The Portugal Real Estate has gone through a huge shift. Sustainability is no longer a bonus, it is now expected. Not so long ago, eco-friendly buildings were seen as forward thinking. Now it's mandatory. As per CBRE’s European Investor Relations Survey 2025, 95% investors in Europe claim that sustainability is an important factor once making a decision. It influences how property is valued and developed.
Buildings and property that don't get along with ESG standards are now seen as liabilities. They are harder to sell, slower to finance, and are at the risk of losing value, considering how rules and expectations are evolving. Properties built around sustainability are looked upon as much safer and smarter investments.
CEO Ahsan Khaliq Champions Sustainable Real Estate in Portugal for a Greener Future
CEO of Saad Ahsan also promotes sustainable real estate development practices to ensure an eco-friendly lifestyle. Talking with audience at the launch of Venture Capital Fund in Portugal, Mr. Ahsan Khaliq fosters the need of best practices that help restore nature. “Real estate should not just be about making profit, the philosophy of real estate development should be inspired by sustainable approach to take care of planet earth”, said Ahsan Khaliq.
Under the leadership of Ahsan Khaliq, Saad Ahsan continues to align real estate projects in Portugal that are aligned with the global sustainability goals with a focus on low-impact development, green building standards, community wellbeing and ecological balance. The venture capital fund is a gateway to Portugal residnecy by Golden Visa Investments.
Key Reasons Sustainability Is Taking over for Real Estate Projects
New Rules and Regulations
EU rules such as Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) now require established companies to showcase their climate transition plans and track the efforts of ESG.
Financing In Favour Of Green Buildings
Green Buildings, also termed as sustainable buildings, are properties which are designed in a way that reduces their impact on the environment and improves well well-being of people who use them. Lenders are offering better loan terms to projects that follow ESG values strictly.
Investors Are Focused On Sustainability
A JLL survey concluded that 76% UK and European investors were influenced by sustainability when making decisions regarding investments in the past 12-24 months. 35% bids were rejected, all because of poor sustainability conditions. Property with weak ESG had to go through a dip of around 100 basis points.
Developing Old Real Estate Properties Is A Smart Strategy
Experts have determined that around 80% of buildings that will be used in the year 2050 already exist today. This marks the importance of deep retrofits. Investors are turning their heads towards upgrades, instead of demolition.
60% investors are planning to invest in upgrading existing buildings in order to meet ESG standards. For example, 83% office space in London came from refurbishments, a move that is derived from sustainability goals.
These refurbished buildings have new additions to them, including triple gazed windows, better performing insulation, better energy monitoring, and even green roots. These initiatives lower operating costs up to 35% and give profitable returns if done right. Energy efficient, healthy buildings are noticed by tenants and attract longer commitments with minimum risk.
Why Is Retrofit Important?
Around 37% of the world’s greenhouse gases come from buildings. Astonishingly 70% in cities, mostly because of materials like cement and steel. We can't reach climate goals without improving the buildings that are already there.
In order to hit climate targets, about 3% of buildings each year need to be refurbished, right now only 1% are being done.
Retrofit projects also improve overall health and comfort, with better air quality, thermal control, and even better job opportunities
Sustainability is now one of the main factors in real estate investment, not something optional. If your buildings don't meet ESG standards, they will not be given any attention.