Sustainable Buildings:, More Than a Trend in the Real Estate Sector

Sustainability is now a strategic component across all economic sectors. As a result, sustainable construction is one of the pillars of community regulations and energy efficiency plans, where new buildings play a key role. In fact, sustainability is beginning to influence home-buying decisions. At Urbanitae, we have contributed to the development of nearly 5,000 homes in Spain and Portugal through the investments of hundreds of thousands of savers. But what exactly is a sustainable building? How does sustainability impact the value of apartment blocks and homes?

What is a sustainable building?

A sustainable building is characterized by low energy consumption, the use of recyclable materials, and the integration of technologies such as solar panels and intelligent management systems. A building is considered sustainable when it is designed and constructed to minimize its environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. To be fully sustainable, a building should meet these criteria:

Have an energy efficiency certificate that guarantees low energy consumption.

Use recyclable and low-environmental-impact materials.

Incorporate renewable energy systems, such as solar panels.

Feature intelligent management systems that optimize water and electricity consumption.

Comply with international sustainability standards such as LEED, BREEAM, or DGNB.

Sustainability Regulations and Certifications in Europe

85% of buildings in the European Union were constructed before 2000, and 75% of them are energy inefficient. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is, therefore, essential to save energy, reduce costs for citizens and small businesses, and achieve a zero-emission and fully decarbonized real estate portfolio by 2050.

40%

of final energy consumption¹

36%

of greenhouse gas emissions²

80%

of buildings in Spain are inefficient³

43,5 years

is the average age of Spain's housing stock⁴

¹ Source: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en#key-facts-on-energy-and-eu-buildings.
² Ibid.
³ Source: https://euroefe.euractiv.es/section/energia/news/80-por-ciento-inmuebles-espana-ineficientes-energeticamente-antiguedad/.
⁴ Source: https://fainmo.es/estudio-de-la-fai-sobre-la-edad-del-parque-de-vivienda-usada-en-espana/.

In Europe, energy efficiency regulations have evolved to ensure that new developments meet the highest standards. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is one of the most important regulatory frameworks, aiming to reduce emissions and improve the energy performance of buildings. This directive requires buildings to have an energy efficiency certificate and to implement measures to achieve nearly zero energy consumption.

Certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB ensure that buildings comply with strict sustainability criteria, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. These certifications evaluate key aspects such as resource efficiency, waste management, and indoor environmental quality, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Evaluates sustainability criteria such as efficient resource use and innovation in design.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

Broadly used in Europe, evaluating everything from design to building maintenance.

DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen)

Popular in Germany and expanding across Europe, it evaluates sustainability from a holistic approach.

Growing Demand for Green and Energy-Efficient Buildings

The latest UCI Housing and Sustainability Observatory report reveals that 77.8% of homebuyers in Spain consider sustainability in their purchasing process, a proportion that has increased by two points since 2023. However, for six out of ten buyers, sustainability is not decisive: only 18% consider it a requirement for purchase.

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Properties with a home energy efficiency certificate or an energy efficiency label stand out in the market for their lower operating costs and appeal to investors interested in sustainable investments. These types of constructions not only meet growing demand but also represent a long-term solution to qualify for energy efficiency subsidies and other government incentives.

Crowdfunding to Boost New Construction

New construction can decisively drive the sustainable transformation of the housing stock. New developments often significantly improve the environmental performance of older buildings. Increasingly, sustainability plays a leading role in the design and construction of real estate projects.

At Urbanitae, we have contributed to the development of more than 4,800 new homes in Spain and Portugal. Some of these projects stand out for their green credentials: the Allonbay Village residential complex is the first project in Spain certified under the BREEAM Urbanism scheme for its sustainability. Additionally, our first project in France, the Le Marjolin office building, has earned the BBC Effinergie rénovation label for its energy efficiency.

In short, the real estate market in Spain and the rest of Europe is rapidly evolving towards a more sustainable approach, not just to comply with regulations but because sustainable buildings represent an investment option that combines profitability with responsibility. Sustainable investments not only meet current demand but also ensure a greener and more efficient future for everyone.

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