable impact extended far beyond the buildings he developed. He believed deeply in giving back and in the power of business to serve communities. His transformation of Atlanta's East Lake neighborhood, now a nationally recognized model for mixed - income housing, education, and community investment, is a powerful example of this belief. This legacy continues through our work and the values we uphold. Tom was a hero to many, and his influence lives on in the culture of our company, in the communities we serve, and in the lasting example he set as a leader committed to making a meaningful difference. His values are deeply embedded in the company's culture. It is an honor that Cousins Properties is part of his remarkable legacy. The company continues to draw inspiration from Tom's values and integrity, and his extraordinary life. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY PRINCIPLES A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES Materiality & Corporate Responsibility Vision Through internal assessments and ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders, we conducted a materiality assessment to identify environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics that may significantly impact our business. This analysis shapes our corporate responsibility vision, strategy, and guiding principles. At Cousins, we base our corporate responsibility vision on a commitment to advancing positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes for our customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities where we live and work. We pursue this vision by maintaining a resilient portfolio of high-quality lifestyle office buildings while reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impacts. We also strive to make a positive social impact through philanthropy, employee volunteerism, and the cultivation of a healthy, inclusive company culture. Environmental Responsibility Principles We focus our investments and operations on achieving more efficient buildings that use less energy and water and emit fewer greenhouse gases (GHGs). Our emphasis on high-quality lifestyle office space contributes to a portfolio with strong efficiency performance. We stay informed about emerging technologies and market trends and take a practical, value-driven approach to implementing initiatives that support our sustainability and business goals. We prioritize energy and water efficiency because we recognize the dual benefit of reducing both environmental impact and operational expenses. Our continued emphasis on efficiency is reflected in the large portion of our portfolio that has achieved ENERGY STAR® certification. As the industry transitions toward a lower-carbon future, we proactively evaluate climate-related risks to our assets. As part of our ongoing analysis, we closely monitor regulatory, investor, and political developments. Our climate assessment also considers the potential financial implications of pursuing net zero carbon emissions across our portfolio, including the use of green power, renewable energy credits (RECs), and carbon offsets. We continue to assess potential cost-effective strategies in our path toward decarbonization, and we are steadfast in our focus on deploying energy-efficient technologies in new developments, major redevelopments, and ongoing maintenance. This approach will continue to reduce our building-level energy use and emissions as we evaluate emerging technological strategies for their cost and operational effectiveness. Market Demands We design and operate our properties to align with the preferences of our customers and the priorities of institutional investors. We factor these expectations into our development, redevelopment, and operational decisions to ensure our buildings remain competitive and responsive to evolving market needs. Strategic Certifications We aim to earn third-party certifications that enhance long-term asset value and leasing potential. While we consider a broad range of certification programs, we pursue only those that align with our investment strategy and add meaningful value. For us, this includes LEED, Austin Energy Green Building, BOMA 360, Fitwel, and ENERGY STAR®. Action Over Optics We place greater importance on operational performance than on third-party rankings. While we continue to enhance the transparency and depth of our reporting, we remain focused on delivering real results through efficient, high-quality operations. Tempe Gateway, Phoenix A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix Responsible Governance Principles Strong Guidelines We operate under established governance principles that promote long-term value creation, transparency, and accountability. Our commitment to the highest ethical standards extends to our vendors, consultants, and independent contractors, whom we expect to adhere to similarly high expectations. Effective Leadership Our experienced and engaged Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and leadership. Eight of our nine directors are independent, and through their committee work, the Board supports management in advancing the business while representing the interests of our stakeholders. Integrated Risk Management Our Board plays an active role in evaluating major risks that could affect the Company's performance. Each Board committee is responsible for specific areas of risk oversight: the Audit Committee, the Compensation & Human Capital Committee, the Nominating & Governance Committee, and the Sustainability Committee. Together, these committees help ensure that we manage risks in a thoughtful and integrated manner. Social Responsibility Principles Workforce Resiliency Our team members are the foundation of Cousins' success, and we remain committed to sustaining a strong, healthy company culture. We focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent by investing in professional growth and fostering a work environment rooted in integrity, engagement, collaboration, and individual empowerment. Health & Wellness We recognize that a resilient workforce depends on robust health and wellness support. Alongside providing best-in-class insurance benefits, we promote programs that encourage personal wellbeing and healthy lifestyles. We also prioritize the operation of buildings that support the health and comfort of both our employees and our customers. Community Impact We are proud to be active members in our communities, and we continually seek ways to support and serve the broader communities where we live and work. We foster positive corporate citizenship through a combination of financial support as well as lending expertise and volunteered time with industry and non-profit organizations in and around our communities. