ARTICLES LABELLED WITH TAG green buildings

Decarbonization of the construction sector plays a crucial role in achieving climate goals, as the real estate market is responsible for 38% of global CO2 emissions, according to UN data. In the case of new buildings, especially industrial ones, eco-friendly solutions have become the new standard. In fact, it’s often required by investors, says Marcin Kosieniak, MEP design specialist and co-owner of the PM Projekt construction design office, and expert of the RRJ Group.

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), the coalition representing over 5,000 organizations from across the building value chain, has asked Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to back amendments to the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) designed to accelerate building renovation and to address total lifecycle emissions of buildings. 

Some players in the Hungarian commercial property sector have made significant steps to transform the industry, but the majority have failed to do so. Property Forum asked Zsombor Barta, President of the Hungary Green Building Council (HuGBC) about the way the entire industry should act to reach net zero as adopted by the European Union.

Bogdan Doicescu, Development Director & Executive Board Member at Bog’Art, spoke to Property Forum about the cost forecast for the construction market in 2022 and the company’s plans to diversify their activity with their own residential developments in Bucharest.

Last year the number of new green buildings and the "greening" of existing ones continued to grow dynamically in Budapest, Colliers reports.

Over 300 buildings and real estate properties were certified as ‘green buildings’ between 2010-2020 in Romania, a period that marked the first decade of sustainable development. Romania ranks 3rd among CEE countries, after Poland (1232 certificates) and Czech Republic (422). The next positions are occupied by Hungary (232) and Slovakia (124). The accelerated growth is deemed to continue, as green buildings become a strategic tool in reaching EU Green Deal targets, according to the BuildGreen 2020-2020 Sustainable Development Report.

With sustainable electricity running through 16 office buildings, including Aeropark Business Centre in Warsaw and Korona Office Complex in Cracow, GTC aims to reduce its carbon footprint and commits to ensure affordable and clean energy in all its facilities, as announced recently in the Group’s 2020 ESG report.

WDP Romania, the developer and owner of industrial and logistics spaces, has received the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) certification for its local stock of warehouses. EDGE was created by IFC, part of the World Bank. It helps property owners and developers build and operate green buildings in a fast and affordable way. The certifications apply to WDP warehouses ranging from 2,500 sqm to more than 60,000 sqm. 

Although recently analysts have been focusing primarily on the impact of the pandemic, long-term trends on the property market are also shaped by another factor, namely climate change. The term sustainable development in real estate most often has positive connotations. Certificates granted to “green buildings” increase their prestige and appeal to future users. However, the environmental factor in property valuation also has its dark side. Commentary by Alicja Zajler, director of Valuation and Advisory Services at Colliers.