{"id":192029,"date":"2025-09-10T11:42:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T11:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/?p=192029"},"modified":"2026-01-30T09:15:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T09:15:07","slug":"what-is-sustainability-in-real-estate-and-what-role-do-sustainability-certificates-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/blog\/que-es-la-sostenibilidad-inmobiliaria-y-que-papel-juegan-los-certificados-de-sostenibilidad\/","title":{"rendered":"What is sustainable real estate and what role do sustainability certificates play?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"192029\" class=\"elementor elementor-192029\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5583b17 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5583b17\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17a8d362 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"17a8d362\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A quick glance at the real estate portals and news portals of the construction and development sector shows us that the concept of<strong> sustainability in real estate <\/strong>and green certificates stand out from the rest of the information. But beyond <strong>efficiency factors<\/strong>, What is it about sustainable real estate that makes it different and why is it such a favourite with investors?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p>It is about offering a property with a positive impact on the environment and competitive advantages that enhance long-term value, especially in the case of certified assets. And they are here to stay.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is sustainable real estate?<\/h2>\n\n<p>When we think of sustainability, we mean a development model that can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.<\/p>\n\n<p>This concept includes properties designed, built and operated in a way that minimises environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Paris Agreements to be signed in 2015 and the Green Deal in 2019<\/strong>, have set the path for achieving the decarbonisation of our planet. The financial sector has accompanied this process through the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, which will be signed in 2021.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental, economic and social impact of the sector<\/h2>\n\n<p>ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria are the benchmark for assessing the sustainability of a company.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Environmental:<\/strong> energy efficiency, renewable energies, sustainable materials, waste management and resource conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Social: <\/strong>relations with employees, suppliers and the community; local sourcing, environmental dynamisation and shared values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Governance<\/strong>Transparency, diversity in management, codes of ethics and commitment to inclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How sustainability applies to real estate<\/h3>\n\n<p>The initiatives of <strong>sustainability in the real estate sector<\/strong> (from project design with the aim of minimising environmental impact and optimising the asset's life cycle, to incorporating ESG criteria) help play a central role in the way building owners and investors operate and enhance their portfolios.<\/p>\n\n<p>In line with the responses of the main global actors, <strong>Gesvalt understands real estate sustainability from an integral perspective, which is based on four aspects,<\/strong> all of them equally important:<\/p>\n\n<p>1. Measuring the ESG ranking of the asset.<\/p>\n\n<p>2. Renewal to achieve a substantial improvement in this ranking.<\/p>\n\n<p>3. The subsidies that are given for these improvement processes.<\/p>\n\n<p>4. Financing from an alternative or green point of view, either green loans or green bonds.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits for developers, buyers and investors<\/h3>\n\n<p>Sustainability certifications add value to the entire real estate cycle:<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Investors:<\/strong> reduce risks and ensure long-term stability thanks to efficient assets with lower obsolescence and higher occupancy. They also facilitate access to institutional funds and meet the ESG criteria required by the market.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Promoters:<\/strong> They generate greater demand and commercial differentiation, strengthen brand positioning and allow access to tax incentives and green financing, as well as anticipate European regulations.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Buyers:<\/strong> benefit from energy savings, comfort and improved quality of life. Sustainable assets have green mortgages, higher resale value and align with growing environmental awareness.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a sustainability certificate?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The<strong> sustainability certificates<\/strong> are external assessments that evaluate the environmental performance of buildings. They consider various factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and materials selection.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are they important in the real estate sector?<\/h3>\n\n<p>By adhering to recognised standards such as LEED or BREEAM, owners demonstrate their commitment to reducing environmental impact and improving social responsibility. This commitment often translates into tangible benefits:<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Incentives and financing options become more accessible,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tenant satisfaction soars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>And let's not overlook the potential for increased market value. Categorising building portfolios according to their green credentials offers numerous advantages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Effectively showcasing sustainability features facilitates the positioning of properties in the sales and rental markets, the attraction of environmentally conscious tenants or buyers, and even the investment of stakeholders interested in sustainable projects.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of certificates and their scope<\/h3>\n\n<p>The world of certification is currently complex due to the lack of a single, agreed industry standard.<\/p>\n\n<p>There is no single certification standard and certification options are highly fragmented, with each organisation offering its own approach to reporting, making it extremely difficult to decide which reporting certification to obtain.<\/p>\n\n<p>In the real estate sector, the most sought-after certifications for office buildings and logistic spaces are usually <strong>LEED and BREEAM,<\/strong> known internationally for its demanding approach to sustainability.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most used certifications in real estate<\/h3>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/companies\/sustainability\/environmental-certifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustainability certifications<\/a>, such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL guarantee the environmental, social and economic quality of a building. They not only assess energy efficiency and environmental impact, but also the well-being of residents and the quality of interior spaces.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of having a sustainability certification for a property<\/h2>\n\n<p>Sustainable housing is responsible for both health and the environment, has excellent technical quality and long-lasting functionality.<\/p>\n\n<p>While most people are aware of the economic and ecological value of living and working in energy-efficient buildings, they are unaware of the scope and benefits of energy-efficient buildings.<strong> advantages of buildings with sustainability certification.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Revaluation of the property<\/h3>\n\n<p>A certified property is a guarantee of quality, efficiency and future. And the market values this. Whether you want to sell, rent or simply improve your property, a certified property is better positioned and worth more.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/blog\/order-ecm-599-2025-normative-real-estate-valuation-regulations\/\"><strong>The new Order ECM\/599\/2025<\/strong><\/a>, which modernises valuation regulations in Spain, incorporates environmental factors and energy certification. Although the new regulation does not directly revalue properties, it does establish new criteria for their valuation, such as the principle of sustainability.