Cities occupy just 2% of world’s landmass but currently are estimated to emit two thirds of the world’s CO2. Accelerating urbanization rate around the world is further exacerbating the problem. Less than 15% of the world’s population lived in cities a century ago. In 2008, for the first time, that figure exceeded 50%. By 2050, it will have reached 70% representing 6.4 billion people. Most of this growth will be in developing countries (with Asia to become 50% urban in next 15 years) while in developed countries, 86 percent of the population is expected to be urban by 2050.
Global emissions of carbon dioxide are estimated to grow by 43 per cent by 2035 if current patterns of energy usage continue. As slum dwellers reach a billion people, governments around the world are trying to cope with providing affordable dwellings while confronting rising energy, food, and water shortages.
Sustainable real estate offers a unique opportunity to help solve these major problems. In fact, many experts now recognize that there is no other way to decrease CO2 faster and more inexpensively. Beyond environmental benefits, all stakeholders could win: technology partners, citizens, communities, developers, landlords/asset owners, in addition to investors.
Although many challenges remain, with the business case still unclear to investors and consumer unsure about real savings, the scale of the problem requires urgent action. Building real estate in a business-as-usual manner is no longer acceptable.
Based on its unique and in-depth experience in planning Masdar City and executing the first phase, Grenea team is committed to providing a new business model to secure appropriate financial, social, and environmental incentives to the various stakeholders. Grenea will also partner with technology companies and the main pillars of the real estate supply chain to leverage the know-how and economies of scale in the various projects it integrates. By doing this, Grenea aims to become an international business reference for Eco-developments at conventional cost and a globally recognized green property investment entity and development integrator.
