Sustainability
Definition
A certification that recognizes buildings designed and constructed to meet specific environmental standards and sustainability criteria.
Green Building Certification is an established system of recognizing buildings that are designed, constructed, and operated to meet rigorous environmental, economic, and social sustainability criteria. These certifications are awarded by independent third-party organizations based on comprehensive evaluation frameworks that assess a building’s energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, use of sustainable materials, and reduction of carbon footprint. In the industrial real estate sector, such certifications address the growing demand from investors and tenants for environmentally responsible properties that comply with evolving regulatory requirements and market expectations. Green Building Certification not only verifies a building’s reduced environmental impact but also often results in lower operational costs, elevated asset value, and enhanced occupant health and productivity. Popular certification systems applicable to commercial and logistics properties include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and Green Globes. These certifications reflect a project’s commitment to sustainable development principles within the broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework, increasingly vital for decision-makers in the Central and Eastern European industrial real estate markets.
Practical Example: IPEC Group
At IPEC Group, we integrate Green Building Certification criteria throughout our development process to ensure environmental performance and sustainability leadership. For example, our flagship logistics parks in Slovakia are designed to meet BREEAM standards, incorporating energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly building materials. This approach supports IPEC’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and operational costs for tenants, while aligning with investor ESG expectations. Achieving green certification on our projects enhances the marketability and long-term value of our industrial assets, positioning IPEC as a regional leader in sustainable industrial real estate development.
Related Terms
Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, ESG, LEED Certification, BREEAM