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT How We Engage Engagement Approach Employees Annual engagement Through a variety of outlets, we learn what our employees value, surveys along with their satisfaction, concerns, knowledge, and Professional engagement with key issues at Cousins. Our engagement initiatives development are also critical channels for educating and increasing awareness Quarterly town halls among our employees about important issues, such as our impact on the environment. Wellness challenges We ensure that integrity is the hallmark of our business, and our Team-building events employees participate in regular training regarding ethics, respect Training opportunities in the workplace, and cybersecurity. Customers Industry conferences We regularly communicate and engage with our customers, Customer events including participation in third-party satisfaction surveys, which occur every three years. Not only do we share information about Social media and building events and activities in the community, we also share proactive media information regarding our sustainable operations, such as proper Daily interactions in our waste disposal and energy efficiency measures. We routinely review buildings customer feedback and ideas for innovation, as we continuously Satisfaction surveys strive to offer service excellence to our customers and develop strong, long-term relationships. We also continue to support the advancement of the industry on sustainability issues by sharing knowledge and learning with our peers. Shareholders and the Investment Community Annual shareholder Throughout the year, we regularly meet with our shareholders and meeting members of the investment community to share our perspective Quarterly earnings calls and to solicit their feedback on a variety of topics, such as our Market tours corporate strategy and performance, corporate governance, In-person and virtual executive compensation, market conditions, and other matters, meetings including topics related to sustainability. Approximately 55% of our Industry conferences outstanding shares are represented by active investors. In 2025, we met with representatives of 74% of those shares to solicit their feedback on the aforementioned topics, and our CEO and/or CFO led these meetings. Cousins maintains strong relationships with our stakeholders through our open, transparent, and responsive dialogue. We work with a variety of stakeholders representing diverse perspectives - including our employees, our customers, our shareholders and members of the investment community, industry and business partners, representatives of the communities we serve, and our vendors. Through regular engagement with these stakeholders, we are able to better understand their priorities and the ways in which they may be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of our operations and projects. Our engagement initiatives help us define and prioritize our corporate responsibility initiatives and identify opportunities and solutions to some of our corporate responsibility challenges. We plan to continue our engagement practices in 2026 and beyond, as we believe the perspectives provided by our stakeholders provide valuable information to be considered in our decision-making process. Promenade Tower, Atlanta A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT How We Engage Engagement Approach Neuhoff, Nashville Industry and Business Partners Industry conferences Industry organization committee meetings Collaborations with business partners Through engagement with industry leaders and business partners, we gain insight into trends and best practices related to our business. We also work with our partners to understand their objectives and to consider their input regarding our initiatives. Communities Annual giving campaign Corporate philanthropy Volunteer activities Economic development and community improvement district participation During the development process for our new buildings, we participate in public forums to seek community input. We also actively participate in business improvement districts, associations, nonprofits, and civic engagement organizations in our markets, as we recognize that the ownership and operations of our buildings have an impact on our communities. This involvement helps us to advance sustainability at the neighborhood scale. In addition to donations from our company's foundation, we sponsor annual employee giving campaigns and in-person volunteer opportunities where our employees work together on projects that are directly beneficial to our communities. Vendors Creative collaboration Direct communication Vendor point of contact Vendor Code of Conduct In selecting vendors, we consider their commitment to sustainability and other corporate responsibility practices and their ability to support our efforts and initiatives. We proactively select vendors who will partner with us as we seek innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. We require all service providers and contractors to comply with applicable laws relating to the payment of wages and benefits, worker health and safety, interactions with labor organizations, and other workplace laws such as non-discrimination, and proper classification of employees. Our Vendor Code of Conduct summarizes many of these expectations, including emphasizing the importance of ethical business practices, respect for labor and human rights, effective governance, and demonstrable environmental stewardship. This code is available on the Investors section of our website, https://www.cousins.com . A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix San Jacinto Center, Austin The feedback gained from our stakeholder engagement activities help shape Cousins' corporate responsibility reporting strategy, including the corporate responsibility frameworks in which the Company participates. In addition, our corporate responsibility framework has been informed by best practices and leading global standards, including the GRI and the TCFD. We regularly review data from reporting services such as MSCI, Sustainalytics, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), and Green Street, all to further our efforts to promote transparency. In addition, since 2016 we have participated in the annual GRESB assessment, based on feedback that this assessment is particularly meaningful to key stakeholders. We continue to enhance our reporting efforts to highlight social and governance initiatives included in various reports. In this 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, we provide an update on our progress on our stated quantifiable long-term goals for our KPIs. Additional public disclosures regarding our corporate responsibility principles, initiatives, and performance are set forth in the following sources: Annual Report Proxy Statement Corporate Website CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORTING PRIORITIES A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Sail Tower, Austin 15 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix GOALS AND PROGRESS: KPI METRICS 1 In 2024, in recognition of our successful achievement of the prior long-term goals, our Board-level Sustainability Committee approved updated and rigorous sustainability goals for achievement by 2030. These goals reflect our targets for reduction in energy consumption, GHG emissions, and water use. As we work toward these targets, Cousins takes a practical and measured approach to asset management. Rather than replacing equipment that is well maintained and performing as intended simply to meet sustainability objectives, we focus on decisions that make sense over the long term. Premature replacements can introduce avoidable waste and may not deliver the environmental outcomes intended. Our approach emphasizes operational efficiency, preventive maintenance, thoughtful capital planning, and replacing equipment when it has reached an appropriate point in its useful life. We believe this approach supports responsible resource use while also contributing to long - term value creation. 