This is how the construction industry can go green – here’s a leading example from Hungary

The first sustainability report for bim.GROUP Kft. has been published. In a statement, KÉSZ Csoport’s strategic partner points out that the built environment is responsible for 39 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. They add that sustainability is of paramount importance in architecture due to the construction industry’s significant demand for materials and energy, the large volume of waste generated, and the long-term impacts of the built environment, which can last for decades.

At the same time, they highlight the importance of design decisions, which account for 80 per cent of a building’s overall environmental impact. They explain that design engineers play a crucial role: the design phase is the stage at which a project’s future resource requirements, energy efficiency and operational performance can be significantly shaped and optimised.

With this in mind, the Hungarian master-planning firm regards its recently published report not as a one-off communication piece, but as a management and decision-support tool that ensures transparency and assigns specific, time-bound improvements to address the shortcomings identified.

Shaping attitudes within the sector is also one of the objectives

One of the key findings of the report is that, in 2024, bim.GROUP worked with domestic partners for 69.100 per cent of its total business. The company regards this as a fundamental principle that supports responsible procurement, shorter and more transparent supply chains, and stable, long-term partnerships.

Another aim of bim.GROUP is to promote greater transparency within the partner ecosystem: according to the report, it intends to work with office building operators to establish more accurate data collection and reporting systems, so that the performance of their joint operations can be more effectively monitored and improved.

They also explain that the bim.GROUP takes on not only a collaborative role in partner relationships, but also acts as an advocate and advisor: its aim is to educate market players on the benefits of sustainable architectural solutions and green certifications (such as BREEAM, LEED, WELL).

Flagship projects in Kecskemét and Szeged

The report also highlights the company’s sustainability approach and innovations through a number of projects that have been completed or are currently underway by 2024. One example of a unique development was the Greentech Solar solar-powered car park in Kecskemét,

which not only provides shade for parked cars but also generates electricity for the owners, whilst its structural design, featuring tensioned steel cables, requires 40–60 per cent less steel than conventional solutions – thereby significantly reducing its manufacturing carbon footprint.

Another good example is the TILIA office complex, which was built in the centre of Szeged by combining the preservation of the historic Art Nouveau wing with modern solutions. The project utilised energy-efficient mechanical systems, solar panels and geothermal solutions, whilst bim.GROUP set out from the outset to achieve the BREEAM Excellent, WELL Platina and Access4you Gold certifications. To reinforce its sustainability commitments, the developer launched a tree-planting programme whereby a tree is planted for every twentieth workstation to offset the building’s carbon footprint.