On June 14, 2024 Klemens Braunisch, Head of Real Estate Management Study Programs, invited experts from the real estate industry to an ESG talk at FHWien der WKW. The main topic of discussion with the students was the current challenges and their solutions.
Keynote speeches from the field
Foundation professor Anna-Vera Deinhammer presented the current legal situation and requirements on the topic of ESG. For example, the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has just been amended. This directive requires a wide range of targets to be met (e.g. a reduction in primary energy consumption) and national measures to be taken to achieve them. The challenge in realizing these targets lies in the currently inadequate data situation.
She also presented current Master’s theses that deal with the implementation of ESG criteria.
In his keynote speech, Peter Engert presented the work of the ÖGNI and spoke of the implementation of the EU Buildings Directive as an “exciting Herculean task” that will occupy the property sector intensively in the coming years.
Felix Huber from GR Real and Rafael Lughammer from the LHZ Group then gave insights into their work. What role do ESG factors play in the refurbishment of apartment blocks and in new residential construction?
From “Nice to have” to “Must have”
In the following panel discussion, all participants agreed that sustainability aspects are now a “must have” in residential construction. In addition, planning and building must be increasingly flexible. Requirements, living spaces and technical solutions are changing at a rapid pace, which must be addressed now so that sustainable, long-term utilization can be assumed. Transparency and certification will play a major role in the future.