35x30 Energy Use Reduction Goal 2 Reduce energy use intensity; targets a 35% reduction over a 2018 base year by 2030. Units are kWh/SF. 50x30 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal 2,3 Reduce GHG emissions intensity; targets a 50% reduction over a 2018 base year by 2030. Units are kgCO2e/SF. 30x30 Water Use Reduction Goal 2 Reduce water use intensity; targets a 30% reduction over a 2018 base year by 2030. Units are gallons/SF. 11.8 (35% x 2030 Goal) 3.8 (50% x 2030 Goal) 11.3 (30% x 2030 Goal) Goal Status In progress Goal Status In progress Goal Status In progress 2025 13.1 2024 13.4 2023 13.3 2022 13.3 2018 base year 18.1 2025 4.1 2024 4.3 2023 4.3 2022 4.3 2018 base year 7.5 2025 12.2 2024 12.7 2023 12.4 2022 12.0 2018 base year 16.1 -28% 2025 vs 2018 base year -2% 2025 vs 2024 -45% 2025 vs 2018 base year -5% 2025 vs 2024 -24% 2025 vs 2018 base year -4% 2025 vs 2024 See page 66 for more detail on our environmental performance. Prior-year consumption and emission intensity metrics were recalculated in 2025 to reflect updated square footage accounting. Goal and data reflect only Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT Monthly Benchmarking Cousins utilizes ENERGY STAR ® Portfolio Manager (ESPM) as an essential component of our environmental management program. We partner with Blue Ocean Energy LLC (Blue Ocean) to capture and record energy, water, and waste data into ESPM for substantially all properties within our portfolio. Blue Ocean provides each property with a monthly utility analysis that is reviewed by the property team to verify accuracy, identify consumption patterns, and discern opportunities for further efficiency. We leverage ESPM to benchmark our performance on a monthly basis. We also use the Conservice ESG platform to consolidate and streamline our reporting within the annual GRESB assessment platform (discussed on page 31). Over the past three years, we partnered with industry experts to recommission several assets. The process resulted in energy savings by uncovering opportunities to improve building energy efficiency and optimize operations based on current equipment and building needs. Real Time Energy Management Cousins leverages technology to drive energy and operational efficiency. We maintain pulse meters at 86% of our properties, which enables us to continually monitor real-time energy data. Our engineering teams review this data to improve and manage peak demands and building baseloads, while ensuring building management systems (BMS) routines are correct, investigating anomalies as they occur. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix WATER CONSCIOUS OPERATIONS 15.1 million gallons of water saved The 15.1 million gallons of water saved through rainwater diversion in 2025 is equivalent to supplying the average U.S. household with water for nearly 200 years, demonstrating the meaningful scale of our water conservation efforts. Cousins has established rain water diversion systems across its operating portfolio to capture this valuable resources and utilize it for irrigation or other building operational needs. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix COMMUNITY IMPACT: LEADING WATER STEWARDSHIP THROUGH INNOVATION Driving Environmental Change Beyond Our Portfolio Cousins demonstrates how proactive building operations can influence environmental outcomes well beyond individual assets. In Tampa, innovative water - saving strategies implemented across the portfolio position Cousins as a regional example of what is possible when creativity, persistence, and performance data guide decision - making. Through a suite of integrated water conservation initiatives, Cousins has significantly reduced potable water demand while piloting solutions that are now shaping broader conservation practices across the community. Innovative Water Solutions at Work Cousins' Tampa portfolio applies a multi - layered approach to water stewardship, including reuse, efficiency, and system resilience: Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater is captured and reused for a decorative water feature between Corporate Center II and III, with additional systems being installed at two buildings to supplement or replace potable water used for irrigation and decorative water features. Condensate Recovery: HVAC condensate recovery systems capture water that would otherwise be lost, saving approximately 1 million gallons annually. Moss-Based Cooling Tower Treatment: 100% of the Tampa portfolio's water treatment needs are addressed using ProMoss, a green water treatment system. This natural treatment combines sphagnum moss with a biocide meeting industry guidelines, and it decreases water usage by increasing cycles of concentration in cooling towers. The moss is able to absorb heavy metal ions thereby reducing corrosion and scale build-up. The result is a natural treatment without complicated chemicals, thus lengthening the life of our equipment and eliminating the need for a Hazardous Chemical Response Plan. Plant Propagation: The Tampa market uses the spent sphagnum moss from the water treatment process to propagate plants for their native landscaping and to provide indoor plants to customers to promote healthy office spaces. Advanced Metering and Leak Detection: Real - time water monitoring systems reduce losses from leaks and flooding, strengthening both resource conservation and asset protection. Chiller Conversion: At Corporate Center I, next year's conversion from water - cooled to air - cooled chillers will reduce annual potable water use by approximately 2.3 million gallons, based on 2023 water consumption. The three water-cooled chillers will be cleaned and deposited into the Gulf off the coast of Alabama as part of the artificial reef program. Catalyzing Broader Impact The Pointe ProMoss System, Tampa Plant Propagation, Tampa Cousins has implemented several water conservation solutions without the benefit of existing incentives, reflecting a willingness to prioritize long - term value over short - term financial support. For example, early investments in condensate recovery, rainwater collection, and ProMoss filtration systems in Tampa were made without rebate eligibility; however, by sharing performance results with Tampa Bay Water, Cousins helped demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches, ultimately encouraging the introduction and expansion of rebate programs covering condensate recovery and rainwater collection to drive broader market adoption. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix WASTE DIVERSION THROUGH RESPONSIBLE MAINTENANCE AND ADAPTIVE DESIGN Cousins has established waste diversion practices across its operating portfolio to reduce waste sent to landfills and increase diversion through recycling, reuse, and composting. These practices are integrated into day - to - day property management, and property teams regularly engage customers by providing education and resources on recycling, composting, glass recycling, and available e - waste recycling options. At our corporate headquarters and select property management offices, Cousins participates in Keurig's K - Cycle™ Recycling Program as part of our approach to managing office - generated waste. In 2025, this initiative diverted 1,535 pounds of spent K - Cups from landfill disposal, resulting in 1,151 pounds of composted material and 384 pounds of recycled material, demonstrating a targeted program with measurable outcomes supported by third - party processing. Waste diversion considerations are also incorporated into our development and redevelopment activities. For applicable projects, contractors and vendors are required to manage waste responsibly and track and report diversion activities. Where feasible, Cousins seeks to reuse and recycle fixtures and finishes and encourages customers to do the same during tenant improvements. In parallel, we prioritize the proper maintenance and care of building equipment to extend its useful life and avoid premature replacement, helping reduce waste associated with early disposal in favor of purchasing new, more efficient equipment before it is necessary. TOTAL WASTE GENERATED 1 (presented in metric tonnes) -5% since 2022 8,084 7,670 6,156 6,319 2022 2023 2024 2025 52,640 pounds of glass recycled in 2025 portfolio-wide. 48,000 pounds of E-Waste recycled in 2025 portfolio-wide. 211,886 pounds of material composted in 2025 portfolio-wide. To further reduce waste from tenant build - outs, Cousins' Tampa market implemented modular build - out designs that allow spaces to be reconfigured efficiently with minimal new materials, reducing construction waste while enhancing tenant flexibility and the long - term adaptability of our buildings. