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The first factsheet published under the European REN+HOMES project highlights why resident engagement is just as important as technological innovation in achieving high-performing buildings. When discussing sustainable buildings, the conversation often focuses on heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, smart systems or advanced construction materials. All of these are essential. Yet there is one element without which even the most advanced building cannot reach its full potential: the people who use it every day. With this in mind, the European REN+HOMES project has published its first factsheet, Resident-centred methodology for developing positive energy residential buildings. The publication presents a practical methodology that places residents at the heart of building performance, recognising them as active partners in achieving energy efficiency. From users to active partners High-performance technologies alone do not automatically deliver energy savings or improved comfort. The way residents understand and interact with building systems has a direct impact on how efficiently those systems perform. The methodology developed within REN+HOMES adopts a resident-centred approach built on dialogue, collaboration and real-life testing. Rather than being passive recipients of technological solutions, residents are actively involved in a learning process that helps shape behaviours supporting the optimal operation of the building. How does the methodology work? The factsheet outlines a structured process that includes: assessing residents' knowledge, awareness and everyday practices; organising participatory workshops to identify solutions tailored to each community; testing new energy-related behaviours in real-life settings; evaluating outcomes and exchanging lessons learned across the four demonstration sites in Austria, Spain, Estonia and Romania. Rather than promoting behavioural change through prescriptive rules, the methodology focuses on building trust between residents and the technologies designed to improve building performance. A model that can be replicated Early findings demonstrate that actively engaging residents leads to a better understanding of building systems, greater confidence in using them and improved alignment between the building's designed and actual energy performance. At the same time, the methodology provides developers, building managers and public authorities with a practical framework that can be replicated in both new developments and renovation projects. About REN+HOMES Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, REN+HOMES develops innovative solutions and methodologies that support the transition towards low-energy, low-carbon residential buildings. These solutions are being validated across four demonstration buildings in Austria, Spain, Estonia and Romania, with the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC) contributing as a member of the international project consortium. The project's first factsheet, Resident-centred methodology for developing positive energy residential buildings, is now available for free consultation and download.

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

Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC) facilitates the implementation of high-performing green construction, and the availability of the most up-to-date and highest quality training to create the necessary pool of national green building experts, develops and implements a national green building standard and certification system. Green Homes Benefits Save, protect the environment and live healthier. Discover how Green Homes Certification makes a difference, on the official Green Homes page. DETAILS Our mission Environmental responsibility More > Education Training platform with specialists More > Certification Green Homes / Green Mortgage Program More > GREEN HOMES GREEN MORTGAGE certification program created by us for the Romanian residential sector DETAILS "We are optimistic about the future and RoGBC has a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the built sector in Romania" Andrei Botiș, President of RoGBC COURSES AND EVENTS Tue, Jul 21 Green Café / Spaces Unirii Register here! Jul 21, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Spaces Unirii, Building Unirii View, Bulevardul Corneliu Coposu, 030167 București, România Alătură-te comunității RoGBC pentru o după-amiază de networking, inspirație și schimb de idei alături de profesioniști din domeniul construcțiilor sustenabile, finanțării verzi și dezvoltării imobiliare. Share Multiple Dates Tue, Sep 08 Sustainable Materials and Resources 2025 / Webinar Register here! Sep 08, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM GMT+3 Webinar This course will be held in English. It is a mandatory course for those who want to obtain the "Green Building Professional" certificate. Share Fri, Sep 25 Sustainable Principles of Architectural Design 2025 / Webinar Register here! Sep 25, 2026, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM GMT+3 Webinar This course is a mandatory course for those who wish to obtain the "Green Building Professional" certificate. Share Thu, Oct 01 Financial Considerations of Green Buildings 2024 / Webinar Register here! Oct 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM GMT+3 Webinar This course is mandatory for those who want to obtain the "Green Building Professional" accreditation. Share Wed, Oct 07 The Design of Lighting Solutions and Smart Buildings 2025 / Webinar Register here! Oct 07, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM GMT+3 Webinar This course is mandatory for those who wish to obtain the "Green Building Professional" certificate. A three-hour course on sustainable lighting solutions and their integration within Building Management Systems to generate high performance. Share Wed, Oct 28 Zero Waste Creative Mapping in the Context of the Circular Economy 2025 / Webinar Register here! Oct 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM GMT+2 Webinar This course is optional for those who wish to obtain the "Green Building Professional" certificate. Share Thu, Nov 12 Health and Indoor Air Quality in Green Buildings 2024 / Webinar Register here! Nov 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM GMT+2 Webinar This course is optional for those who wish to obtain the "Green Building Professional" accreditation. Share Multiple Dates Fri, Nov 20 Grup de Lucru nZEB - Nearly Zero Energy Building / Webinar Register here! Nov 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Webinar Construim mai eficient în context NZEB Share Thu, Nov 26 Green Building Project Management 2025 / Webinar Register here! Nov 26, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM GMT+2 Webinar This course is mandatory for those who wish to obtain the "Green Building Professional" certificate. Share ROGBC MEMBERS PLATINUM GOLD SILVER SEE ALL MEMBERS

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 News & Resources The first REN+HOMES factsheet is now available We are pleased to announce the publication of the first REN+HOMES factsheet, entitled: Resident-centred methodology for developing positive energy residential buildings The publication presents the methodology developed within the project to support the design of positive energy residential buildings, placing residents' needs, experiences and engagement at the heart of the process. Access the Factsheet Partners You can find more details about the program by accessing the dedicated website. DETAILS

Become a Trainer in the Green Building Professionals Program! RoGBC is seeking passionate and qualified trainers to lead training sessions as part of the Green Building Professionals program. If you aspire to contribute to the development of industry professionals, we invite you to apply to become a trainer in this program. Why should you apply? You have the opportunity to contribute to the development of professionals in Romania's green building industry. You share your know-how and expertise with a dedicated audience, shaping the future of green construction. You become part of the RoGBC trainer community. You strengthen and deepen your knowledge through teaching and exchanging ideas with other professionals. Apply now!