What makes the sustainable certifications LEED, BREEAM, and Passivhaus crucial for real estate sustainability? Find out how we have implemented them in projects like Kora Lluna and Kora Green City
Environmental awareness is increasingly permeating the real estate and construction sectors, marking a significant shift in the way projects and investments are approached.
This renewed focus is driven by the urgent need to preserve the environment and promote responsible practices within the industry. Sustainability certifications and standards play a crucial role in promoting and validating sustainable properties.
Below, we share the main internationally recognized certifications that determine whether a real estate asset is sustainable:
1. LEED ® Certification
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an international certification system that evaluates and recognizes sustainable buildings based on their design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Promoted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it focuses on aspects such as energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, water management, sustainable materials, and indoor environmental quality. This standard promotes projects that minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic and social benefits, serving as a global reference for sustainable construction.
2. BREEAM ® Certification
BREEAM® (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), originating from the UK, is one of Europe’s most prestigious certifications. It measures the sustainability of buildings based on criteria such as efficient resource use, waste management, occupant comfort, and biodiversity.
Kora Lluna, our ‘Flex’ project located in the Cabanyal neighborhood (Valencia), has earned this recognition under the “Very Good” rating due to its innovative and environmentally respectful approach, positioning it as an urban sustainability model.
The BREEAM® “Very Good” certification process started in the early stages of the project as a complement to the set goals. «From the beginning, the project incorporated strategies to reduce environmental impact through the use of certified materials and passive design techniques,» says Lourdes Soriano, Levante’s Technical Director.
Highlights include monitoring water and electricity consumption, a water leak control system, 15 electric vehicle charging points—above the required regulation—and 200 bicycle spaces, all aimed at optimizing resource use. Additionally, Mediterranean native vegetation, requiring little to no irrigation, has been used in the courtyard and apartment terraces.
3. Certificado Passivhaus
The Passivhaus certification, originating from Germany, focuses on energy efficiency in buildings. This standard ensures ultra-low energy consumption through optimal insulation, airtightness, heat recovery, and advanced ventilation systems. Passivhaus buildings not only drastically reduce energy consumption but also offer high thermal comfort, significantly contributing to sustainability and the well-being of users.
Kora Green City, a ‘Flex’ complex located in Vitoria, is certified under the Passivhaus (PH) standard and combines passive and active strategies that have reduced the building’s energy consumption by 76%. The design and construction of Kora Green City incorporate the following key elements:
Passive Strategies
- Thermal Envelope: Uses significant insulation thickness.
- Elimination of Thermal Bridges: Through constructive solutions that prevent energy losses, a common issue in traditionally built buildings.
- Exterior Joinery: Its thermal transmittance values ensure superior insulation.
- Airtightness of the Envelope: Prevents unwanted air infiltration, improving both energy efficiency and interior comfort.
- Heat Recovery in Ventilation: This system uses the heat from extracted air to reduce consumption without compromising interior air quality.
Active Strategies / Use of 100% Clean Renewable Energy
- Photovoltaic Systems (PV): Clean energy generation via 58 solar panels occupying 140 m² of our Greenfinity Rooftop, producing 27,000 kWh of solar energy annually.
- Geothermal Production: Used for hot water and climate control, eliminating reliance on conventional sources. We have 18 boreholes 150 meters deep, producing geothermal energy.
- High-Performance Air Recovery Systems (aerothermal): The building heats water by exchanging heat between indoor and outdoor air, using a high-efficiency heat pump. This eliminates the need for boilers.
- Smart Management (BMS): A control system that monitors and optimizes the building’s operation in real-time.
The combination of these sustainable actions positions Kora Green City as one of the most efficient accommodations globally and stands out as the largest Passivhaus building in Europe.
Thus, applying these three standards ensures compliance with strict sustainability criteria in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality.
«Obtaining these certifications not only enhances the credibility and resale value of a property but also demonstrates the owner’s commitment to sustainability and can attract investors and tenants who prioritize responsible business practices, » says Agustín Orcasitas, Chief Commercial Officer at Kategora Real Estate.
The 4 Pillars of Kategora’s Sustainable Real Estate Assets
Our real estate assets stand out from conventional projects by offering solutions that respond to current challenges, betting on a more sustainable future. Each project is designed under four fundamental pillars that ensure efficiency, a positive impact, and a responsible development model:
- Passive Design: We incorporate solutions for insulation, orientation, and solar control, making buildings efficient on their own.
- Active Measures Based on Natural Resources: We use technologies like photovoltaics, geothermal energy, aerothermal, and other renewable energies to eliminate fossil energy consumption.
- Incorporation of Technology for Asset Management: We implement control solutions and software that allow us to monitor, anticipate, and regulate comfort, usage, and space efficiency. This ensures an optimal experience for guests and more sustainable management.
- Use of Environmentally Friendly and Local Materials: We select sustainable and locally sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint and promote a positive impact on both the environment and communities.
Thanks to all these principles, Kategora’s projects have become a benchmark in the sector, proving that it is possible to combine profitability, sustainability, and a positive impact on society and the environment.
Would you like to build a more sustainable future with us? Contact us and discover how you can grow your investment responsibly and sustainably.