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix WASTE DIVERSION: EXTENDING THE LIFE OF TECHNOLOGY THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Our 2025 E-Waste Recycling Impact We recycled over 48,000 pounds of e-waste-equivalent to more than 12,000 laptops. Stacked together, that would reach the height of our iconic Corporate Headquarters. eWaste Recycling, Promenade Campus, Atlanta Thoughtful stewardship of resources extends beyond our buildings and operations; it also includes how we manage and repurpose the technology we no longer need. Through our partnership with Inspiredu, an Atlanta - based nonprofit dedicated to expanding digital access and skills, we are able to give retired equipment a second life while supporting meaningful outcomes in our local community. Inspiredu collects retired computers and related equipment directly from our corporate office and refurbishes them locally at their Atlanta facility. Devices that can be reused are prepared for a new purpose, while remaining materials are responsibly recycled. This approach allows technology that has reached the end of its use within our organization to continue delivering value elsewhere. The refurbished devices are redistributed through Inspiredu's programs to individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to reliable technology. Combined with Inspiredu's in - person and virtual training, from basic computer skills to workforce - focused learning, these devices become tools for education, job readiness, and greater digital confidence. Our collaboration with Inspiredu also reflects a broader commitment to reducing waste and supporting circular solutions. By keeping usable equipment in circulation and managing the rest responsibly, we help limit electronic waste while contributing to positive social impact close to home. Looking ahead, we see opportunities to continue growing this partnership, including expanding participation across our Atlanta portfolio. By working with a local nonprofit that understands both community needs and responsible reuse, we are able to align environmental responsibility with tangible community benefit thus ensuring our retired technology continues to serve a purpose long after it leaves our offices. 21 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix GOALS AND PROGRESS: BUILDING CERTIFICATIONS 1 Goal Status Exceeding Goal Goal Status Exceeding Goal Goal Status Exceeding Goal Goal Status Exceeding Goal 75% LEED ® Certification 2 Maintain LEED or equivalent certification; targets 75% of eligible square feet. 90% ENERGY STAR ® Certification Maintain ENERGY STAR certification; targets 90% of eligible buildings. 50% Healthy Building Certification 96% 95% 97% 95% 84% 89% 90% 97% Attain and maintain healthy building certifications (e.g. Fitwel ® ); targets 50% of eligible buildings. 95% Total Building Certification Attain at least one certification for 95% of eligible buildings. 75% Goal 2025 2025 90% 2024 92% 2023 83% 2022 81% 2021 81% 2020 78% 2019 70% 2018 74% 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 64% 66% 72% 95% 97% 93% 91% 89% 90% Goal 2025 56% 56% 2024 42% 2023 27% 2022 2021 2% 50% Goal 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 95% Goal Certification goals are expressed as a percentage of the eligible square footage or eligible buildings for the relevant certification; see page 62 for more detail. Once reached, the goal will be to maintain at least the goal threshold. More information regarding these certifications is found on pages 23-25. The goal reflects obtained certifications for LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O&M), LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell (BD&C), or equivalent certification, such as The Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) certification. See pages 23 and 62 for more detail. 22 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix MAINTAINING SUSTAINABLE ASSETS The effectiveness of our sustainable and resilient development and operations is evidenced by the recognition our properties have received from some of the most respected third-party organizations that benchmark property efficiency and sustainability practices. In addition to the portfolio coverage goals discussed on the prior page, we have a goal to earn ENERGY STAR ® , LEED ® , and/or BOMA 360 certification for all new development and all newly acquired buildings, to the greatest extent feasible and where it is a value-add to the individual asset. ENERGY STAR Certifications 95% of eligible buildings 1 earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification, which is awarded by the EPA and confirms that a building operates more efficiently than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide. We expect all eligible buildings to apply for ENERGY STAR certification or recertification within 30 days of becoming eligible. We use Blue Ocean to maintain accurate ENERGY STAR data for substantially all properties, including our retail and medical office properties, which are not expected to become eligible for certification. 95% LEED & Austin Energy Green Building Certifications 90% of eligible square footage 1 is LEED certified (O&M and/or BD&C) or satisfies the standards of Austin Energy Green Building standards. As a long-standing member of the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC), we expect our properties to pursue LEED certification or recertification, so long as the long-term investment and leasing prospects suggest the certification would be a value-add. Our property teams, with the support of external consultants, evaluate LEED initiatives and develop plans to implement reasonable enhancements. Our development team also works with our projects under construction to be able to pursue LEED BD&C certification, with a goal of obtaining Gold status if feasible. All new construction projects are built to LEED standards even if we elect not to pursue certification. The Austin Energy Green Building Standard (AEGB) is a higher standard than (and fully encompasses) the LEED requirements; we have not pursued LEED certification for the three buildings that achieved the AEGB certification. 90% BOMA 360 Certifications 79% of eligible square footage 1 has achieved the elite Business Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) 360 Performance Program® certification, which recognizes excellence in building operations and management, and benchmarks building performance in six key areas, including energy, environment, and sustainability. We expect our property teams to pursue BOMA 360 within 24 months of development or acquisition, with reapplication when eligible. Newly-acquired properties are expected to seek this designation within 24 months of acquisition and existing ones to reapply when eligible for renewal. 79% A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix FITWEL: FROM COMMITMENT TO RESULTS 2025 2-Star Buildings 3344 Peachtree 3348 Peachtree 3350 Peachtree 550 South 5950 Sherry Lane Colorado Tower 201 North Tryon One Buckhead Plaza One Eleven Congress Promenade Tower Proscenium Terminus 100 Terminus 200 San Jacinto Center The RailYard Two Buckhead Plaza 100 Mill 300 Colorado Domain 10 Domain 11 Domain 7 Domain 8 Heights Union East Heights Union West Promenade Central Spring & 8th In an expression of our long-standing commitment to healthy office environments, Cousins has prioritized pursuit of Fitwel Built Certifications, beginning with one building in 2021 and now encompassing more than half of our portfolio. Fitwel focuses on practical, evidence - based strategies that enhance occupant health, well - being, and day - to - day experience in the workplace. Given its belief that healthy buildings are fundamental to long - term value creation, Cousins explicitly incorporated Fitwel into its corporate responsibility goal - setting process and tied a portion of incentive compensation to measurable outcomes. The Company established targets to achieve Fitwel certification across 55% of eligible buildings and to earn two - star