There are significant challenges that society must address, and the real estate sector, with its weight and influence, should be actively involved in driving progress. Housing needs to be both affordable and sustainable, and the industry must own this mission, offering the tools that make it possible. Housing is not merely a market product; it is a right. The obligation to minimize the carbon footprint from construction and use remains essential, and the sector should balance emissions wherever possible. When evaluating today’s business landscape, it is clear that many leaders recognize this responsibility and are ready to rise to the challenge.
Both accessibility and sustainability share a common thread: the future. If these challenges are addressed effectively now, it signals the possibility of a safer, healthier, and fairer tomorrow for generations who will not repeat today’s mistakes.
Important steps toward sustainability have already been taken by management, supported by industry allies and companies. New regulations are guiding a sustainable construction model. In this context, Royal Decree No. 390/2021 on the basic procedure for energy efficiency certification of buildings and Law No. 7/2021 on climate action and energy transition are shaping the sector. These expectations come from a market that already values responsible business practices and demands climate-friendly change.
The industry accounts for a substantial share of emissions, a figure that encompasses materials, transport, construction activities, and the ongoing use of homes. Notably, about 70% of the carbon footprint tied to building a house stems from steel and cement production, while the construction process itself accounts for roughly 4.4%. It is important to distinguish between the stock built decades ago and new construction.
Today, many homes fall into high efficiency or mid-range categories, with a large portion of existing housing rated at energy class D. There is growing use of sustainably sourced materials, modern insulation methods, proper orientation, and a strong focus on renewable energy technologies such as aerothermal systems and photovoltaics. The overarching goal is to minimize both the construction impact and the ongoing energy use, aiming for net zero emissions across the sector by 2050.
As progress continues, some segments of the population face barriers to securing housing through purchase or rental. Young people and other vulnerable groups often encounter housing crises regardless of employment status. Public attention and budgets tend to prioritize other essential services such as shelter, education, and health, and housing is increasingly managed through public‑private collaboration. Yet gaps remain, leaving some citizens without stable homes.
The industry has long advocated for structural housing policy changes. To date, there has been limited specificity beyond broad aims, and attempts at public housing programs have yielded mixed results. A shift toward open public‑private cooperation is needed, with shared outcomes that balance company viability with social needs. This approach could enable quality, affordable housing and clearer pathways for private sector participation in supported housing initiatives. It would require reforming rigid bureaucratic structures and granting more flexible licensing for designers of public protection housing, among other steps.
Solutions should not simply distort the market to force adjustments. The aim is to blend the economic realities faced by many firms with a commitment to creating better access and opportunity for home ownership and rental stability.
By embracing these changes, the real estate sector can set a standard for communities seeking greener, more livable, and more equitable living spaces. The industry can lead in delivering housing that respects the environment while remaining affordable and within reach for households in Canada and the United States, ensuring shelter remains a universal right for all.