BR Analysis | Rising potential for smart(er) cities in Romania

Our future is going to be marked by the smart communities that will be able to respond to the growing demand for sustainable and resilient urban landscapes. Investing in upgrading Romania’s cities, transitioning to a clean, circular economy, and boosting the long-term efficient use of resources in urban areas are all crucial. Building sustainably, implementing environmentally-friendly technologies to eliminate pollution in production and consumption, and striving for climate neutrality are all essential for the development of smarter cities.

By Anda Sebesi

Andreea Cotiga, Head of the Leasing Office at CPI Property Group

“A greener and a smarter city is about improving its residents’ quality of life. Of course, everyone contributes differently to this goal, but from an office landlord’s perspective, I believe it is crucial to constantly invest in our properties in order to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of the communities we are serving. CPI Romania’s strategy over the last few years has been to refurbish and frequently bring our properties up to date by implementing our customer-centric and sustainable office concept, myhive.”

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Local market dominated by sustainability and mixed-use development trends

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Beatrice Dumitrascu, CEO Residential Division at One United Properties

“One United Properties’ purpose is to improve existing communities as well as build new ones by developing high-quality, energy-efficient buildings and generating long-term value growth for clients, the community, the city, and our partners and shareholders. With a clear and unique vision on real estate, we embrace urban regeneration from various points of view: we’ve revitalised industrial platforms and changed them into new and vibrant communities, we’ve pioneered the mixed-use development that offers easy access to modern living, state-of-the-art offices, and a wide range of facilities, and we have invested in historic restoration. All these are part of our long-term vision of shaping the city in a sustainable manner.”

Marcela Stancu, Community Director at Genesis Property

”Genesis Property’s contribution to a greener and smarter city is rooted in a holistic vision, focusing on several essential directions: ecological sustainability and carbon emission reduction, creating and maintaining green spaces, technology, and innovation, and building communities with excellent quality of life through healthcare, education, culture, and work-life balance.

Genesis Property developed the YUNITY concept to enhance people’s lives by fostering communities that support wellbeing. YUNITY Park exemplifies this concept by providing a modern workspace tailored to contemporary needs, where employees can collaborate, relax, and interact in a sustainable environment.”

Ashton Topolinski, Partner and Head of Marketing at InteRo Property Development SRL

“A greener and smarter city means that residents live in a sustainable environment stabilised by proper architectural design that utilises energy from renewable resources, lowers carbon emissions, and supports climate action by monitoring taxation, carbon pricing, and energy prices. At InteRo Property Development we value the creation of healthy living spaces that contribute to Romania’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy. Pajurei 3 Residence is earning a BREEAM Excellent Certification to elevate our residents’ overall quality of life by improving air and water quality, reducing noise pollution, managing waste, and assessing thermal modelling ensuring heating and cooling comfort year-round. With our Smart Home Features package integrated in our low-carbon design, residents live extra comfortably with irrigation for ground level apartments, apartment heating, cooling, and lighting, as well as apartment utility panels that allow residents to track their long-term utility savings.”

Mihnea Radulescu, Business Director at Vodafone Romania

“Smart City is a concept that is just beginning to take shape in Romania. There is a lot of discussion around the idea, but we need to make greater efforts for effective implementation. Vodafone, other multinational companies or startups can provide numerous solutions, but what is missing at the moment is a platform that integrates these solutions and delivers an end-to-end smart city concept that meets the agility and sustainability needs of today’s cities. This integrated concept of the city of the future needs to be developed through public-private partnerships because only through consultation, standardisation, replication, and the use of existing models will we be able to achieve a concept that can be mapped out and implemented anywhere in Romania. Since the majority of the population lives in cities, digitalization can play a key role in addressing many of the most pressing urban challenges. Pollution, reduced mobility, personal safety concerns, and economic inequality are pressures that highlight the need for investment in economic and environmental sustainability in order to be future-ready and improve citizens’ quality of life.”

Alexandru Vasiliu, Sales and Marketing Director at E-Mobility Rentals

“E-mobility is experiencing a moment of great expansion worldwide, with several trends indicating transformative shifts in this area. These shifts are impacting the automotive industry, the energy sector, but also urban planning, air quality, and sustainable development in general. I am talking about the expansion of EV models and charging infrastructure, smart and shared mobility solutions or the transition from ownership to usership. Not all are yet visible in Romania, but the traction power of these trends will certainly make a difference in the future. I believe that joining powers with municipalities and private companies is key to improving our cities and integrating new technologies, like electric battery swapping infrastructure and fleets that improve mobility range and air quality.”