Energy efficiency in buildings has become one of the most widely discussed topics in real estate development and asset management in recent years. For developers and investors, it is no longer just about cost savings - it has become essential for meeting increasingly stringent European regulations and growing market expectations.
Energy optimization now significantly shapes decision-making for both developers and investors. While only a few years ago it was perceived as an additional sustainability task, the energy crisis, inflation, rising technology costs, and strict EU legislation have made it a core component of real estate value.
This shift is evident in the Slovak market, where a large share of commercial buildings is reaching an age at which their technical systems no longer meet today’s standards for efficiency and comfort, and their operation and maintenance are not always optimal.
Energy performance has also moved to the forefront for banks, which now assess operational risks and the carbon footprint of assets more closely when refinancing.
Tenants, in turn, increasingly favour premises with lower energy costs and a clearly defined ESG strategy. This creates pressure on property owners to focus not only on technology upgrades but also on data collection and a deeper understanding of how their buildings actually operate.
Competitiveness in an Era of Rising Tenant Expectations
The upcoming European Zero Emission Buildings requirements, which will apply to all new projects after 2030, indicate that standards will continue to rise. Modernising existing buildings is therefore no longer a matter of image, but a necessity for preserving their market value and competitiveness.
“Experience from neighbouring markets shows that working with precise energy models is now the most reliable way to predict the impact of planned measures—from savings to changes in a building’s carbon footprint. Slovak projects are increasingly using these methods, which help set the right investment priorities and avoid unnecessary costs,” says Martin Tkáč from Grinity.
A specific feature of the Slovak market is that many buildings have solid structural foundations, but their technical equipment no longer meets current requirements. In practice, this often means that substantial savings can be achieved simply by optimising the settings of existing systems or improving operational management—before moving on to more capital-intensive upgrades. This approach enables owners to gradually and economically prepare for future demands.
However, energy optimization is not only about technology. The quality of the indoor environment plays a crucial role, directly influencing the satisfaction and performance of the people working inside the building. For this reason, user needs, thermal comfort, and air quality are incorporated into design proposals to ensure that savings do not come at the expense of comfort.
“The buildings we design today must perform under the conditions of tomorrow. Energy optimization enables owners to make data-driven decisions instead of relying on intuition. This is why our current clients are primarily investment, asset-management, and development companies that already need concrete steps toward modernising their portfolios. We believe the circle of clients will gradually expand to include companies with smaller portfolios as well,” adds Martin Tkáč.
According to experts, precisely this type of strategic mindset will be essential to keeping Slovak real estate portfolios competitive amid tightening regulations and rising market expectations.