The Rise of Green Building Certifications: Creating Trust or Financial Burden?

In this ESG in Property Podcast episode, we're joined by Eleni Polychroniadou, CEO and co-founder of Sintali, a company on a mission to make every piece of infrastructure across the world green. Eleni's journey from climate activist to sustainable real estate trailblazer is as inspiring as it is impactful.    From Activism to Action    Eleni's passion for sustainability led her to co-found Sintali in 2020, focusing on decarbonising the built environment as a key strategy in combating the climate crisis. Her transition from aspiring scientist to sustainability advocate highlights the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues in property development.    Certifications: Building Trust and Value    We dive into how green building certifications like EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) are revolutionising the industry:    Credibility Boost: Learn how these certifications enhance trust and property valuations.  Financial Opportunities: Discover how they open doors to sustainable financing.  Accessibility for All:  We challenge the myth that green certifications are only for luxury developments.    Global Impact, Local Solutions    Eleni shares insights on Sintali's work across 85 countries, verifying the impact of over 9,000 projects globally. We explore how certifications like EDGE and Building with Nature adapt to local conditions while maintaining international standards.    Bridging the Green Gap    Our conversation addresses the missed opportunities in sustainable finance, often due to communication breakdowns between developers and financial institutions. Eleni presents her vision of a modular, interconnected approach to sustainability, emphasising its potential impact on social housing and smaller companies.    Join us for this eye-opening discussion as we reframe green building certifications, showcasing their tangible benefits and encouraging wider participation in the sustainable real estate revolution.  EDGE Certification: https://www.sintali.com/edge-certification-2 Building with Nature: https://www.buildingwithnature.org.uk/about