or higher ratings for at least seven assets. Cousins exceeded both goals, finishing the year with 56% of eligible buildings Fitwel certified and 26 buildings achieving two or more stars, demonstrating clear accountability and tangible results tied directly to performance incentives. This commitment is further reinforced by Cousins' designation as a Fitwel+ Champion and by the active leadership of Chip Andrews, Senior Vice President of Property Management, Bill Muehling, Group Engineering Manager in Tampa, and Evan Bentley, Internal Audit and Sustainability Analyst, who each serve as Fitwel Ambassadors. Chip Andrews Senior Vice President, Property Management -Operations Bill Muehling Group Engineering Manager, Tampa Evan Bentley Internal Audit and Sustainability Analyst A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix BOMA: AWARD WINNING BUILDING OPERATIONS In 2025, Cousins' commitment to best - in - class building operations and customer experience was recognized by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) through multiple local and regional TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) awards, as well as continued progress across the BOMA 360 Performance Program. Several Cousins property teams were honored at the regional level, reflecting excellence across building operations, sustainability practices, life safety, tenant engagement, and management culture. Cousins teams in Atlanta, Austin, and Tampa earned Regional TOBY Awards, including recognition for 3350 Peachtree in Atlanta, Colorado Tower in Austin, and Heights Union and Corporate Center I-IV in Tampa. These regional awards advanced Cousins to compete on the international stage at the BOMA International Conference Colorado Tower Team, Austin Promenade Campus Team, Atlanta At the local level, Cousins continued to earn distinction for renovation excellence and ongoing portfolio stewardship. Promenade Tower received a Local TOBY Award for Renovated Building, recognizing the team's successful modernization efforts that enhanced building performance, safety, and customer experience while maintaining high sustainability standards. These TOBY achievements build upon Cousins' long - standing participation in the BOMA 360 Performance Program, which benchmarks operational excellence across six key areas, including energy management, environmental sustainability, and tenant relations. Throughout 2025, Cousins teams pursued new BOMA 360 certifications and renewals across multiple markets. 3350 Team, Atlanta Together, these BOMA and TOBY recognitions demonstrate an operating model that integrates sustainability, customer experience, risk management, and workforce engagement. Cousins' 2025 results underscore how disciplined operations and empowered property teams drive consistent performance and industry recognition across the portfolio. 111 Congress Team, Austin Heights Union and Corporate Center Teams, Tampa A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix SUSTAINABLE & HEALTHY BUILDING FEATURES Cousins uses a variety of building design and operational features and strategies to minimize the environmental impact and enhance the social impact of the buildings in our portfolio. The following graphic highlights some of the features and strategies utilized in our portfolio, including our corporate headquarters office. Some features highlighted below maybe found only in select properties. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix ACCESSIBILITY METRICS When analyzing investment opportunities, whether new development or acquisition of operating buildings, we prioritize vibrant, amenity - rich, and walkable areas with close proximity to transit whenever possible. In parallel, we actively participate in organizations such as Livable Buckhead, which bring together public - and private - sector stakeholders and have the influence to help advance connectivity, mobility, and accessibility outcomes in the markets where we operate. PUBLIC TRANSIT 56 AVERAGE TRANSIT SCORE According to calculations by walkscore.com, the weighted average Transit Score for Cousins' Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, and Charlotte portfolio is 56 out of 100. EV CHARGING 81% EV CHARGING STATIONS Although all of our buildings offer plentiful parking, we have enhanced this offering through installation of electric vehicle charging stations in 81% of our buildings. BIKEABLE 66 AVERAGE BIKEABLE SCORE According to calculations by walkscore.com, the weighted average Bikeable Score for Cousins' Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, and Charlotte portfolio is 66 out of 100. BIKE STORAGE 88% ON-SITE BICYCLE STORAGE With our predominantly urban locations, bicycle transportation is an option selected by many customers, and we offer onsite bicycle storage in 88% of our buildings. WALKABLE 76 AVERAGE WALK SCORE According to calculations by walkscore.com, the weighted average Walk Score for Cousins' Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, and Charlotte portfolio is 76 out of 100. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES The Link, Dallas Our environmental management program includes efforts to integrate our customers into our environmental responsibility initiatives, as we enhance the efficiencies and resilience of the operations of our buildings. Green Leasing Our customers are part of our strategy for keeping our buildings healthy and resilient. We have integrated sustainability into our property management practices, our leasing and construction documents, and our routine meetings with existing and prospective clients. Our active leases incorporate green lease provisions, and to align our sustainability efforts with our customers, our lease forms for new and operational buildings include: Cost recovery for capital expenditures made to reduce operating expenses Cost recovery for certifications (including LEED ® , BOMA 360, Fitwel, and ENERGY STAR ® ) Coordination with our teams on waste disposal during the tenant build-out process (enabling us to increase waste diversion rates) Participation in our operational recycling programs In addition, our green lease language requires our customers to minimize utility consumption where possible and to participate in any sub-metering program we establish. Our legal counsel and leasing teams negotiate our leases with the intent of preserving green lease clauses without alterations or exceptions. Cousins bears a current Gold Landlord recognition as a Green Lease Leader by the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Initiative. Green Lease Leaders sets the industry standard for defining "green lease," and we are among a limited number of office landlords in the United States with this prestigious designation C . A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES Our environmental management program includes efforts beyond data management and building certification, such as our initiatives around enhanced building ventilation, green cleaning programs, and high-quality amenities. ENHANCED VENTILATION For over two decades, we have focused on monitoring and measuring air quality inside our buildings. Our standards call for random testing and inspection by a third-party specialist who provides findings and recommendations to the property management team. Our teams also optimize outside air, aligning with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) recommendations. We have implemented initiatives to validate that each of our buildings is operating to its highest design potential with regard to outside air systems. These initiatives include: Upgrading our HVAC filtration systems to MERV 13 filters Replacing all air filters and disinfecting all air handler interiors/coils at least quarterly Monitoring cooling towers with a third-party water treatment provider GREEN CLEANING O ffices across our portfolio have green cleaning programs that require our