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 essential market expectation, shaping investment flows, tenant requirements and the long-term viability of logistics spaces.”
From compliance to market imperative
When BuildGreen was founded in 2010, sustainability certifications were rare, and ESG integration was optional. Today, over 90% of Romania’s logistics and industrial stock is owned by investors with dedicated ESG strategies, focused on green certifications (LEED, BREEAM, EDGE) to attract top-tier tenants; carbon reduction strategies, addressing rising Scope 3 emission concerns and energy-efficient infrastructure, integrating renewables and smart building technologies.
The Omnibus Initiative: A shift in ESG priorities
The Omnibus Initiative, recently adopted by the European Commission, reduces ESG reporting obligations for most Romanian companies. However, Răzvan Nica emphasized that this does not weaken sustainability efforts.
“Reducing ESG bureaucracy should not be seen as a step back, but as an opportunity to invest more efficiently in sustainability,” he explained.
While reporting requirements have eased, investors and multinational tenants continue to demand transparency and decarbonization commitments. In logistics, Scope 3 emissions — indirect emissions from supply chain activities — can represent up to 90% of a company’s total carbon footprint.
Logistics growth & the sustainability advantage
Răzvan Nica highlighted that Romania’s logistics and industrial market is expanding rapidly, driven by:
- Infrastructure improvements, with over 1,100 km of highways in operation and more in development.
- Increased investment following Romania’s Schengen accession, drawing new production and distribution hubs.
- An industrial and logistics stock expected to surpass 8 million square meters by the end of 2025.
With sustainability now a key investment criterion, developers who integrate ESG best practices will secure green financing, premium tenants, and long-term resilience.
The road ahead: Competitiveness through sustainability
While ESG reporting requirements have relaxed, the global trend remains toward stricter sustainability expectations. Companies that invest today in ESG monitoring, carbon-neutral strategies, and certified green buildings will be best positioned for the future.
Beyond regulatory compliance, green financing is becoming a key driver of competitiveness. Banks and investors increasingly favor businesses with strong ESG commitments, offering preferential loan conditions and sustainable investment funds.
“Sustainability is no longer just about compliance—it’s about competitiveness”, Răzvan Nica concluded. “Companies that embrace this transformation will secure long-term success, while those that hesitate may struggle to keep pace.”
As logistics evolves, BuildGreen continues to lead the way, providing strategic consultancy, certification expertise, and decarbonization solutions for a more resilient and sustainable industrial sector.
