Property Developers for More Sustainable Construction

The Real Estate Developers Round Table (IFK), an association of the largest Hungarian real estate developers, has called attention to the over-design of Hungarian "A" and "B" class office buildings, their oversized energy capacities and the resulting higher operating costs and carbon emissions.

Together with the ABUD Engineering Office, the interest grouping has formulated professional recommendations for the sector and lawmakers on the choice of more environmentally friendly solutions, the reduction of installed energy capacities and the promotion and support of such solutions.

Ernő Takács, President of IFK, presented the results of a survey based on the analysis of data from 18 office buildings in Budapest with 95-100% occupancy rates, classified as "A" or "B". As an example, he mentioned that the actual power demand in the offices surveyed is only 51% of the available electricity, cooling and heating capacity, while the ratio for air conditioning systems is 71%. This level of overcapacity significantly undermines the competitiveness of offices and therefore of the market as a whole, he said.

The IFK aims to encourage and promote the development of offices and commercial buildings with real energy needs and higher energy efficiency, thus increasing the competitiveness of the sector and the domestic market, he stressed.

András Reith, managing director of ABUD Engineering, said that their proposal prioritises developments that make use of existing buildings over green or brownfield new investments. Among other things, they recommend air-tightness testing of buildings, energy-efficient façade designs, including a rational glazing/wall ratio, the installation of external shading and a preference for double glazing. Triple glazing is recommended where it can be justified by energy calculations. Developments using nature-based solutions would be encouraged, and preference would be given to district heating with a high renewable content and efficient building management, he said.

Legislators are advised to create a legislative environment to support the renovation or retrofitting of existing buildings, to promote energy positive development, for example through tax reductions, and to create the right legal framework for the development of energy communities, which should be extended to thermal energy, he added.