Nowadays, sustainability certifications have acquired increased significance in the construction industry. They not only guarantee energy efficiency and respect for the environment, but also add significant value to properties. In other words, they certify that a property scheme is designed, developed and managed in a sustainable manner. Such certifications give buildings greater value and differentiation at a time when sustainability has become a priority aspect where properties play a major role.
The main benefits of such environmental certifications include a reduction of energy and water consumption, minimising carbon emissions and enhanced residents’ well-being.
The Key To The Future Of Our Cities
In a world where sustainability has become a necessity, buildings play an increasingly prominent role in the transition to a greener future. According to the United Nations (UN), approximately 68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. Cities occupy only 3% of the Earth’s surface but consume 78% of available energy and generate 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. Against this backdrop, the UN launched the New Urban Agenda in 2016, in order to guide countries towards the creation of more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.
Faced with this challenge, green buildings and sustainability certifications are key elements to transform cities into more responsible and liveable spaces. By earning sustainable building certifications, we not only align ourselves with market demands, but also contribute to the well-being of the environment and the people living in such spaces.
Sustainability Certifications
Sustainability certifications, such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL or DGNB, guarantee the environmental, social and economic quality of a building. They not only assess energy efficiency and environmental impact, but also the well-being of residents and the quality of indoor spaces.
Such certifications help transform buildings into benchmarks of sustainability and put them in an advantageous position in an increasingly competitive property market. According to industry experts, sustainability-certified buildings can increase their value by up to 7% and secure rental incomes that are 3% higher.
Main Sustainability Certifications
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Globally recognised, the LEED certification guarantees that buildings are highly efficient in terms of energy and resources. This is one of the most widely used certifications internationally.
- With a strong presence in Europe, this system focuses on comprehensive sustainability—from water management to the quality of the spaces.
- With a focus on human well-being, this certification ensures that buildings support the health of residents by controlling air quality, natural lighting and other key factors.
- German DGNB uses a holistic approach that combines environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Future City Planning – Building Green Cities
The trend towards urban sustainability is not only focused on individual buildings, but on transforming entire communities.
The development of eco-districts and take-up of sustainable technologies and materials in urban infrastructure are clear examples of how future city planning is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the principles of the circular economy. These projects not only seek to reduce the carbon footprint of cities, but also to change the lifestyle habits of their citizens so that they are more aware and responsible with their environment.
Sustainable buildings are already making a significant impact around the world—and Madrid is no exception.
Borneo Advisors is currently marketing prominent assets in Madrid that have already earned some of the aforementioned certifications. Such is the case of Edificio CRYS, which is BREEAM-certified for its high energy efficiency and advanced resource management systems. For its part, Edificio Egeo has earned a BREEAM Excellent certification thanks to its bioclimatic design and efficient use of energy and water. BREEAM and AIS-certified Edificio Ara is capable of combining sustainable materials with exemplary management of water and energy resources. Edificio Elcano stands out for its BREEAM and WELL Core certifications, focusing its design on the health and well-being of occupiers. Other examples include the BREEAM-certified Avalon Business Park, which is known for its optimised energy efficiency, and buildings Fiteni II, III and VII, which have earned BREEAM certifications for their focus on renewable energy, sustainable design and efficient resource management, all of which contribute to a lower environmental impact.
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