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Energy saving and resource efficiency<\/h3>\n\n<p>If an asset is sustainable, it shows in the bills. <strong>An efficient building consumes less energy, uses water better and needs less maintenance.<\/strong> The result? Lower costs and greater comfort for those who live in or manage it.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improving corporate image and reputation<\/h3>\n\n<p>Increasingly, tenants, buyers and workers are interested in healthier and more efficient spaces in which to live and work. Properties that offer sustainability guarantees through certification are in a better position than other buildings and have more options to stand out, especially in major cities.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regulatory compliance and tax benefits<\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>To certify today is to anticipate<\/strong>. It means complying with current regulation, being prepared for future regulation and, in many cases, accessing subsidies or tax incentives. It is a smart investment from all angles.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to obtain a sustainability certificate?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Obtain a <strong>sustainability certificate<\/strong> requires the support of a specialised consultancy to assess the condition of the property and define the necessary improvements according to its characteristics. A professional technical review allows the identification of adjustments to meet the required standards.<\/p>\n\n<p>The most common interventions include the use of sustainable materials, energy optimisation, improvement of indoor comfort or the promotion of sustainable mobility, which are key steps in order to access certifications such as <strong>BREEAM, LEED, GREEN, Passivhaus or WELL among others.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements and certification process<\/h3>\n\n<p>The process starts with the choice of the certification system that best suits the type of property and the owner's objectives. The best known, such as <strong>LEED, BREEAM or GREEN,<\/strong> They analyse criteria such as energy consumption, water use, indoor air quality, choice of materials and accessibility.<\/p>\n\n<p>Each establishes a set of requirements and levels of compliance that must be precisely documented.<\/p>\n\n<p>This ranges from technical audits to energy simulations or impact reports. In many cases, a prior improvement phase is also required to reach the required standards.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The role of specialised consultancies<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>A real estate sustainability consultancy<\/strong> is key to organising this process and making it viable. Their role is not limited to technical advice: they help identify opportunities for improvement, prioritise investments and prepare all the necessary documentation to achieve certification.<\/p>\n\n<p>In addition, they provide a comparative perspective with examples of sustainability certification obtained in similar projects, which allows to anticipate common obstacles. At the end, <strong>Having a specialised consultancy makes the difference between doing the right thing or turning sustainability into a real added value for the property.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Gesvalt has a consultancy division<\/strong> aimed at meeting the needs of companies and administrations that need to accredit their activity as sustainable. It offers services related to energy audits, green financing or certifications, sale of real estate company assets, environmental studies or new regulatory requirements.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n<p>Assets with sustainability certification are more resilient. In periods of recession, they hold up better than standard buildings and maintain their value.<\/p>\n\n<p>Opting for a certification such as LEED, BREEAM or WELL facilitates access to green finance and makes the asset more attractive to investors and individuals.<\/p>\n\n<p>Whether it is because of their cost-effectiveness or higher social reputation, certified real estate has become the predominant choice in the market.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions and answers on sustainable real estate<\/h2>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it important to apply sustainability in real estate in today's sector?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Because it makes it possible to build and manage more efficient, environmentally responsible and attractive properties for investors and buyers, in line with new regulations and market demands.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the benefits of having a sustainability-certified property?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p>A property with sustainability certification can increase its value, reduce its energy consumption, improve its corporate image and facilitate access to tax benefits or preferential financing.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the most common types of sustainability certificates used in the real estate market?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The most common in the real estate sector are BREEAM, LEED, GREEN, Passivhaus and WELL, each with different approaches, from energy efficiency to occupant health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can examples of sustainability certificates for buildings be found?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Many real estate developers and sustainability consultancies publish case studies of buildings with certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, showing how sustainable measures were implemented.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What role does a real estate sustainability consultancy play in the certification process?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p>A specialised consultancy accompanies the developer or owner throughout the entire process: from the initial assessment of the property to the implementation of improvements and obtaining the certificate.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Why is it important to apply sustainability in real estate in today's sector?<\/h3>\n<p>Because it makes it possible to build and manage more efficient, environmentally responsible and attractive properties for investors and buyers, in line with new regulations and market demands.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are the benefits of having a sustainability-certified property?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A property with sustainability certification can increase its value, reduce its energy consumption, improve its corporate image and facilitate access to tax benefits or preferential financing.<\/p>\n<h3>What are the most common types of sustainability certificates used in the real estate market?<\/h3>\n<p>The most common in the real estate sector are BREEAM, LEED, GREEN, Passivhaus and WELL, each with different approaches, from energy efficiency to occupant health and well-being.<\/p>\n<h3>Where can examples of sustainability certificates for buildings be found?<\/h3>\n<p>Many real estate developers and sustainability consultancies publish case studies of buildings with certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, showing how sustainable measures were implemented.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What role does a real estate sustainability consultancy play in the certification process?<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A specialised consultancy accompanies the developer or owner throughout the entire process: from the initial assessment of the property to the implementation of improvements and obtaining the certificate.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out what sustainability in real estate is and how a sustainability certificate improves the value, efficiency and impact of the property.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":192030,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-192029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sostenibilidad"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=192029"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192029\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":194188,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192029\/revisions\/194188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/192030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=192029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=192029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gesvalt.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=192029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}