Jovana Cvetković, MPC Properties - Sustainable real estate development brings both ecological and economic value

For 15 years, MPC Properties has been committed to the principles of green construction, with focus on sustainable development within our portfolio. Our approach includes a commitment to sustainable principles, so our facilities are certified by LEED and BREEAM, both during the construction phase and during the operation phase, thereby ensuring that our facilities exceed global sustainability standards. For example, our retail facility UŠĆE Shopping Center was the first in the region to receive a LEED EBDOM certificate, and it was re-certified in 2024 with the LEED Gold certificate, in the operational phase, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainable building practices. Besides development and construction, we emphasize sustainable property management, including energy efficiency technologies, waste reduction, water saving measures and biodiversity initiatives, such as, among others, the practice of planting indigenous species and installing green roof gardens. Our approach is based on the fact that sustainability is not a priority only in construction, but also in long-term, ecologically responsible daily business activities.

Sustainable construction trends have developed significantly, and the MPC is an active leader in this transformation. The company has integrated various green innovations into its projects.

Usce Tower Two project, which is part of the USC mixed-use concept, was designed and built in accordance with the BREEAM certificate.

The essence is the application of a socially responsible strategy by incorporating ESG principles into company procedures, policies and corporate culture, and then to all the facilities that the company has in its portfolio.

Sustainable real-estate is developed through a systematic and comprehensive approach which reduces risk, increases value (profitability) and impact in the long term.

Green projects represent examples of the application of innovative solutions of the scaled circular economy process at the micro level - within the framework of one building - through closed and sustainable solutions at the level of the building itself. These projects are implemented in accordance with the principles of the Green Agenda Declaration, with the aim of decarbonization, green transition and development of sustainable solutions. The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of the carbon footprint and environmental protection. As a result, the possibility of `green` financing opens up, with more favorable project financing conditions, as well as obtaining national and European subsidies that encourage the Green Agenda in Serbia.

MPC Properties closely monitors global trends in ESG practices, by integrating them into every aspect of its operations. The company has been actively working to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, achieving a 5.8% reduction in energy consumption in 2023 alone. In terms of social responsibility, our company acts as a community engagement platform, such as the UŠĆE Eco Fest project, which demonstrates the company`s commitment to public education about sustainability and ecological products. The company has implemented a range of certifications including GRESB and WELL Health-Safety certification for eight of its facilities. These initiatives reflect our holistic approach to ESG strategy, ensuring that sustainability and social responsibility are embedded in the core of MPC Properties` business.

In order to fully implement the ESG approach, apart from environmental factors, it must include social and management factors. Community care through management policies and socially responsible projects occupies an important place in building sustainability, and society as a whole must and should receive that support from the business community as well. Business centers play a significant role in this because they bring together companies that, in the first place, approach their employees and opportunities which they provide for development, contributing to the further spread of sustainability values through specific projects and return to the system.

Community education is one of the key goals of the company, and MPC is truly committed to creating spaces that serve tenants as well as the wider community. Our (community) projects are designed with attention to the well-being of users, with spaces that promote ecological sustainability, education and creativity. The company created "Ušće BeeZ Trg" within the business complex, which is a multifunctional space dedicated to visitor education and sustainable practices. This space offers workshops on topics such as urban beekeeping, biodiversity, alternative forms of transport, and even the French Film Festival, bringing sustainability and culture to the community in a hands-on way.

We at MPC Properties have achieved a balance between environmental standards, commercial interests and end-user needs, ensuring that sustainability brings both ecological and economic value. Our buildings, such as UŠĆE Tower I and II, Navigator business complex and UŠĆE and BEO shopping center, meet environmental standards such as LEED and BREEAM, ensuring long-term commercial sustainability. These green certifications increase the attractiveness of our real estate for investors and tenants, because they offer reduced operating costs, increased tenant satisfaction and less environmental impact. The growing demand for sustainable spaces is evident, because tenants are increasingly looking for energy efficient, healthy and sustainable premises. Our application of WELL certifications for buildings, which promote health and well-being, and fundamentally increase the comfort of staying in the space, reflects this growing tenant demand for spaces that prioritize both sustainability and user well-being.