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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! !

In a global context where climate change, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility are top priorities, the transition toward sustainable housing is no longer just an option, but a necessity. To support this shift, BCR, in partnership with the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC), has launched a dedicated offer: the Casa Mea Natura mortgage loan , specifically designed for the purchase or refinancing of certified green homes. A Financial Tool for Those Who Choose Sustainability The Casa Mea Natura  mortgage is a product designed to meet the needs of a growing number of Romanians interested in energy-efficient, healthy homes with a low environmental impact. It can be used for the purchase or refinancing of a property that is either: certified as a green home by the Romania Green Building Council , or has an energy performance class A  and was built after the year 2000. Beyond the direct benefits offered to clients, this financial product supports RoGBC’s mission to promote responsible and sustainable urban development in Romania. Attractive Financial Terms BCR’s offer includes a series of preferential conditions for those who choose to invest in a green home: Fixed interest rate of 4.79% per year for the first 3 years , then variable: IRCC + 2.1% , for clients enrolled in the MAX or MAX INVEST benefit programs or those who transfer their monthly income to a BCR account For clients who do not meet these conditions, the interest rate is 5.99% per year for the first 3 years , then IRCC + 3.3% ZERO credit administration fee  and no property evaluation costs Low-cost life insurance : only 0.026% monthly , applied to the outstanding loan balance Representative example : for a loan of 350,000 RON over 25 years, the monthly installment is approximately 2,094 RON for the first 3 years , then around 2,645 RON . The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 7.39% , and the total repayable amount is 766,420 RON . This offer is valid until August 20, 2025 . Genuine Support Beyond Financing What sets this product apart is its integration into a comprehensive ecosystem that supports green building. As a result, clients can benefit from: a fully digitalized process  through the George mobile and online banking app personalized financial guidance  in dedicated Xpert Casa centers active promotional campaigns  – such as interest-free installments for sustainable products from IKEA or other exclusive discounts refinancing support  – BCR covers up to 2,000 RON  of notarial costs for existing green home loans The Role of RoGBC Certification The certification provided by the Romania Green Building Council  confirms that a home meets strict sustainability criteria, such as: low energy consumption responsible use of resources high indoor air quality reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact This certification adds long-term value  to the property and ensures a high level of comfort  for its occupants, while also helping to lower monthly maintenance and utility costs . Why This Partnership Matters The partnership between BCR  and RoGBC  marks a significant step forward in accelerating the transition to sustainable housing in Romania. By creating dedicated financial products, financial institutions play a crucial role in democratizing access to green living . What’s Next? RoGBC encourages developers, end-users, architects, and consultants to explore the opportunities offered by this loan and to integrate green building principles  into their projects. Beyond the immediate financial advantages, investing in certified green homes contributes to achieving both national and European climate goals , while enhancing urban resilience . 📍 For more details about Casa Mea Natura , visit  👉   www.bcr.ro/casa-mea-natura 📩 If you have questions about RoGBC certification  or want to register a green home, feel free to contact us at info@rogbc.org

Green Homes certified by Romania Green Building Council Green homes are no longer just a trend; they are gradually becoming the standard towards which we are all heading. In this context, Green Homes certification represents an important step for the construction industry in Romania, bringing benefits both for the environment and for our wallets. What is Green Homes certification? Green Homes is a certification system created specifically for housing, which evaluates how environmentally friendly they are. The certification can be applied to both new homes and existing ones that are being renovated, from individual houses to large residential complexes. It is important to know that this program meets all the requirements of the European Union Taxonomy – a set of rules that defines which economic activities are considered sustainable in the EU. Who is behind this certification? The Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC) is the organisation that manages this program in our country. With over 16 years of experience, RoGBC brings together professionals from various fields such as architecture, engineering, real estate development, and materials production, all with a common goal: transforming the Romanian real estate market into one that is more environmentally responsible. What does Green Homes certification evaluate? Unlike other assessments that focus on a single aspect, Green Homes certification evaluates several characteristics of a home: How efficiently energy is used How water is conserved Indoor air quality The materials used (whether they are eco-friendly) How waste is managed Connectivity to public transport What benefits does a certified Green Homes house offer? For owners and tenants: Lower utility bills, due to energy efficiency A healthier living environment, with cleaner air Increased property value over time The feeling of living in an environmentally responsible space For developers: Easier access to financing through green loans and bonds International recognition of project quality Compliance with EU standards, avoiding future legislative issues A competitive advantage in the real estate market How does certification relate to the EU Taxonomy? The EU Taxonomy is a classification system that sets out which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable. Alignment of Green Homes certification with the EU Taxonomy means that: Certified projects can more easily obtain green financing Information on the environmental performance of homes is transparent and verifiable Developers and owners are prepared for future European sustainability regulations Why does this matter for our future? As climate change becomes an increasingly present reality, the way we build and live must adapt. The construction sector is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. By choosing a Green Homes certified house, you not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the generations to come. Green Homes certification represents a concrete step toward a more responsible built environment, while simultaneously offering tangible benefits to all parties involved – from developers and financiers to owners and tenants. .