janitorial providers to minimize the potential environmental impact of cleaning processes on our buildings and our customers. This helps protect both our customers and the janitorial workers from being exposed to toxic chemicals. Janitorial providers are required to use Green Seal ® certified cleaning products, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums, dry cleaning for carpets, and restroom supply products made from recycled materials. Some of the other specific enhanced healthy building initiatives we have undertaken include: Enhancing cleaning and frequency of high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas Hygiene stations in high-traffic areas Ensuring all cleaning solutions met EPA-approved standards ENGAGING AMENITIES Our customers prioritize buildings with high-quality and engaging amenities, recognizing that the office experience for their employees involves more than their individual workspaces. In our acquisition and development process, we emphasize the importance of building location, and we target the following: On-site restaurant offerings Interior and exterior gathering spaces Fitness centers On-site bicycle storage On-site electric vehicle charging stations Nearby transit options High walk scores See page 27 for our accessibility metrics. CONTINUED RESEARCH We are making targeted investments to test new products and to conduct additional research. This includes further research around continuous air and water quality monitoring systems and identifying equipment and systems to further reduce energy and water consumption. Our goal is the continuous improvement of the health and safety of our buildings' environment for the well-being of our customers as well as conversation of natural resources. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix We pursue a number of Company-wide efforts in our headquarters and management offices to enhance the efficiency, resiliency, and well-being of our employees and community, including: Recycling programs for paper, bottles, and cans Offering our guests recycled aluminum cans of water, rather than plastic, at our corporate headquarters Dual monitors for headquarters employees to decrease the need to print; double-sided printing capabilities to reduce the amount of paper used; and smart technology to eliminate unintended printing Leases transmitted and executed electronically, reducing the need for printing or shipping Digital platform for Board communications and presentations Reusable mugs and beverage cups for all employees, reducing plastic water bottle and disposable cup waste K-cup recycling of used coffee pods Hands-free, filtered water station at the headquarters office LED lights instead of fluorescent lighting Live indoor plants for better indoor air quality Complimentary fitness center access for employees Bike racks, EV stations, and free mass-transit passes for employees LEED Interior Design & Construction Gold certified office space CORPORATE OFFICE PRACTICES A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix THIRD-PARTY BENCHMARKING Strong Corporate Responsibility Ratings Since 2016, Cousins has participated in the GRESB annual assessment. GRESB is an investor-driven evaluation system for measuring the sustainability performance of property companies and real estate funds, and it is endorsed by many large institutional investors. In 2025, which assessed performance during the 2024 calendar year, Cousins earned its tenth consecutive "Green Star" from GRESB. Even though the 2025 assessment represented a more rigorous assessment of sustainability practices, new asset-level benchmarks, and enhanced alignment with investor priorities, we increased our numerical score and once again scored above the GRESB average for the assessment. In 2025, we also achieved an overall score of "A" on the GRESB Public Disclosure assessment. This score compares favorably to the global average of "B". In addition to the GRESB assessment, we monitor the assessments of various third-party analysts who benchmark aspects of corporate responsibility. In 2025, Cousins received a rating of "BBB" (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment. ISS rates our governance as a "2" (the second highest decile), while assessing our overall ESG with a "Prime" designation. Green Street, one of the most respected public REIT analysts, continues to recognize our strong governance policies and practices. Our most recent Green Street governance score of 75 is 12 points above median for the REITs assessed and 25 points above the median for the Office REITs assessed. This represents the 23rd consecutive year of an "above average" Green Street governance score for Cousins. 10 TH Consecutive GRESB Green Star In 2025, we earned perfect social and governance scores, which reflects our strong performance in the Implementation & Measurement and Management & Policy sections of the assessment. THE USE BY COUSINS OF ANY DATA, LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS OR INDEX NAMES OF MSCI, MORNINGSTAR, GRESB, ISS, OR GREEN STREET (OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES), DO NOT CONSTITUTE A SPONSORSHIP, ENDORSEMENT, RECOMMENDATION, OR PROMOTION OF COUSINS BY SUCH PARTY. NO WARRANTIES ARE IMPLIED TO HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY ANY SUCH PARTIES, AND COUSINS DOES NOT OWN THE NAMES, LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, OR SERVICE MARKS OF ANY SUCH PARTIES. 31 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESILIENCY Corporate Center III, Tampa At Cousins, our sustainability strategy is integral to our overall business strategy; we aim to maintain a resilient portfolio of high-quality office buildings while minimizing operating costs and potential external impacts. Our management-level Sustainability Team, overseen by our board-level Sustainability Committee, is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring climate risk, trends, and opportunities that materially affect or could materially affect the Company's business activities and performance. Our assessment of materiality is in alignment with our financial filings with the SEC. We evaluate climate related transition and physical risks and opportunities, at least annually, through qualitative and quantitative asset level assessments. These evaluations, along with our internal assessments of asset value and alignment with our investment strategy, influence our decisions regarding prioritization of investments in building systems and technology, all with the goal of maximizing the quality and value of our portfolio. Cousins' long-term strategy to mitigate the risks posed by climate change is primarily focused on implementing energy and water conservation measures to enhance our ability to reduce our consumption of natural resources. In addition to the implementation of energy efficiency measures, where feasible we consider providing onsite renewable energy sources, and the combination of these are anticipated to aid our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. As noted in our description of our analysis of physical risk on page 33, our teams study the impact climate change may have on our existing portfolio's performance, which is unique to each building based on its physical location, efficiency standards, and building codes. This anticipated impact is considered when we invest in upgrades to and replacements of our building systems and technology. We also incorporate climate assessments into the acquisition due diligence process, including the likelihood of increased construction costs or insurance premiums resulting from the potential impact of climate change on the assets under review. Our financial strategy of prioritizing investment in high-quality real estate assets complements our efforts to improve our portfolio's average resiliency, as we develop and acquire newer and more efficient buildings and redevelop older assets to meet higher efficiency and operational standards. