Sustainability is not an add-on – it is the essence of every project that has a future. At MPC Properties, every decision is made with the planet in mind – from the choice of materials to collaboration with “green” partners. This is confirmed by Sanja Rubeša, Operations Project Manager at the company, whose work proves that profit and ecology can – and must – go hand in hand.
In your business, sustainability is often mentioned. What does it personally mean to you that the planet has a “voice” in business decision-making?
Ecological aspects are an integral part of MPC Properties’ business strategy. Questions such as the project’s impact on the environment, alternatives in terms of materials and energy, are asked daily, all with the goal of reducing environmental impact. When we consider factors such as energy efficiency, reduction of CO2 emissions and waste materials, decisions become much more responsible and long-term profitable.
Special attention is paid to exploring the possibilities of implementing circular economy principles – both in everyday operations and in other areas of business – as a strategic direction. Our work does not only involve building and developing real estate but also managing it, which makes it crucial that the properties we construct are sustainable.
When planning new projects, how do you balance business goals with what is good for the environment?
The real estate industry has a significant impact on the environment, economy, and society. Sustainable approaches in this field are becoming increasingly important, as cities grow rapidly and pressure on resources and the environment intensifies. Balancing commercial goals with ecological responsibility means making decisions that may be more expensive at the beginning but bring long-term benefits.
For example, investing in the construction of sustainable buildings may increase initial costs, but in the long run it brings benefits through lower operating expenses (lower energy and water consumption, reduced maintenance costs), as well as through higher property value and attractiveness for tenants who value sustainability. In addition, creating green areas in urban spaces and green terraces contributes to biodiversity preservation, reducing the urban heat island effect, and providing better quality of life for space users – all of which affect the level of investment.
When constructing new buildings or reconstructing existing ones, we engage suppliers dedicated to sustainable practices as much as possible, use materials with sustainability certificates (Life Cycle Assessment – LCA, recycled raw material content, energy efficiency, etc.), and apply energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels and green roofs. Using recycled materials, eco-friendly paints, and systems for reducing energy consumption (such as LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems) can significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment.
For more than 10 years, MPC Properties has contributed to the promotion of green building, and today we have an impressive portfolio of commercial properties certified and designed according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and WELL Health & Safety standards. MPC Properties also demonstrates its commitment to green building by being an active member of the Green Building Council of Serbia. The essence of green building is to consider its environmental impact and entire life cycle – from the idea, planning, and design, through construction, to use.
For us, it is very important to monitor the entire development of a project, bearing in mind that after an investment in green building systems, significant savings are realized in the exploitation phase. Certification improves the quality of the building, and with proper equipment selection and technical system operation, optimal comfort is achieved while reducing consumption of energy (electricity, heating, cooling), water, and waste – which directly reduces environmental impact (lower harmful gas emissions, increased efficiency, waste reduction, protection of waterways, etc.). In this way, collective health is preserved, while at the same time providing an example to both experts and the general public of the importance and benefits of applied green building.
Can you share an example from practice when you consciously made a decision that was better for the environment, even though it was not the easiest or fastest?
Although sustainable innovation projects imply more complex processes, such as changes in legal regulations, establishing new rules and policies, and additional resources, we consciously implement them because they contribute to creating a sustainable urban environment.
By collaborating with external partners and institutions, we can improve processes. For example, MPC Properties, through cooperation with UNDP, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Embassy of Japan, successfully implemented a composting machine project – a good model of circular economy at the building level.
Also, through a partnership with the Mihajlo Pupin Institute, we carried out projects such as installing wind turbines and air purifiers at the UŠĆE business complex, while promoting biodiversity through educational workshops with the Faculty of Biology, CEUS (Center for Experiments and Urban Studies), and numerous other partners.
How important are ESG standards in your daily operations – are they part of your core approach or more of an external obligation?
MPC Properties is a regional leader in the development and construction of modern shopping destinations and business centers, and in their management, having developed a comprehensive CSR strategy aligned with ESG goals, which are implemented in company procedures, policies, and culture.
With a systematic and comprehensive approach, sustainable real estate is developed, which in the long run reduces impact and risk while increasing value. MPC Properties prepares an annual non-financial report – GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) – and achieves significant results in ESG assessments, setting new regional standards through the GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) platform. In this way, MPC Properties provides financial markets with practical and transparent data on environmental, social, and governance aspects. ESG principles that contribute to sustainable development and community improvement have been established in cooperation with the consulting firm Energo Energy Efficiency Engineering.
In your opinion, what is currently the greatest challenge in trying to act responsibly towards both people and the planet?
There are many challenges in implementing sustainable solutions, such as high costs, market changes, raising community awareness, and people’s habits. Therefore, it is very important to constantly invest in market education, as well as in innovations that will improve the quality of business and life. Partnering with “green” suppliers can be a good way to overcome obstacles, while at the same time strengthening the brand and reducing environmental impact.
When constructing new buildings and reconstructions, we strive to engage suppliers dedicated to sustainable practices as much as possible, use materials that have sustainability certificates (Life Cycle Assessment – LCA, percentage of recycled raw materials, energy efficiency, etc.), and apply energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels and green roofs.
How do you encourage people working or spending time in your properties – from employees to tenants – to think sustainably?
Establishing a sustainable culture is key. This means not only investing in green technologies and materials but also in education and engagement of both employees and building users.
The MPC portfolio represents a large platform for raising community awareness of sustainability. The emphasis is on increasing awareness through education, entertainment, and social events. A good example are projects we organize every year in the “Beez Square” area (inside the UŠĆE business complex), such as UŠĆE EKO FEST, MPC vegetable gardens, the Green Hub space, ESG workshops, MPC beehives, the French Film Festival, and more.
Do you believe that the concept of “the planet as a business partner” will become something we all take for granted?
We believe that sustainability will become unavoidable in the future and will be fully integrated into business models. We believe that the “green” standard will be fully supported by legal regulations. Investment in renewable energy sources, smart building systems, and sustainable projects will increase market competitiveness and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainability represents an opportunity for innovation – and innovation equals development!