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Lucian Azoiței, founder of 40ty Management, explains why sustainability is not a trend, but the only real estate strategy that makes sense in the long term. With 25 years of experience in the real estate market, 19 sustainability awards, and projects worth over €652 million, 40ty Management is one of the few developers in Romania that invested in green building before it became a trend. We spoke with Lucian Azoiței about money, buildings, climate, and why Romanians are, surprisingly, among the most prepared buyers of green homes in Europe. Ecomagazin:   You entered the real estate development sector in 2006 and decided from the very beginning to focus exclusively on green projects. What did the landscape look like at that time, and what convinced you it was the right path? Lucian Azoiței: We have been active in the real estate market for over 25 years and have remained closely connected to the realities of this market in Romania—an extremely atypical market, where over 96% of the population owns their home. When we decided to move into development, we conducted an extensive market study. What we found was surprising: among the top three criteria for choosing a home, green and sustainable development had already emerged. This came as a significant surprise, especially given that the level of services at the time was fairly limited. We asked ourselves why. The answer, which we came to understand gradually, was that in the mind of the Romanian buyer, green construction was associated with a guarantee of quality. And this perception has remained valid to this day. That is why we decided, from that moment on, to develop exclusively green projects. Over time, standards have increased—both on our side and on the clients’ side. 19 sustainability awards, €652 million invested. How do you respond to those who say that going green means higher costs and lower profitability? L.A.:  Our experience has shown that green, sustainable development does not affect profitability. A real estate project is an extremely complex product, combining technical, aesthetic, and perceptual elements—and sometimes even short-term trends. An experienced developer must know how to balance all of these, while delivering a product that remains attractive for many years and viable even over a hundred years—the typical lifespan of a building. Sustainability is not an optional feature that increases costs. It is the foundation of a good product with a future. Are there green loans available in Romania for developers—financial instruments that reward this choice? L.A.:  Unfortunately, no—and this is a sensitive issue. While there are green loans available for end clients—homebuyers—who benefit from certain advantages, developers are not treated differently based on the sustainability of their projects. This is regrettable, especially since green financing lines exist in Europe and significantly reduce long-term costs. Moreover, a green real estate product has a much higher chance of remaining relevant over time—which translates into clients, sales, and liquidity. This should reduce risk for financial institutions, not be overlooked. We hope this reality will change. You have also developed projects in Spain, Hungary, and Italy. How does Romania compare to these markets in terms of appetite for green buildings? L.A.:  I can say, based on direct experience, that Romania is more advanced in this regard than many other countries. And this is not just empty patriotic rhetoric—it is a market reality. As a relatively young market, Romania has adopted the latest technologies and standards, clients are well-informed, cost pressure is high, and legislation requires a very high level of construction quality. Building green has essentially become the standard in Romania. It’s a significant leap compared to 20 years ago. By contrast, in Spain, Hungary, or Italy—where we are currently developing—the impact of sustainability is not as strong in the purchasing decision. As a result, financial institutions in those countries make a clearer distinction when it comes to financing—because the supply of truly green buildings is lower, and therefore more valuable. You have three new projects worth €360 million—in Seville, Budapest, and Milan. What is “Lagoon City”? L.A.:  Lagoon City is our flagship concept, representing 20 years of evolution in green real estate development. We have reached the highest possible standard: carbon-neutral and self-sustainable—meaning a building that not only does not pollute, but also sustains itself. We are implementing this concept in Seville, Budapest, and Milan because these are markets where the supply of such projects is more limited, and our vision brings something new. The standards we have integrated into the design also give us a higher chance of success in international certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. One final, more personal question: after 25 years in real estate, which building or place in Romania have you felt most proud to have developed? L.A.:  Every project carries something of us. But what brings me the greatest satisfaction is seeing people live well in what we have built—that a child is playing in the green courtyard of a building we developed, that someone opens their window in the morning and breathes clean air because we designed the ventilation properly. That is what durability truly means. Not the award, not the return—but a person feeling happy in their own home. 40ty Management is a real estate developer with a 100% Green Homes certified portfolio, with projects in Romania, Spain, Hungary, and Italy.