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESILIENCY Physical Climate - Related Risks and Resilience The physical climate - related risks relevant to our business include the potential for increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, as well as longer - term changes in climate patterns that may affect temperature and precipitation. To better understand these risks and inform our operational and capital investment strategies, we periodically review property - level exposure to acute and chronic physical climate risks using scenario analysis under a high - risk transition pathway (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) through 2050. Acute physical risks identified through this analysis include hurricanes, flooding, hail, storm surge (including sea - level rise), freezes, and ice storms. Chronic physical risks evaluated include drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and changing precipitation patterns. Over the short, medium, and long term, these risks could result in physical damage to our properties, some of which may not be fully covered by insurance, or could contribute to reduced demand from tenants, lenders, or purchasers. These impacts could also indirectly affect our business through increased property insurance premiums and higher utility costs, including energy and water. We proactively invest in measures that enhance the resilience of our portfolio and seek to mitigate identified climate - related risks. As part of our risk management approach, we partner with FM Global, which provides an annual RiskMark Score for each building in our insurance portfolio based on a qualitative assessment of building - specific climate and hazard exposures. We monitor these scores and evaluate recommended actions as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen building performance and resilience. This information is considered alongside other operational and capital planning inputs as we refine strategies to address identified acute and chronic risks. Climate - related considerations are also incorporated into our business continuity planning to support operational preparedness and response capabilities. Transition Risks In addition to physical risks, the transition to a lower - carbon economy presents evolving policy, legal, and market risks for real estate owners. Certain jurisdictions have implemented, or may implement in the future, regulatory frameworks related to carbon emissions from commercial buildings, including more stringent building codes, performance standards, certifications, taxes, or incentive programs. In the short to medium term, non - compliance with applicable requirements may increase operating costs or result in penalties, while compliance may require additional capital or operating expenditures. Customer and investor expectations related to carbon performance may also affect leasing and capital access if not met. Over the long term, public investments aimed at improving regional or neighborhood - scale resilience may contribute to higher real estate taxes in certain markets. We regularly monitor regulatory developments and compliance matters that could materially affect our portfolio or business. While we do not currently believe these transition risks pose a material threat, we recognize the evolving nature of regulatory approaches and seek to position our portfolio accordingly. We selectively invest in capital improvements that support energy and water efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which we believe enhances long - term competitiveness, supports customer and investor expectations, and positions our assets to respond effectively to future regulatory requirements. 600 Northpark, Atlanta A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity Cousins prioritizes the protection and enrichment of biodiversity and ecosystems during the development of new buildings and the operation and enhancement of our existing buildings. This includes designing buildings and landscaping to minimize the impact upon the environment and wildlife. We design buildings to minimize light pollution, which increases night sky access and reduces the consequences of development for wildlife. In addition to our beehive and bird-migration-friendly practices disclosed on page 36, we prioritize native vegetation, synthetic grass, and low-maintenance materials in our outdoor areas, along with maintaining tree canopy cover where feasible. Our development and operations teams maintain compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In 2025, Cousins did not have any environmental violations. 725 Ponce, Atlanta Existing Buildings We regularly evaluate and monitor the performance and resource consumption of each of our existing buildings, and we implement sustainable enhancements throughout the portfolio, including: High efficiency lighting fixtures and controls High efficiency plumbing fixtures Occupancy sensors and other smart building technologies Energy management system upgrades High efficiency HVAC Reclaimed groundwater and rainwater collection systems for cooling towers, irrigation, and gray water Easy and convenient recycling and landfill diversion Green cleaning products and processes New Development Most of our new construction involves the redevelopment of existing sites, which allows us to minimize the encroachment of our development on previously undisturbed natural areas and habitats. In some cases, the redevelopment of existing sites involves the remediation of soil and/or water contamination caused by activities of others, which may include Brownfields designation. As of December 31, 2025, 74% of our wholly-owned land inventory are designated Brownfields. In our new development and re-development of existing assets, we prioritize sustainable building practices, including: Enhanced building system emissions technology Construction waste management Recycling existing materials Structured parking Outdoor gathering areas with shade Sustainable construction materials Water-efficient landscaping Minimizing light pollution A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix BIODIVERSITY: SMALL ACTIONS, LIVING SYSTEMS At Cousins, we believe that supporting biodiversity is not limited to large - scale initiatives. Often, it is the accumulation of many thoughtful actions that creates meaningful impact. Across our portfolio, we look for opportunities to enhance natural systems, support urban ecosystems, and engage our customers in ways that make environmental stewardship tangible and accessible. This approach is reflected in our investment in green infrastructure. At 725 Ponce, Cousins expanded the existing green roof to deliver increased environmental value by incorporating living systems that support urban biodiversity. Planned honeybee habitats, developed in partnership with Bee Downtown, provide forage and shelter for pollinators while contributing to healthier ecosystems in a dense urban environment. At Spring & 8th, the simple addition of a bird feeder on the green roof sparked curiosity and awareness among building occupants. Our commitment extends beyond physical infrastructure to education and engagement. Multiple Cousins properties hosted pollinator - focused Earth Day programming, offering customers hands - on experiences such as pollinator kits, honey tastings, and educational activities connected to our Bee Downtown partnerships. These events helped translate abstract environmental concepts into everyday experiences, reinforcing that individual awareness and participation are essential components of biodiversity protection. Sometimes, stewardship takes the form of caring for a single tree. At Proscenium, a Japanese Maple has become a symbol of this philosophy. Thoughtful preservation and care highlight how attention to individual landscape elements can contribute to broader ecological health and reinforce a culture of respect for nature. Together, these efforts illustrate Cousins' belief that no action is too small when it comes to biodiversity. Whether through green roofs, pollinator partnerships, landscape care, or everyday engagement, we aim to create spaces where nature has a place and where people are invited to notice, learn, and participate in sustaining it. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix BIODIVERSITY: SUPPORTING NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS Bird Migration According to The National Audubon Society, every spring and fall, billions of birds migrate through the US, the majority of them flying at night. This mass of birds must contend with the increasing threat of light pollution. An estimated one billion birds are killed annually from direct collisions with illuminated buildings, towers, and other structures across the country. Artificial lights and skyglow around buildings can be fatal to migrating birds. Some are casualties of nighttime collisions with windows and walls. Others circle in confusion until dawn, and when they land, they are subject to urban threats. This issue impacts hundreds of species of birds. Cousins' Lights Out program aims to decrease the loss of avian life during spring and fall migration by turning out office lights at night. We work together with customers to turn off unnecessary lights, helping minimize the impact of this threat. Urban Bees Honeybees are the world's number one pollinator and are responsible for pollination of 70 of the world's top 100 food crops. Cousins has partnered with Bee Downtown and Alvéole to maintain beehives at select properties in Atlanta, Phoenix, and Tampa. In total, the Cousins beehives across our markets produced over 760 pounds of honey in 2025. To produce this much honey, bees flew over 53 million miles - the equivalent of circling the earth 2,297 times - pollinating flowers and crops. Additionally, the beehive projects have directly engaged the Cousins team and customers, with many team members involved in learning about the pollination process and the role of bees in supporting our natural environment. The Phoenix market uses the BirdCast model to predict high-intensity bird migration over the region. When this occurs, the property team asks customers to turn off interior lights each evening and close blinds and to substitute overhead lighting with task and area lighting. The building also turns off exterior decorative lighting, reduces lobby and atrium lighting, and limits exterior light to ground level. Turning off all non-essential lighting not only saves birds, but also saves electricity. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix FROM EDUCATION TO ACTION: EARTH DAY ACROSS THE COUSINS PORTFOLIO Spring & 8th, Atlanta On Earth Day 2025, Cousins Properties celebrated sustainability across its portfolio. Property teams designed experiences that combined education, hands - on participation, and community partnerships, encouraging customers to explore environmentally responsible practices while strengthening connections within each building and market. Across Atlanta, Earth Day evolved into Earth Week, with many properties hosting multi - day programming focused on sustainability education, waste reduction, wellness, and community engagement. Events included sustainability markets, plant and seed giveaways, recycling and composting workshops, e - waste collection drives, and interactive lunch - and - learn sessions. Several properties paired environmental education with wellness activities and volunteer opportunities, reinforcing the connection between sustainable buildings, healthy communities, and everyday habits. Customer participation was strong, with particularly high engagement around e - waste recycling, gardening, and practical sustainability tips customers could apply at work and at home. Corporate Center IV, Tampa Tampa's Earth Day programming highlighted the connection between behind - the - scenes building operations and visible customer experiences. Events combined hands - on activities, such as pollinator kits, herb sachets, plant giveaways, and honey tastings, with education on Cousins' water stewardship, recycling programs, and biodiversity initiatives. The market also used Earth Day as a platform to share operational innovations, including water - saving cooling tower treatments and rainwater reuse systems that support pollinator - friendly landscapes and reduce reliance on potable water. In Tempe, dual Earth Day events brought together customers from multiple buildings for shared sustainability programming. Activities centered on accessible, engaging experiences like sustainable giveaways, honey tastings, and educational conversations about onsite beehives. The market also emphasized community impact by welcoming a nonprofit partner focused on urban agriculture and food access, reinforcing the broader connection between environmental stewardship and community well - being. Charlotte's Earth Day engagement emphasized education, professional collaboration, and practical sustainability knowledge. Property teams incorporated Earth Day themes into customer programming and industry connections, including lunch - and - learn sessions and engineering - focused gatherings that supported information sharing around building operations, resource efficiency, and environmental best practices. These activities complemented broader building initiatives underway in the market, reinforcing awareness of sustainability as an integral part of day - to - day building management and customer experience. In Nashville, Earth Day programming centered on community connection and hands - on environmental impact within the Neuhoff District. Teams partnered with local organizations to support neighborhood - scale sustainability efforts, including volunteer activities focused on planting, beautification, and shared green spaces. These efforts reinforced the role of the district as both a workplace and a community destination, while highlighting the value of collaboration between property teams, customers, and local partners in advancing sustainability beyond the building footprint. A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 38 A Message From Our CEO Overview Environmental Responsibility Social Responsibility Responsible Governance Data Tables Appendix COUSINS' CULTURE From the residential communities built by Tom Cousins in the 1950s to our development of lifestyle office buildings in the 2020s, Cousins has remained committed to building quality projects that contribute to thriving cities while fostering a positive culture for our employees and customers. Cousins employees bring a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures to the Company, and we strive to be responsible corporate citizens. Throughout 2025, our employees were actively engaged in Company-wide CuzWeCare initiatives, which included in-person volunteer activities and opportunities to participate in coordinated financial donations to help support the communities we serve. We are pleased to have opportunities to integrate community involvement, one of our core values, with our efforts to maintain a positive Company culture. Cousins is also committed to supporting our teams' health and wellness. We utilize GoPivot as a comprehensive wellness and engagement platform, driving positive behavioral change through data analytics, behavioral sciences, and comprehensive awards. Through GoPivot, our teams annually compete in fitness competitions, including the Step Challenge, as well as health and wellness initiatives. Cousins also frequently hosts Company-wide information sessions and webinars through GoPivot, Principal, and UnitedHealthcare to raise awareness about the importance of physical, financial, and mental health. 39

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