The event was opened by Giorgos Taboureas, General Manager of OTE Estate, proprietor of the asset, who emphasized the importance of sustainability in commercial real estate investments. He referred extensively to the challenges faced for the completion of the renovation of the Cosmote TV building, which involved the total transformation of an industrial building located in a residential area into a modern digital studio with a unique architecture to fully meet the needs of its users, while at the same time comply with LEED requirements.

The panel discussion was moderated by Charalampos Giannikopoulos, Managing Director of DCarbon, who analysed the Greek real estate market in terms of its sustainability credentials and provided insights on the current global “green” building trends on standalone assets certified with LEED or BREEAM and also on portfolios included in GRESB ratings.

The panel consisted of the following distinguished discussants: 

• Ms Olga Itsiou, COO , Dimand 
• Mr George Taboureas, General Manager, ΟΤΕ Estate.  
• Ms. Korina Fasouli-Grafanaki, Managing Partner, CFGA Law Firm 

Initially Mr. Giannikopoulos mentioned that the speakers bring a lot of experience in different aspects of green building development and certification projects as well as in the field of Green Leasing. During the discussion, critical market issues regarding Green Leases and their contribution to companies’ ESG emerged, such as the challenges presented by such procedures and the adaptation of the local market to new international requirements.

More specifically, reference was made to the key importance of the proper maintenance of buildings, so that sustainable development remains important even after the end of the construction and to the need that exists for the adoption of new habits by the users of the buildings, who will now have to commit to these new habits. It was common ground that Green Leases strengthen both the position of the lessors by ensuring the proper operation of their buildings and of the lessee companies by essentially contributing to the achievement of the goals deriving from ESG strategies. In addition, it was stated that the establishment of European framework directives on climate neutrality, as well as their gradual obligation until 2050, have created a clear direction towards green development and Green Leases in more and more new constructions, while fragmented ownership of most of the country’s building volume is a challenge to this venture. The creation of new needs in the Real Estate market due to the existing energy crisis was also discussed, as well as the necessity of the proper implementation of Green Leases to ensure their maximum performance. In addition, it was highlighted that the common denominator of all the above is the adaptation of the local market to new global conditions.

Finally, the attendees were guided at the renovated building focusing on technical issues leading to increased acoustical performance and better performance in use. Attendees had the opportunity to visit the studio spaces and experience the working environment.