As a professional in the real estate segment, how do you view the role of accessibility in sustainable development and design?

Accessibility is not just a technical requirement - it is a fundamental component of sustainable development and a prerequisite for a truly inclusive society. A building cannot be considered sustainable if it excludes a part of the population from fully using it. Although accessibility regulations exist in most countries, their enforcement varies. In Romania, compliance is often superficial due to weak oversight, leading to new or renovated buildings that fail to meet even basic accessibility standards. Bridging this gap requires more than regulations - it demands awareness, responsibility, and proactive engagement from developers and policymakers.

What are the trends in real estate sustainability certificates in Romania?

In Romania, sustainability certifications have become an essential requirement for all new commercial developments and are increasingly pursued for existing properties as well. Green building standards such as LEED, BREEAM, or EDGE are no longer a differentiator in themselves, but rather a baseline expectation from institutional investors, financing institutions, and major tenants. The demand is driven both by global ESG commitments and by EU-level frameworks like the Taxonomy Regulation, which encourage alignment with measurable sustainability goals.

Initially adopted by office developers, sustainability certifications have quickly expanded to logistics and retail, with owners competing to deliver best-in-class assets in a competitive market. The residential sector is also maturing, with private buyers increasingly willing to pay a premium for certified sustainable housing. An emerging trend is the diversification of certifications. Beyond mainstream green ratings, property owners are now looking toward specialized schemes that address specific ESG aspects - such as health and well-being (e.g. WELL), carbon performance (e.g. Zero Carbon), or accessibility and inclusion (e.g. Access4you). These niche certifications help projects stand out by showcasing commitment to particular values and offering a competitive edge in both leasing and investment markets.

How does disability inclusion - or inclusion in general - fit into these trends and the industry's future?

The shift towards ESG-driven real estate strategies is making disability inclusion a more prominent topic. Investors and tenants increasingly demand workplaces that support diverse needs, pushing landlords to consider accessibility as a key factor in building design and operation. Global certification systems have responded to this demand. The newly approved LEED v5 includes a dedicated credit for Accessibility and Inclusion, requiring compliance with local codes and at least 10 additional measures beyond regulatory minimums. WELL and BREEAM also incorporate accessibility into their frameworks, reinforcing its importance in sustainable development.



Why have you decided to become an Access4you Accredited Partner?

I chose to become an Access4you Accredited Partner because I saw a critical need to improve accessibility in Romania. Too many public buildings and spaces are designed without considering the accessibility needs of people with disabilities, either due to lack of awareness or weak regulatory enforcement. From my experience as an architect, I know that even when accessibility is a legal requirement, it is often overlooked during the permitting process. This results in buildings that are non-compliant from the start, creating long-term barriers for users. Through my work with Access4you, I aim to bridge this gap - not just by auditing buildings, but by educating developers, architects, and asset managers on how to integrate accessibility from the earliest design stages. Accessibility is not just a checklist; it is a mindset that should be embedded in every real estate decision.

How do you see what value the Access4you Certification brings to the real estate industry?

Initially, Access4you Certification serves as a market differentiator, helping property owners stand out in a competitive landscape. However, its true impact lies in how it changes mindsets. During the certification process, building owners often realize that accessibility is not just about meeting minimum requirements - it is about improving usability for all people. Many start with a basic certification but later invest in upgrades. By the time they recertify, they typically achieve a higher level, demonstrating a real commitment to inclusion. Beyond individual properties, Access4you can influence broader industry standards. As more major players adopt certification, accessibility expectations shift from being an optional feature to an industry norm. Over time, this can drive regulatory improvements and stronger enforcement of accessibility laws.



What is the general reception of the certification from the client side in Romania?

The reception varies by sector. In the office market, awareness is high, especially among institutional investors and large portfolio owners. Companies recognize that inclusive workplaces support employee well-being, enhance corporate reputation, and align with ESG commitments. In the retail sector, progress has been slower. While one major shopping mall has achieved Access4you Certification, other owners are hesitant, often conducting cost-benefit analyses before committing. However, as customer expectations evolve and accessibility becomes a differentiator, more retail projects are likely to follow suit.

How do you approach clients and convince them?

Many clients initially seek sustainability certifications, so I use that opportunity to introduce accessibility as part of a broader ESG strategy. The key is shifting the conversation from compliance to opportunity - showing how accessibility enhances tenant satisfaction, employee productivity, and long-term asset value. For office buildings, the presence of the two main leading landlords in Romania in the Access4you portfolio creates a strong market precedent. In retail, the challenge is higher, but I emphasize that an accessible shopping experience increases customer loyalty and spending power, benefiting both owners and tenants. As accessibility gains traction in ESG reporting and financial risk assessments, more clients will see it as a necessity rather than an optional upgrade.

What are your experiences as an auditor so far?

One of the biggest surprises has been the accessibility gaps in newly built office buildings. Some are less than 10 years old and yet fail to provide functional access for wheelchair users, despite having dedicated restrooms. Common issues include narrow corridors, inaccessible doors, or poorly designed ramps. Many property owners assume their buildings are fully accessible simply because they have installed an elevator or a restroom with accessibility features. However, unless these elements are tested and verified, they often remain non-functional in real-world use. This is where Access4you provides crucial value - by identifying hidden barriers and offering practical, implementable solutions. Through audits, owners gain a clearer understanding of accessibility as a user experience, not just a technical specification.

What are your future plans as our special Building Accredited Professional?

I plan to expand my expertise by obtaining Access4you Design Auditing Services Accreditation, allowing me to influence accessibility at the early design phase. It is far more efficient - and cost-effective - to integrate accessibility from the beginning rather than retrofit a building after construction. By working closely with architects and developers, I aim to promote a design-first approach to inclusion, ensuring that accessibility is built into the DNA of new projects rather than added as an afterthought.