A Fruitful Dialogue Among Key Stakeholders in the Field of Energy Efficiency The second SMAFIN Expanded Roundtable, held on April 9, 2025, at the Marshal Garden Hotel in Bucharest, brought together 51 experts and specialists in the field of energy efficiency to discuss sustainable financing for energy efficiency in Romania. The event was organized by the Romanian partners of the SMAFIN Expanded project – the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC) and the Pro-nZEB Cluster – with substantial support from the Government of Romania through: The Department for Sustainable Development The Ministry of Investments and European Projects The Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration The Ministry of Energy The Ministry of Finance This event continues the series of sustainable energy investment forums previously initiated by the European Commission (2018–2019), as well as those carried out under the SMAFIN project (2021–2023), and is funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. Diverse and Representative Participation The event brought together representatives from all key sectors involved in the energy transition: Central and local public authorities The private sector Civil society Academia Participants included representatives from key ministries, the Romanian Banking Association, the Investment and Development Bank, and other leading organizations in the fields of energy efficiency and sustainable finance. Three Strategic Directions Addressed The event was structured into three parallel thematic sessions, each tackling essential aspects for accelerating Romania’s energy transition: 1. Expanding the Capacity and Ensuring the Sustainability of One-Stop Shops for Energy Efficiency During this session, the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration announced significant initiatives aimed at training employees at county council level, with the goal of supporting the implementation of local energy efficiency programs. 2. Financing Mechanisms for Energy Renovation and the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy A major announcement came from the European Investment Bank, which presented a multiregional energy efficiency platform with a total budget of approximately €400 million. The program will offer: 0% interest rate loans for public funds A co-financing requirement of only 10% Coverage for all building types: Private housing (up to €20,000 per project) Public buildings (up to €1.54 million) Loan maturity of up to 15 years An ambitious goal: renovation of 12,500 buildings by the end of 2029 The program is scheduled to launch in January 2026 and will run until March 2029. 3. Tackling Energy Poverty through Tailored Programs This session focused on identifying the main barriers hindering the energy transition of buildings in Romania, including: Inadequate electrical infrastructure Limited administrative capacity of local authorities Lack of dedicated programs to address energy poverty A concerning reality was highlighted: around half of Romanian households are affected by various forms of energy poverty, pointing to the urgent need for tailored solutions and integrated measures. Future Outlook SMAFIN Expanded will continue to host annual roundtable events in person, aiming to bring together stakeholders with diverse perspectives. These discussions will help shape relevant recommendations to support the success of programs targeting energy efficiency in key economic sectors. About the Organizers RoGBC (Romania Green Building Council)  is a non-profit, non-political association composed of organizations active throughout Romania. It promotes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency throughout the lifecycle of a building. Pro-nZEB Cluster  is a non-profit association founded in early 2016. Its main objective is to promote the concept of nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB) in Romania, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from building usage. Project funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme

