Innovation

Urbanova addresses the UN SDGs of Climate Action (SDG 13) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) through the implementation of its advanced Energy Management System, known as iCloud, across its properties. This innovative system allows Urbanova to monitor and control energy consumption in real-time, significantly enhancing energy efficiency throughout its portfolio. By integrating iCloud with other sustainable features—such as solar panels, LED lighting, and waste tracking and recycling systems—Urbanova has successfully minimized its environmental impact. With energy consumption contributing to 57.15% of its total carbon footprint, the iCloud system was developed to streamline energy usage, making substantial progress in reducing emissions.

The iCloud project was led by Joanna Wieland, Head of Sustainability, along with Urbanova’s technical and sustainability teams. The successful implementation of iCloud required extensive training and alignment of technical resources to integrate the iCloud system with existing infrastructure. Wieland noted, "One of the key innovations at Urbanova is our Energy Management System (iCloud). It allows us to monitor energy usage in real-time across our properties, which is crucial in helping us reduce our environmental impact."

This innovation aligns with Urbanova’s mission to "Build the city we dream of” by focusing on environmental responsibility and efficiency. Driven by core values of sustainability and social impact, Urbanova’s iCloud system not only supports its commitment to a cleaner environment but also sets a high standard for sustainable practices in the real estate industry, benefiting both the company and the communities it serves.

Urbanova's 2023 Achievements: Recognized in ESG, Accessibility, and awarded Peru's 4-star Carbon Footprint rating for sustainable leadership.

Inspiration

Urbanova’s commitment to sustainability is guided by its mission, “Building the city we dream of,” which focuses on creating urban spaces that foster a positive environmental and social impact. Recognizing the need to address the environmental impact of its operations, Urbanova developed the iCloud Energy Management System, a tool for real-time energy monitoring aimed at reducing emissions. This innovation aligns with their objectives: offering valued spaces, setting benchmarks in urbanism, and maximizing real estate profitability through sustainable practices. As Joanna, Urbanova’s Head of Sustainability, explained, “our values, such as environmental stewardship and social responsibility, drive all our efforts to reduce our environmental impact and improve the well-being of our communities.”

Urbanova’s work reflects a commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and aims to leave a legacy in sustainable urban development. Joanna noted that “What excites me most about sustainability at Urbanova is the dual impact we can create—both social and environmental.” This dual focus drives Urbanova to design spaces that not only improve quality of life but also contribute to a more resilient, eco-friendly cityscape. With a vision of “creating, developing, and managing spaces that enhance people’s lives in the city,” Urbanova strives to set a lasting example in the real estate industry, aiming to build cities that serve as models of sustainability and ethical impact.

Overall impact

Urbanova’s commitment to sustainability is deeply integrated into its core values of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and transparency. Through innovations like the iCloud Energy Management System, Urbanova actively works to reduce its carbon footprint, supporting Peru’s national goals for carbon neutrality and contributing to SDGs like Sustainable Cities and Climate Action. Their approach not only cuts operational costs but also positions Urbanova as a leader in sustainable real estate, showcasing a model for eco-friendly development across Latin America.

Beyond environmental impact, Urbanova’s initiatives foster social inclusivity and community well-being. Certifications like LEED and AIS ensure their buildings are both sustainable and accessible, creating spaces that serve everyone in the community, including those with disabilities. Their partnerships in waste management—recycling thousands of tonnes of plastic, paper, and organic waste—reflect a commitment to the circular economy and local economic growth.

Urbanova’s sustainable model highlights how real estate can play a transformative role in urban development. By prioritizing both environmental health and social equity, Urbanova is not only enhancing urban spaces but also inspiring industry-wide change, setting a new benchmark for responsible and impactful real estate development. Through these efforts, Urbanova exemplifies how businesses can effectively integrate sustainable practices to benefit both people and the planet.

Business benefit

Urbanova’s sustainability innovations have delivered tangible financial benefits by reducing significantly energy costs and increasing operational efficiency. The real-time monitoring capabilities of iCloud allow Urbanova to make immediate adjustments, minimizing wasteful energy consumption. This efficiency has contributed to a 5.6% increase in Same Store Sales and an 8.7% growth in overall revenue. Furthermore, by enhancing its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, Urbanova has strengthened its brand as a leader in sustainable real estate, attracting eco-conscious tenants and investors, boosting occupancy rates, and securing its position in a competitive market.

Urbanova’s focus on developing new technologies for sustainable operational efficiency has also created room for a new market in the real estate business. This adaptability allows partnerships with clean energy firms, integration of new renewable energy sources in infrastructures and fulfills market demand for environmentally friendly solutions. These expansions support Urbanova’s long-term financial health and tap into a growing market of sustainability-oriented consumers and investors, strengthening their market resilience and opening new routes for revenue growth.

Social and environmental benefit

Urbanova’s sustainability initiatives provide substantial benefits to both the environment and society. On one side, Urbanova’s environmental strategy includes comprehensive initiatives that emphasize carbon footprint reduction, sustainable building practices, and energy efficiency. Their iCloud Energy Management System allows for real-time energy monitoring, helping reduce energy consumption across properties, which was crucial in achieving a consolidated carbon footprint of 6,197.24 tCO2eq in 2023, with electricity accounting for 57.15% of emissions. Additional sustainability measures include the installation of 53 solar panels at Torre del Arte, which generate 40,090.53 kWh annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 8.57 tonnes—equivalent to the energy usage of 25 homes. In recognition of these efforts, Urbanova has received the prestigious four-star Huella de Carbono certification from Peru’s Ministry of the Environment, distinguishing them as the first real estate developer in Latin America to reach this level. They have also achieved LEED certification for four properties, further validating their commitment to sustainable design, construction, and operation, ensuring efficient resource use and minimal environmental impact.

In terms of society, Ubanova’s projects promote inclusivity and community engagement. They have earned AIS (Accessible Spaces) certification for six properties, making them the first real estate company in Latin America to achieve such recognition. This certification ensures Urbanova’s spaces are accessible and welcoming for all community members, including those with disabilities. Additionally, Urbanova is committed to promoting a circular economy through partnerships with organizations like JIREH, SINBA, and LIMA COMPOST, enabling the recycling of 40,616 tonnes of plastic, 42,220 tonnes of paper, and 115,830 tonnes of organic waste in 2023 alone. These partnerships not only reduce landfill waste but also support local economies by transforming waste into resources for the community. Through these initiatives, Urbanova actively promotes social well-being, environmental education, and responsible urban development, setting a new standard for sustainable real estate in Latin America.

Interview

Joanna Wieland, Head of the Sustainability Department