Urbanity presents its first ESG report. Measurable sustainability data is key for banks and our clients

Prague, 3rd of August 2023 – At Urbanity Real Estate Group, we have focused on development that is both environmentally and socially sustainable since our inception. That we are on the right track in building next-generation manufacturing campuses is shown by our first ESG report for 2022, which we created together with our ESG strategy in collaboration with experts from Frank Bold Advisory. ESG data reporting is also increasingly required by financial institutions and clients who use our campuses. It is also a way for us to use data to better monitor and manage our business operations.

Last but not least, the requirements of European legislation are becoming more stringent, particularly in terms of mitigating the environmental impact of industry, but also in terms of greater protection of human rights or compliance with occupational safety. In addition, reporting sustainability data according to EU standards will soon be mandatory for all companies affected by the CSRD. Compliance goes hand in hand with our focus on finding green development solutions.

"At Urbanity, given our focus on sustainable development, we didn't wait until it was twelve minutes to go, we wanted to get a head start in reporting. In the international environment, ESG criteria are increasingly becoming part of tenders and are being added into commercial contracts in the form of enforceable commitments. They are thus having an increasing influence on the dynamics of business relationships. In commercial real estate, we have seen a boom in recent years in obtaining sustainable building certifications such as BREEAM or LEED. Beyond this, we see ESG as a societal challenge that responds to climate change while opening up a range of opportunities. We are pleased to be one of the leaders in this area in the Czech Republic," said Roland Hofman, CEO of Urbanity.

The basis for Urbanity's first ESG report was the development of an ESG strategy, which enabled the introduction of measurable criteria into the operation of the entire real estate group and the setting of milestones for the next period. "Our advantage is that we have integrated ESG principles directly into our long-term business strategy, so the values it brings are not new to us. We build on brownfield sites, sustainably and to a very high technical and architectural standard, we incorporate long-term renewable energy elements into our operations, and we work very closely with local communities," explains Hofman.
 
The primary focus of our first ESG report is on climate change impacts and mitigation. For example, we evaluate the data in terms of the energy performance of buildings, including the efficiency of the technologies used. We sustainably manage the use of drinking water, rainwater and wastewater, and we also pay attention to landscape planting, greenery and biodiversity. In the future, we plan to monitor more closely the quantity, composition and durability of materials used, and evolve a waste management system with the aim to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.
 
At Urbanity while developing and managing primarily manufacturing campuses we ensure that developments are built by reclaiming neglected brownfield sites and in a way that is environmentally friendly. "In doing so, we also place emphasis on energy self-sufficiency, careful management, and making local jobs that take advantage of global opportunities more attractive. This has a positive impact not only on the operating costs of our clients, but also on the development of the surrounding communities of which we are an active part," explains Hofman.

What you will find in Urbanity's ESG strategy

• Business model and strategy: contributing to the transformation of the economy
• Strategic goals and commitments: Environmental, Social and Governance
• From transport to the circular economy

• Current Urbanity projects
• Our strategy
• Environmental Management
• People: from employees to local communities
• Responsible behaviour