Sustainability is strategic in all sectors. Sustainable construction is key in energy efficiency regulations and influences home purchasing decisions. At Urbanitae, we've developed nearly 5,000 homes with investments from savers. But... what is a sustainable building? How does sustainability impact real estate value?
REGISTER FOR FREEHave 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.
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.
of final energy consumption1
of greenhouse gas emissions2
of buildings in Spain are inefficient3
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/.
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.
Learn MoreProperties 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.
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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