Sustainability in construction has evolved far beyond checklists and green labels. Today, it defines how buildings are designed, built, operated and renovated, especially in a world increasingly driven by energy costs, environmental responsibility and human wellbeing. Performance means efficiency In the current landscape, building performance starts with one essential principle: efficiency.
We all know that water is vital, but how often do we stop to consider the quality and accessibility of water inside the buildings where we live, work and learn? Nearly two-thirds of the human body is made of water, yet many people do not drink enough of it, even
In the past decade, green building certifications have gone from nice-to-have seals of approval to essential business tools. But perhaps the most important transformation has occurred over the last five years, a shift from symbolic compliance to real-world performance. Today, it’s not enough for a project to earn a certification
As the pioneer of green building certifications in Romania and the country’s first licensed BREEAM assessor, BuildGreen has been at the forefront of driving sustainability in the built environment for over a decade. One question that continues to surface in industry conversations is: What does the future hold for sustainable certifications? The answer
In February 2025, the European Commission adopted the Omnibus Initiative, a sweeping revision of sustainability reporting regulations under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). While the legislative package is still awaiting European Parliament approval and national transposition, its early effects are already rippling through real estate, finance and sustainability circles. Three months
At the Bucharest Business Forum, organized by Property Forum, Răzvan Nica, CEO and Managing Director of BuildGreen, offered a comprehensive perspective on how the real estate industry must evolve in the face of intensifying ESG requirements and sustainability expectations. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable building consultancy and certifications,
In May 2025, Prague became the heartbeat of green building innovation as the GBCI Europe Circle brought together hundreds of sustainability professionals. The event took place just weeks after the official launch of LEED v5, marking a major milestone in the evolution of green building standards. By the time
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
Fifteen years ago, sustainability was a visionary move in an emerging market. Today, it’s a strategic necessity. BuildGreen has been at the forefront of this transformation — from Romania’s first green certifications to leading ESG innovation across Europe. On March 27th, 2025, BuildGreen marked this journey in the built environment
Today, sustainable certifications are shaping how we live and work – determining the air we breathe, the light at our desks, and even how healthy we feel day to day. Nowhere is this more visible than in WELL-certified office buildings, where sustainability meets human wellbeing. A global standard for healthier
During the “Trends in the Office Market” panel discussion organized by Ziarul Financiar, Răzvan Nica, founder of BuildGreen, highlighted that office building owners continue to pursue two primary certification systems: BREEAM and LEED for building performance, along with WELL certification which prioritize the occupant wellbeing. Beyond serving as a validation for both international and local companies, these certifications
On February 28, 2025, Răzvan Nica, founder of BuildGreen, joined the Real Estate & Construction Forum at JW Marriott Bucharest, where he discussed how sustainability, ESG regulations, and certifications are reshaping logistics and industrial real estate. “Fifteen years ago, sustainability in logistics was a voluntary initiative for a handful of forward-thinking companies”, Răzvan noted. “Today, it is an
Sustainable building practices are a priority in the real estate sector, with responsible material sourcing playing a crucial role in reducing environmental impact. Integrating responsible sourcing into building projects leads to a reduced carbon footprint from both embodied and operational carbon emissions, which is a key criterion for achieving high standards for certifications like BREEAM and
In today’s context, where sustainability is becoming a major priority for real estate developers, monitoring systems are essential for improving building performance and reducing environmental impact. These solutions, ranging from simple applications to complex systems like Building Management Systems (BMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS), enable efficient resource management
Imagine a clear night where the sky is full of stars, and the Milky Way is visible across the horizon. Sadly, for about 80% of the world’s population, this view is becoming less common. The reason? Light pollution—a problem that’s rising as cities continue to grow. This excessive illumination not
Exploring alternative water management techniques offers a promising path toward sustainability. By utilizing strategies such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, we can significantly reduce our reliance on conventional water systems, cut costs, and lessen environmental impact. Stormwater management systems like rain gardens, vegetated roofs, and permeable paving not only
Water is a precious resource, and with increasing concerns about water scarcity, finding ways to use it wisely in gardens and landscapes is more important than ever. Thankfully, there are several smart and innovative methods available that can help conserve water. From advanced irrigation techniques to choosing the right plants, these
Reducing water consumption has become a fundamental aspect of responsible building practices. Green certifications like LEED, BREEAM, EDGE, etc., highlight the importance of effective water management as a key element of sustainability. These standards emphasize that reducing water usage and managing rainwater efficiently are important to creating environmentally friendly and
In the county of Piatra Neamt, Romania, a beacon of innovation and sustainability shines brightly. Autonom Group, an innovative project, has not only captured the essence of sustainable development but has also achieved a remarkable milestone by obtaining a BREEAM New Construction certification at the Outstanding level. This certification is
The ESG matrix successfully gains mainstream recognition for overcoming the challenges sustainability encounters. ESG evolves from pure reporting and regulatory compliance to a pivotal element in corporate strategies. ESG ratings are part of the process of making informed, sustainable investment and financing decisions in global capital markets. This trend influences
