Răzvan Nica, Managing Partner of BuildGreen, spoke with Forbes România about the evolution of the sustainability consulting and certification market. He shared insights into BuildGreen’s milestones in 2024, key trends shaping the industry, and how the company is preparing for the future.
How would you describe the evolution of Romania’s sustainable building sector in 2024?
Răzvan Nica: 2024 was the year of action. More developers, investors, and tenants than ever prioritized sustainability, not just as a regulatory checkbox but as a competitive advantage. The demand for green certifications increased, with a clear shift toward net-zero strategies and decarbonization.
15 years ago, when we started our activity, green certifications were a “nice-to-have.” Today, they are a must-have. The European Union’s Green Deal, increasing ESG reporting requirements, and the push for net-zero buildings have driven this transformation. In Romania, we’ve seen a sharp rise in projects meeting BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum standards, proving that developers are no longer just following trends but setting them.
What were some of BuildGreen’s most significant milestones in 2024?
Răzvan Nica: 2024 was a record-breaking year for us. We certified over 1.5 million square meters of sustainable buildings, the equivalent of about 220 football fields.
Some of the standout projects include: BREEAM Outstanding for Autonom Piatra Neamț and Silk District L3, LEED Platinum for Palas Campus and IAS14 Amazon Offices, public sector certifications for 15 schools and kindergartens in Bucharest’s Sector 6, and Industrial & Logistics decarbonization: Renault headquarters & CTP’s logistics hubs in the Czech Republic.
We also expanded internationally, supporting major sustainability efforts in Turkey and Ukraine. Another highlight was our strategic consultancy for NEPI Rockcastle, where we worked on ESG-driven decarbonization strategies for their European real estate portfolio. This is a critical step toward achieving the industry-wide shift to carbon-neutral buildings.
What’s your outlook on the future of sustainable buildings in Romania?
Răzvan Nica: The momentum is undeniable. Romania is no longer catching up with Western Europe; we’re setting our own sustainability benchmarks. I truly believe that in the next 5-10 years, sustainable buildings will no longer be the exception; they’ll be the standard. And BuildGreen will continue to play a vital role in making that vision a reality.
Want to Learn More?
For a deeper dive into BuildGreen’s projects and sustainability insights, read the full Forbes România article here.
