Jovana Cvetković, Director of Development, Technical Operations and Innovations at MPC Properties (Photo: Miomir Milić)
For 15 years, MPC Properties has been dedicated to the principles of green building, constantly improving its projects to achieve high ecological standards and reduce its ecological footprint. With a focus on sustainable development, the company has implemented innovative solutions in its projects, such as energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly construction techniques. Their approach to sustainability does not end with the construction phase but continues through long-term property management and the integration of ESG principles into business operations.
In a conversation with Jovana Cvetković, Director of Development, Technical Operations and Innovations at MPC Properties, we learned more about how the company integrates green innovations into its projects, follows global trends in sustainable construction, and creates spaces that meet community needs while balancing ecological and commercial demands.
In what way does MPC approach the concept of green building, and how does sustainability become one of the key factors in your projects?
MPC Properties has been dedicated to the principles of green building for 15 years, with a focus on sustainable development within our portfolio. Our approach includes commitment to sustainable principles, with our facilities certified with LEED and BREEAM certificates, both in the construction phase and during the operational phase, ensuring that our facilities exceed global sustainability standards. For example, our retail facility UŠĆE Shopping Center was the first in the region to receive the LEED EBOM certificate and was re-certified in 2024 with the LEED Gold certificate in the operational phase, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainable building practices.
In addition to development and construction, we emphasize sustainable property management, including energy efficiency technologies, waste reduction, water-saving measures, and biodiversity initiatives, such as planting indigenous species and installing green rooftop gardens. Our approach is based on the fact that sustainability is not only a priority in construction but also in long-term, environmentally responsible everyday business activities.
How are trends in sustainable construction changing, and what innovations are you applying in your projects?
Trends in sustainable construction have developed significantly, and MPC is an active leader in this transformation. The company has integrated various green innovations into its projects.
The Ušće Tower Two project, which is part of the USC mixed-use concept, was designed and built in line with the BREEAM certificate.
Innovative solutions applied:
- Chillers with adiabatic condenser cooling and free cooling – reducing electricity consumption and thereby reducing the CO2 emissions generated by the building.
- Integrated ventilation system in the building envelope – natural ventilation through façade louvers installed on all floors of the building. This system reduces energy consumption, thereby further decreasing electricity use and CO2 emissions. It also improves air quality in office space, contributing to user comfort and health.
- The most modern BMS system has been installed, enabling energy savings by optimizing HVAC operations in the building.
- Continuous promotion of alternative modes of transport – chargers for electric vehicles and scooters (with 250 bicycle parking spaces available).
- Beehives for honey production within the Ušće business complex are used for educational purposes (with around 90 kg of honey produced annually).
- Greening of the complex, contributing to the reduction of CO2, the increase of oxygen production, and the mitigation of the “heat island” effect.
- The building was designed and built in accordance with the BREEAM certificate and was this year certified with the WELL Health-Safety certificate.
- Interior – great flexibility in space organization, large clear ceiling heights – exclusivity, biophilic design.
How does MPC follow global trends regarding ESG standards and their application in business?
The essence lies in applying a socially responsible strategy by incorporating ESG principles into company procedures, policies, and corporate culture, and then into all the properties in the company’s portfolio.
Through completing ESG ratings:
- We create sustainability reports – GRI
- Benchmarking both in the relevant real estate industry (GRESB) and within the banking system (Moody’s), while respecting regulatory frameworks, both current and European (EU taxonomy).
With a systematic and comprehensive approach, sustainable real estate is developed that reduces risk in the long term, increases value (profitability), and impact.
Green projects represent examples of applying innovative solutions of scaled circular economy processes at the micro-level – within a single building – through closed and sustainable solutions at the building level. These projects are implemented in line with the principles of the Green Agenda Declaration, aiming at decarbonization, green transition, and the development of sustainable solutions. The ultimate goal is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering the carbon footprint, and preserving the environment. Consequently, opportunities open up for “green” financing, with more favorable conditions for project financing, as well as obtaining state and EU subsidies that support the Green Agenda in Serbia.
MPC Properties carefully follows global trends in ESG practices, integrating them into every aspect of its operations. The company has actively worked on reducing its CO2 emissions, achieving a 5.8% reduction in energy consumption in 2023 alone. Regarding social responsibility, our company stands out as a platform for community engagement, such as the UŠĆE Eko Fest project, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to educating the public about sustainability and ecological products. The company has implemented a series of certifications, including GRESB and WELL Health-Safety certification for eight of its properties. These initiatives reflect our comprehensive approach to ESG strategy, ensuring that sustainability and social responsibility are embedded into the very foundation of MPC Properties’ business.
What significance does the community segment have for MPC, and how do you design spaces that meet the needs of the community?
For the ESG approach to be fully implemented, besides ecological factors, it must also include social and governance factors. Community care through governance policies and socially responsible projects takes an important place in building sustainability, and society as a whole must and should receive this support from the business community. Business centers play an important role here, as they bring together companies that, primarily through their approach to employees and the opportunities they provide for development, contribute to spreading sustainability values further through concrete projects and returning them into the system.
Community education is one of the company’s key goals, and MPC is truly committed to creating spaces that serve both tenants and the wider community. Our community projects are designed with attention to user well-being, with spaces that promote ecological sustainability, education, and creativity. The company created the “Ušće BeeZ Square” within the business complex, a multifunctional space dedicated to educating visitors and promoting sustainable practices. This space offers workshops on topics such as urban beekeeping, biodiversity, alternative modes of transport, and even hosts the French Film Festival, bringing sustainability and culture into the community in a practical way.
In what way do you balance ecological standards, commercial demands, and end-user expectations? How interested are investors and tenants in sustainable properties, and is there growing awareness of their advantages?
At MPC Properties, we have achieved balance between ecological 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, the Navigator business complex, and UŠĆE and BEO shopping centers, meet ecological standards such as LEED and BREEAM, ensuring long-term commercial sustainability. These green certifications increase the attractiveness of our properties for investors and tenants, as they offer reduced operating costs, increased tenant satisfaction, and lower environmental impact.
The growing demand for sustainable spaces is evident, as tenants are increasingly seeking energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable spaces. Our implementation of WELL certifications for buildings, which promote health and well-being and fundamentally increase comfort in the space, reflects this growing tenant demand for spaces that prioritize both sustainability and user well-being.