Altera’s sustainable journey: from BREEAM certification to sustainable value creation

At Altera Real Estate, everything revolves around responsible property investments that benefit not only investors but also tenants and society. Altera believes that strong collaborations with municipalities, corporations, and business partners are essential for creating sustainable value. In this case study, we take you on Altera’s inspiring journey towards more sustainable, future-proof real estate, focusing particularly on the BREEAM recertification of their property portfolio.

Sustainability as the core of Altera’s strategy

According to Willem Jan van de Water, Project Manager ESG at Altera, sustainability is not just a buzzword. It has long been an integral part of their investment and real estate strategy. “In 2021, we took the next step by developing individual roadmaps for each asset in our entire property portfolio. Our goal? To be Paris Proof by 2040. This requires significant and well-considered measures,” he asserts. Altera consistently scores highly on the GRESB benchmark and is actively committed to sustainability. In addition to BREEAM certification for their retail portfolio, they use EPA for residential properties and focus on innovative, climate-adaptive measures.

BREEAM recertification: success thanks to CFP’s expertise

In 2021, Altera decided to apply for the recertification of 63 assets after successfully achieving BREEAM certification in 2018. Willem Jan explains that the choice to partner with CFP stemmed from their reputation for quality and expertise. “We wanted a partner who offers not only market-conform prices but also valuable insights and support throughout the process.”

CFP distinguished itself with its clear communication style and proactive approach. “They assisted us not just in obtaining the recertification but also ensured that we were well-informed about the requirements and possibilities. This made the recertification process significantly more efficient,” Willem Jan states. Thanks to CFP’s guidance, many assets achieved higher BREEAM scores without needing significant measures. “Often, extra documentation was sufficient to realize substantial improvements in our scores,” he adds.

“CFP provided us with the additional tools and knowledge not only to comply with changing laws and regulations but also to enhance our scores. Ultimately, 53 out of the 63 assets now have an improved BREEAM score. CFP delivered everything they promised and more. It just went really smoothly.”

– Willem Jan van de Water, Projectmanager ESG at Altera

Effective collaboration with property managers

One of the biggest challenges during the recertification process was collaborating with property managers, who are often busy with their own responsibilities. Willem Jan explains: “The information from property managers is crucial for us, but we do not want to overload them with requests. It is vital to find the right balance in what we ask.”

To optimise this collaboration, we organised a kick-off meeting with our external property managers in conjunction with CFP. “CFP clearly outlined the planning and necessary information, and together we discussed expectations and the goals to be achieved. This ensured that everyone was well-informed about their roles and responsibilities,” Willem Jan explains. This approach ensured that all property managers were on board, leading to a smooth and effective process.

From BREEAM to action: concrete sustainability measures

With renewed insights and data, the next step can now be taken: creating value through further sustainability. “It is not just about BREEAM scores; we focus on valuable projects that make a significant impact on the environment and the livability of our assets,” Willem Jan emphasises. Over the past three years, Altera has laid a strong foundation to be Paris Proof by 2040. “Last year, we partnered with business associates to implement an integrated approach to achieve our goal. This includes glass replacement, roof insulation, solar panels, and upgrading installations,” he shares. These measures are designed with a long-term perspective and represent an important step towards Altera’s 2040 goal.

The sustainable future of real estate

Willem Jan is determined that the future of real estate is sustainable. “If you wait too long, you will encounter problems. The value of your properties declines, and regulations are becoming stricter. We want to lead in sustainability for both our shareholders and tenants.” To support this ambition, Altera has appointed an energy advisor who helps tenants optimally leverage sustainability opportunities.

Foundation for the future: Altera’s sustainable initiatives

The collaboration between Altera and CFP Green Buildings has not only led to further insights and higher BREEAM scores but has also laid a foundation for future sustainable initiatives. This ensures that quality real estate remains the basis for creating financial returns while also making social and environmental impacts transparent and measurable. With a strong vision and a passion for sustainability, Altera is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and create lasting value for all stakeholders.

Contact Netherlands

CFP Green Buildings
J.C. Wilslaan 29
7313 HK Apeldoorn
The Netherlands
+31 (0)55 355 5199
info@cfp.nl

Contact International

CFP Green Buildings
Onderwal 16
1411 LV Naarden
The Netherlands
+31 (0)55 355 5199
info@cfpgreenbuildings.com

Contact APAC Region

CFP Green Buildings
J.C. Wilslaan 29
7313 HK Apeldoorn
The Netherlands
+31 (0)55 355 5199
info@cfpgreenbuildings.com

Follow the latest trends! Sign up for our newsletter

Follow us

Choose your sector