Brașov has become one of Romania’s most dynamic regional hubs, with rapid growth creating both opportunities and pressure on infrastructure and public services. EREN Cons SRL, a Brașov-based contractor with 20 years of experience and more than 400 projects nationwide, is playing a central role in this transformation. With a turnover of €42.25 million in 2024 and major contracts under execution across infrastructure, healthcare, and residential projects, the company is using its hometown as the showcase for its long-term vision. In a Q&A with CIJ EUROPE, Horia Sontelecan outlined EREN’s involvement in Brașov, the challenges of building in a fast-expanding city, and how the company is adapting to wider economic conditions. Q: What is EREN’s current involvement in Brașov, and how do you see these projects contributing to the city’s real estate growth? At EREN, we are currently advancing several major projects in Brașov that touch directly on public services and private development. The Park & Ride Bartolomeu, a four-level facility valued at 85.6 million lei, will deliver over 700 parking spaces and 13 electric charging stations, supported by an automated access and smart traffic system. We are also building the new RAT Brașov garage and repair complex, worth 132 million lei, which will house and service 157 buses and incorporate photovoltaic panels and charging infrastructure for the city’s electric fleet. In parallel, we are constructing the new regional headquarters for the Romanian Fiscal Authority and modernizing hospitals in Sfântu Gheorghe and Zărnești, while developing a new healthcare and hospital centre in Bușteni. On the private side, we continue to deliver residential and mixed-use schemes such as Onix Residence Nord, one of the largest residential projects in our portfolio. Together, these initiatives add new capacity to mobility, healthcare, and housing while directly supporting the city’s appeal for residents and investors. Q: What are the main challenges you have encountered in executing projects in Brașov, and how have you addressed them? The most significant challenges remain zoning and permitting, which can take up to 24 months in urban centres, along with the logistics of building in high-growth districts and the shortage of skilled labour. Shifting demand patterns can also alter project timelines. To manage these issues, we work closely with local authorities, apply structured project management, and use digital tools such as Building Information Modelling to track progress in real time. This allows us to adjust schedules and designs efficiently. For example, BIM has enabled us to detect and resolve design clashes before construction, reducing potential delays and costs. By building flexibility into procurement and applying value engineering, we maintain project efficiency without compromising quality. Q: How do EREN’s construction projects in Brașov differentiate themselves from others in the region? Our focus is on measurable sustainability and long-term operational value. For instance, the RAT Brașov garage includes photovoltaic panels designed to generate renewable power for the complex, while the Park & Ride Bartolomeu will feature a partially green roof terrace designed as a landscaped public space. Across our portfolio, we integrate smart building controls and heat recovery ventilation systems, and we align our designs with Romania’s NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards. We also maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications, which ensure compliance with international quality, environmental, and safety benchmarks. Our goal is not only timely delivery but ensuring buildings remain cost-efficient and environmentally responsible throughout their lifecycle. Q: How is EREN adapting its Brașov strategy to changing interest rates, higher construction costs, and wider economic conditions? Our approach is based on diversification and resilience. By balancing infrastructure, healthcare, industrial, and residential projects, we spread exposure to economic shifts. We also include indexation clauses in contracts to offset cost increases, and we re-baseline schedules against clear milestones to maintain delivery. In practice, this means recalibrating procurement when materials such as steel and concrete face sharp price swings. Strong partnerships with both public and private stakeholders are vital to sustaining progress, and we continue to invest in digitalization and staff training. With 130 employees and more than 300 subcontractor partners, we rely on continuous skills development to adapt to market pressures while keeping projects on track. Q: Looking ahead, what role does Brașov play in EREN’s overall strategy? Brașov is central to our long-term vision. It is where our headquarters are located and where many of our most visible projects are being delivered. From large-scale mobility infrastructure to hospital modernization and landmark residential schemes, Brașov allows us to integrate public and private projects into a coherent urban growth strategy. These efforts reflect our commitment to building sustainable, durable, and efficient solutions that can set a benchmark not only for the city but for the wider region. © 2025 www.cijeurope.com