Insights into sustainability in the property sector at the SPRYG ESG event
On 20 November 2024, Encon took part in the ESG & Real Estate BE 2024 event, organised by the SPRYG Real Estate Academy. The event brought together professionals from the property sector to discuss sustainability and the changes brought about by legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). But what does this actually mean, and why is it important? In this article, we explain it in simple terms.
What is the CSRD and why is it important?
The CSRD is a European law that requires companies to report on their sustainability efforts. This isn’t just about how environmentally friendly they are, but also about how well they treat people and how transparently they operate.
Why is this important? It helps companies not only to be more honest, but also to make better choices. For example, some investors are already choosing to invest only in property that meets strict sustainability criteria. This encourages companies to become more sustainable.
How does circular construction help the planet?
Circular construction means that materials and raw materials are reused as much as possible. Think of a house built with wood that can later be reused for furniture. The aim is to produce less waste and emit less CO₂.
To measure how environmentally friendly a building is, companies use tools such as a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This calculates the impact of a building from start to finish, from construction to demolition.
Why is the social aspect of sustainability important?
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s also about people. Healthy and comfortable buildings are becoming increasingly important. For example:
- Social housing that uses less energy, saving residents money.
- Office buildings with fresh air and plenty of natural light, which improve employees’ well-being.
This approach not only ensures satisfied users, but also increases the value of buildings.
How does technology help with sustainability?
Technology plays a major role in making buildings more sustainable. Consider, for example:
- Smart sensors that measure energy consumption and help to save costs.
- Computer-aided building models (BIM), which allow you to plan in advance how a building can be constructed as environmentally friendly as possible.
These innovations ensure that companies can operate not only more sustainably, but also more efficiently.
Why is good collaboration so important?
Sustainable business is also about trust. Companies that demonstrate they are genuinely doing their best in terms of the environment, people and transparency win the trust of their customers and investors. Good collaboration and clear reporting on results are essential in this regard.
An opportunity for everyone
During the event, Encon emphasised that sustainability is not just an obligation, but also an opportunity. By working smarter and greener, companies can not only contribute to a better world, but also reap financial benefits. For Encon, it was an honour to share these insights and inspire companies to achieve their sustainability goals.
Steve Van Den Brandt
Business Unit Manager Sustainable Real Estate