With a tradition of over 20 years in the market, the National Real Estate Fair is transitioning to a modern format aligned with today’s digital reality: TNI EVOLUTION  – global, interactive, and fully measurable. This new virtual concept removes geographical barriers and creates an efficient environment for direct interaction between professionals and clients, regardless of their location. The first edition of TNI EVOLUTION will take place on May 8–10, 2026 , marking the beginning of a new stage in the evolution of real estate events in Romania. A new standard for real estate fairs TNI EVOLUTION , the virtual real estate fair taking place on May 8–10, 2026 , offers visitors a comprehensive and efficient experience for exploring the real estate market, bringing together thousands of listings from across the country and abroad on a single digital platform, without the need to travel. Participants have direct, real-time access to developers, agencies, and brokers through video calls or scheduled one-on-one meetings, facilitating fast and relevant discussions with decision-makers. The event also features exclusive offers, significant discounts, and preferential purchasing conditions, all easy to compare and analyze thanks to advanced digital tools. Visitors also benefit from access to webinars, presentations, and useful information that help them make informed decisions in a dynamic market. The virtual format eliminates geographical barriers, allowing participation from anywhere, including the diaspora, and contributes to time savings by enabling users to quickly analyze multiple options and schedule relevant interactions. The transition of TNI to a virtual format revolutionizes the exhibition experience by removing geographical and logistical barriers, offering exhibitors global visibility and significantly higher operational efficiency compared to the traditional model. This advanced digital platform not only significantly reduces costs related to the setup, design, and preparation of physical stands, as well as staff travel, but also transforms visitor interaction into a data-driven process, allowing real-time monitoring of interest in properties through 360° tours, brochure downloads, and the automatic collection of qualified leads. As a result, virtual participation becomes a sales accelerator and a strategic marketing tool that extends the visibility of offers beyond the limits of a three-day physical event, positioning real estate brands within a modern, sustainable ecosystem accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Technology is changing the rules of the game TNI EVOLUTION takes the real estate event experience to a new level by integrating the most advanced digital tools into a single, intuitive platform. From immersive 3D presentations and remote viewings to instant communication and intelligent data analysis, everything is designed for speed, efficiency, and informed decision-making in real time. This digital transformation completely redefines how market interactions take place, delivering a more efficient and dynamic event. “ The National Real Estate Fair (TNI) has always been a barometer of the market. Today, that barometer clearly points to full digitalization. After 20 years of physical interaction, TNI EVOLUTION represents the next stage in the maturity of our brand, offering a platform where innovation meets real estate opportunity, without limits of space or distance. The transition to TNI EVOLUTION marks the transformation of the traditional real estate fair into a virtual, global, digital, and fully measurable format, aligned with the technological reality we all live in today. In essence, we are continuing the TNI tradition within a new, borderless ecosystem, where technology enhances access, speed, and the relevance of every interaction ,” said Cristina Bercea, PR Manager of the National Real Estate Fair (TNI). TNI EVOLUTION redefines market standards, transforming technology from a simple support tool into a key driver of modern real estate transactions. More details about participation and registration are available at: www.targulnationalimobiliar.ro

Transform your expertise into a competitive advantage in the rapidly expanding green construction market! In today's context, characterised by climate change and increasingly stringent requirements for energy efficiency and sustainability, the Green Building Professional (GBPro) certification offered by the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC) is the key to professional success in sustainable construction. What is the GBPro Program? GBPro is not just another training program—it is an internationally recognized professional certification combining theory and practice to help you integrate sustainability principles into every stage of construction. The program includes strategically structured mandatory and optional courses covering essential topics: Intelligent site selection Efficient management of natural resources and sustainable materials Innovative technologies and solutions for green buildings International certifications (LEED, BREEAM, Green Homes) Effective management of sustainable projects Why choose GBPro certification now? The construction market is rapidly shifting towards sustainability. GBPro certification places you at the forefront of this change, offering you: Globally recognized professional expertise Practical skills for implementing solutions that reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency The ability to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and professional growth Who can benefit from the GBPro Program? The program is open to anyone interested in green construction, regardless of professional background or previous experience: Architects and engineers who want to integrate sustainable solutions into their projects Real estate developers and entrepreneurs interested in investing in profitable green projects Managers and consultants aiming to incorporate sustainability into organizational strategies Authorities and policymakers involved in sustainable urban development Graduates and career changers entering a rapidly growing industry Property owners interested in implementing sustainable solutions in their own projects Anyone passionate about actively contributing to a greener and more sustainable future Benefits of GBPro Certification: Professional differentiation and competitive career advantage Access to an extensive and exclusive network of sustainability specialists Opportunities to collaborate on national and international projects Practical competencies immediately applicable in real-world projects Leadership skills in the field of sustainability Build your green future with GBPro! GBPro certification represents not only professional growth but also a concrete commitment to a sustainable future. Join the community of professionals transforming construction practices in Romania and globally, actively contributing to protecting our planet's resources. Enroll now in the Green Building Professional program and become one of the leaders shaping the sustainable future of the construction industry! More information and registration available at www.rogbc.org under the Education section or directly via email at training@rogbc.org. Romania needs leaders in green construction. Become one of them! !

Associate yourself with RoGBC, the premier organization in Romania that promotes green building through private sector methods with government initiatives and strategies. RoGBC MEMBERS Pioneers of sustainable development in Romania. Professionals, experts, companies and organizations with whom we share common goals. Platinum Members Gold Members Silver Members General Members Membri Fondatori Transilvania Membri Fondatori Moldova Media Partners Parteneri Strategici Founding Members

The Romania Green Building Council has developed a low-cost but comprehensive Green Homes certification system to assess and recognize the top-performing residential projects utilizing sustainable construction principles. CERTIFICATIONS ESG CERTIFICATION GREEN HOMES SOLUTION PROVIDERS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES GREEN HOMES GREEN MORTGAGE GREEN SCHOOLS

SMARTER Finance for Families is a Horizon 2020 project to implement ambitious yet practical Green Homes & Green Mortgage programs in Romania and other 11 European countries. REN + HOMES Project The main goal of the REN+HOMES project is to create a universal methodology for designing positive energy homes and residential neighborhoods. This approach aims to support the transition to climate-neutral and energy-positive residential buildings. Buildings in the EU significantly contribute to energy consumption and CO2 emissions, primarily relying on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. The EU Green Deal underscores Europe's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, making it the first continent to set such a goal. The REN+HOMES project aims to enhance and select affordable key technologies (KT) while developing reusable technology packages (TP) for Positive Energy Buildings (PEBs). These advancements will foster the widespread adoption of PEBs and support the EU's sustainability objectives. REN+HOMES proposes technical solutions and innovative methodologies across four demonstration buildings situated in Austria and Spain (newly constructed residential buildings), as well as in Estonia and Romania (renovated student dormitories). These demonstrations will showcase the potential of PEBs to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in both new constructions and renovation projects. Project Coordinator: Margherita Fabbri Partners You can find more details about the program by accessing the dedicated website. DETAILS