Genesis Property drives sustainability in Romanian real estate: Interview with Ioan Bejan - P1

In a recent CIJ EUROPE Q&A, Ioan Bejan, Sustainability Director at Genesis Property in Bucharest, Romania, discussed the company’s focus on sustainability. The interview is presented in two parts. Part 1.

CIJ: How do you integrate sustainability into your real estate development strategy?

Our journey toward sustainability began soon after the launch of the well-known "European Green Deal". The first major milestone in this journey came in the spring of 2021, when our Board approved the Group’s sustainability strategy, which included two key decisions: embedding the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of our operational and investment strategy and strengthening the Group’s governance structure by establishing a "Sustainability Task Force", tasked with coordinating the implementation of the ESG strategy.

The second crucial step was our decision to join the UN Global Compact. This decision allowed us to set clear sustainability goals and a vision, which guided us in developing an integrated management system based on globally accepted values. In parallel, we initiated the implementation of our new strategy by launching an extensive transformation process across the locations our group owns and operates.

Today, YUNITY Park is tangible proof of how we are implementing our new strategy. The project integrates measures, technologies, and digital solutions to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and manage resources, including water, more efficiently. The regeneration of the entire site—by creating a green oasis in the heart of the business park—further demonstrates our strong commitment to protecting nature and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, YUNITY Park offers unique facilities and benefits designed to enhance people’s experience in and around the office. These include a 1,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre, 2 kilometres of pedestrian walkways, a tiered promenade, cascading water mirrors, and creative gathering spaces, to name a few. These features are already having a significant impact on people’s well-being while helping companies stay competitive in the labour market.

Another important pillar of our sustainability strategy is the promotion of innovation and collaboration within our communities. We encourage an innovative and inspiring way of thinking and acting by fostering open and transparent communication—not only among community members but also with all our stakeholders. This includes feedback mechanisms and continuous improvement in our activities.

CIJ: How do you prioritize environmental impact, cost, and feasibility in sustainable real estate development?
First and foremost, we began by evaluating the environmental impact through comprehensive energy audits of our assets. At the same time, we focused on sustainability measures that offer immediate wins with minimal costs, are easy to implement, and deliver significant environmental benefits in the short term, such as optimized insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and smart sensors.
Next, we implemented systems to capture, measure, calculate, and manage key performance indicators to monitor the effectiveness of sustainability measures over time, such as energy usage, carbon emissions, and water consumption.

Additionally, we developed a phased investment strategy for implementing more expensive or technically challenging sustainability features—such as higher green building certifications or the installation of renewable energy systems—after conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses. This phased approach allowed us to gradually integrate high-impact sustainability features without overwhelming our budget or technical capabilities.
By following this approach, we’ve been able to make informed decisions that align with our sustainability goals, while ensuring financial and practical viability.

CIJ: What strategies do you implement to reduce energy and water consumption in your developments?

An energy audit conducted before the start of the YUNITY Park project identified additional measures and technological solutions to enhance the energy efficiency of all assets, such as the installation of LED lighting both inside and outside the buildings, as well as the modernization of heating and cooling systems. To further improve resource efficiency and reduce waste, we implemented presence and motion sensors, along with rainwater collection systems, which help optimize water usage across the site.

All buildings have Class A energy efficiency certificates and are currently undergoing re-evaluation to obtain BREEAM Outstanding certification. Starting June 2024, we made another significant step in transitioning to 100% renewable energy for all buildings in our portfolio, including the office buildings in West Gate Business District, YUNITY Park, and the West Gate Studios residential buildings. This transition was made possible after signing a contract with a new energy supplier, who has committed to delivering only certified green energy. Finally, we have developed our own solar electricity production system. A total of 1,080 photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roofs of all YUNITY Park buildings, generating approximately 680 MWh of energy annually.

CIJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into ongoing building operations and maintenance after the project is completed?

We strive to achieve the highest standards of health and safety through a combination of positive, proactive management, training, and the continuous identification of improvement opportunities via our policies and procedures.

Our commitment to superior service quality, continuous environmental performance improvement, and robust workplace health and safety systems has been recognized through several certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. We periodically conduct risk assessments and audits in partnership with third-party experts. The results of these audits are shared with our stakeholders, and we ensure that any identified actions are promptly addressed. Furthermore, in 2023, our FM subsidiary became the first Romanian company in this field to achieve registration within the prestigious Environmental Management System (EMAS). The process of obtaining the EMAS Registration Certificate involves initial environmental assessments, reporting on key indicators, and the publication of the company’s Environmental Statement annually. In addition, we promote sustainable practices within our buildings through transparent work practices and constant communication with our tenants. This ensures that our spaces remain both energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.

CIJ: How do you educate property managers and tenants on sustainability practices once a project is operational?

We educate property managers and tenants on sustainability practices through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and ongoing communication. These programs focus primarily on efficient energy use, waste reduction, and resource management, among other key sustainability areas. Our educational programs are designed not only to develop the skills needed for the future of our industry but also to address the needs of our customers. In addition, we foster a culture of sustainability by regularly sharing best practices, updates on green initiatives, and encouraging active participation in eco-friendly programs at the locations we own and manage. We also involve employees, customers, and partners in our volunteering and internship programs, which include mentoring and career awareness activities. These initiatives provide young, talented individuals with role models and the skills necessary for a successful career.

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