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 also affirm that employees are at the heart of developers’ and landlords’ priorities when designing office spaces.
“Office spaces have evolved into destinations where employees come first. The workplace must offer advantages beyond those of working from home—primarily in terms of collaboration, but also through factors like spatial quality and the certifications obtained,” said Răzvan Nica during the event. “Three to four years ago, certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, or WELL were seen as just another item on a checklist. Today, for most tenants, they are a must-have. Additionally, companies are now looking to measure the carbon footprint of their office fit-outs and identify the necessary steps for future expansions and projects to reduce their environmental impact,” he added.
The discussion featured key industry leaders, including Andrei Ianculescu (Head of Project & Development Services, C&W Echinox), Antoniu Panait (Managing Director, Vastint Romania), Andreea Cotiga (Head of Leasing Office, CPI Property Group), Maria Jianu (Leasing Director, Speedwell), Mihai Păduroiu (CEO, Office Division, One United Properties), and Florian Niţu (Managing Partner, Popovici Niţu Stoica & Asociaţii).
Răzvan Nica’s remarks come in the context of major leasing transactions in recent years, which have largely focused on sustainable buildings with green certifications (LEED, BREEAM, WELL) and solid ESG strategies. Landlords who have invested in certifications and environmental performance have successfully attracted high-caliber tenants, as leading companies increasingly pursue ambitious sustainability goals and seek office spaces that align with their standards.
Sustainability drives value in commercial real estate
BuildGreen’s expertise demonstrates that sustainability not only facilitates high-profile leasing deals but also enhances real estate asset value. Certified, energy-efficient buildings with a low carbon footprint receive higher valuations and maintain stable investment returns.
In Bucharest, nearly 93% of new office buildings (built in the last seven years) and 70% of older office buildings (over 15 years old) hold green certifications, according to recent studies. Approximately 74% of all office buildings in the city are already certified and meet ESG criteria, making sustainability one of the key factors in corporate leasing decisions.
Today, landlords and developers recognize that LEED, BREEAM, and WELL certifications are essential for maintaining competitive rental rates and securing long-term tenants.
Read Răzvan Nica’s full statements in Ziarul Financiar: here.