This is the result of a partnership with the Romanian Council for Green Buildings (RoGBC). Through this partnership, Libra Internet Bank will provide for the first time a financial product exclusively specifically designed for real estate developers who build with environmental considerations in mind. The resulting buildings are certified as Green Homes. At the same time, Libra Internet Bank also provides preferential interest rates to private customers who purchase a Green Home dwelling certified by the Romanian Council for Green Buildings (RoGBC). A strategic partnership has been established between the Romanian Council for Green Buildings (RoGBC) and Libra Internet Bank on 02.08.2021, in Bucharest. As a result, for the first time on the Romanian market, the bank will provide a product targeted at real estate developers who wanted to construct green buildings. At the same time, Libra Internet Bank will make it easier for individuals to acquire such green homes by offering low-interest financing. These consumers will benefit from a major advantage in addition to lower financing costs: the lowest possible maintenance expenses, owing to clever and ecologically friendly building methods and the use of alternative energy sources. The partnership with Libra Internet Bank will contribute to both the growth of the real estate and banking market as well as our educational and awareness initiative on environmental conservation through responsible building processes. People will live healthier in a certified green building since the quality of life is clearly superior to that of regular ones President of the Romanian Green Building Council, Andrei Botiş, stated. We have been working with real estate developers for 7 years and specialized in providing financing solutions for them. Based on this innovative partnership we will soon introduce a dedicated product that is unique on the Romanian market, to provide real estate developers with the financing option they require for the development of green buildings. Furthermore, we will make it easier for private clients to have access to these environmentally friendly residences that meet the greatest energy efficiency and environmental criteria General Director of Libra Internet Bank Emil Bituleanu remarked.

Wednesday 30 June 2021 - the launch of the Green Homes & Green Mortgage (SMARTER Finance for Families) program took place in Chișinău. Under this program, the "GREEN HOMES" certification system will be introduced. This will ensure that buildings are built and used in an environmentally friendly way throughout their life cycle: design, construction, use, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This program was presented in detail by Steven Borncamp - Project Director, SMARTER Finance for Families and lead author of the Green Homes & Green Mortgage Programme (USA), together with Andrei Botiș - President of the Romania Green Building Council (Romania) and Tatiana Medaru - President of the Moldova Green Building Council (Republic of Moldova). Furthermore, representatives of Raiffeisen Bank Romania and Alukoenigstahl emphasized the benefits of this commitment based on examples of best practices. Moldova Green Building Council (MoldGBC) is an independent, non-profit organization that advocates for sustainable buildings, cities, and communities. Founded in 2019, MoldGBC's strategic plan is to lead the sustainable transformation of the built environment in the Republic of Moldova. The inauguration of the Green Homes program in the Republic of Moldova comes at an ideal time, as it aligns perfectly with the European Union's environmental policy while also being an event much anticipated by real estate investors who will take advantage of this chance to increase their portfolio. The Republic of Moldova thus joins Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as countries that have successfully implemented this program, said Andrei Botiș, President of Romania Green Building Council (ROGBC) and CEO of NAI Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Since 2014, ROGBC has offered Green Homes certification / pre-certification for over 10,000 homes in Romania. The international growth of the SMARTER Finance for Families initiative is supported by Horizon 2020, a research grant of the European Union. Green building councils, universities, and other expert groups from all throughout Europe are involved in this project. The initiative is now expanding to Africa, Asia, and South America.

The Romanian Green Buildings Council (RoGBC) has joined the Romanian Commercial Bank as a partner (BCR). BCR will provide the Casa Mea NaturA real estate loan with considerably lower interest rates to consumers who purchase RoGBC - certified green homes as part of this strategic cooperation. Green houses purchasers will also benefit from a high-quality, healthy, and ecologically friendly home with minimal maintenance expenses. We're growing our loan portfolio with Casa Mea NaturA, which offers two green financing options at the best rates on the market, as well as a multitude benefits. With the expansion of the green loan portfolio, BCR confirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as well as its support for educating clients about environmentally conscious financial options. We aim to encourage long-term investment and demonstrate the advantages of purchasing an energy-efficient house to our consumers. This translates to a healthier environment, a smaller carbon footprint, cheaper utility expenses, and a greater standard of living, stated. Vlad Huțuleac, Deputy Managing Director for Products and Retail. The Romanian Green Building Council's Green Homes certified houses provide potential purchasers with the assurance that they will receive a high-quality, healthier, and more pleasant home, as well as the financial benefits of a sustainable home. BCR's Casa Mea NaturA Loan provides families with affordable house design and construction finance stated Elena Rastei, Romanian Green Building Council's Director of Green Homes Certification