Property Forum’s recent Bucharest Business Forum 2025 highlighted a critical shift in how companies approach Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, with industry leaders emphasising that sustainability is no longer an optional checkbox but a fundamental business imperative.
Moderator Ioana Voinescu from BCR set the tone, noting that ESG has evolved from mere reporting standards to a crucial business driver. "ESG is here to stay, and access to capital increasingly relies on a company's ESG performance," she explained. The banking sector's current taxonomy alignment remains low, with less than 1% of financing fully compliant, underscoring the significant work ahead.
Developers are taking comprehensive approaches to sustainability. Manuela Ozdemir from Skanska detailed their strategy of focusing on design efficiency, materials, and energy. "We've created decarbonization curves by calculating annual energy consumption and carbon footprint for each project's 50-year lifecycle," she shared, demonstrating the depth of strategic planning required.
The panel highlighted that sustainability extends far beyond environmental metrics. Maria Jianu from Speedwell emphasised the social dimensions, stating that "offices have become an extension of a company's brand, particularly for younger generations who consider ESG factors when choosing workplaces."
