At the 2025 edition of the ZF ESG Summit, Răzvan Nica, founder and Managing Director of BuildGreen, delivered a compelling keynote addressing the critical transformation of the construction sector in the context of the transition to sustainability. With over 15 years of experience and a portfolio of benchmark projects, BuildGreen has established itself as a market leader in green building certification across Romania and Central and Eastern Europe, playing a key role in the sector’s evolution and professionalization.
Răzvan Nica emphasized the evolution of sustainability in construction, from an early-stage differentiation strategy to a fully regulated requirement. In the beginning, international certifications such as BREEAM and LEED were used as positioning tools. As advanced performance standards like Gold and Platinum levels emerged, competition intensified between projects. Today, under legislative frameworks mandating nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) standards and compulsory carbon footprint reporting, sustainability is not just a market advantage, it is a structural obligation.
The Shift to long-term decarbonization strategies
During his speech, Răzvan Nica also addressed the decarbonization of the existing building stock. He stressed that effective sustainability strategies are not based on one-off investments but on long-term planning aligned with the natural life cycle of buildings and equipment. Improving the thermal envelope, replacing outdated heating systems with renewable-based alternatives and integrating photovoltaic solutions are essential actions to achieve net-zero objectives while ensuring economic viability.
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted office spaces, with the allocated area per employee nearly doubling. Interior layouts have become more focused on comfort and functionality, with integrated amenities designed to encourage a return to physical workplaces. Nevertheless, remote work remains a strong preference across generations, highlighting the importance of flexible, future-ready spaces.
Digitalization, carbon metrics and 2050 objectives
Răzvan Nica also highlighted the role of digitalization and artificial intelligence in accelerating the green transition. Establishing a coherent and integrated data collection framework across the entire supply chain is crucial. AI can significantly enhance data analysis and strategic decision-making, but it must be deployed responsibly, considering its own substantial energy demands. ESG reporting, he argued, should be simplified and contextualized, using clear indicators that support managerial clarity and long-term investment strategies.
Looking ahead to 2050, all buildings in the EU are expected to reach net-zero emissions. Approximately 80% of the buildings standing today will require adaptation, placing retrofitting strategies at the core of future action plans. Energy-intensive facilities such as data centers must also receive increased attention due to their growing role in digital infrastructure. Sustainability is no longer limited to private developments and public sector projects, including schools, hospitals and housing, are already subject to mandatory nZEB compliance and carbon footprint assessments.
Read Răzvan Nica’s full statements in Ziarul Financiar.
