The real estate sector faces an increasingly challenging task. The call for a more sustainable, socially responsible, and transparent real estate sector has grown alongside the rise of ESG guidelines (Environmental, Social, and Governance). As the pressure on the livability of urban areas increases and the demand for housing rises, developers are expected to look beyond merely energy-efficient buildings. At the same time, they must meet the increasingly higher living standard demands of residents. "When discussing future-proof real estate, services play a major role in this vision of the future. If that service could also fall under ESG standards and contributes to a livable neighbourhood, you're getting two birds with one stone," says Luke van der Wardt, CEO of My Pick Up Point (MyPup).
Sustainability Starts on the Drawing Board
The foundation for a sustainable neighbourhood is laid on the drawing board, but it doesn’t stop there. To properly implement ESG guidelines, developers must consider sustainability and smart solutions from the design phase, considering their long-term effects. This applies not only to the building itself but also to the relationship with the built environment and the amenities a neighbourhood offers. The choices made—or not made—will directly impact the daily lives of residents and users. Real estate development requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just the building's sustainability.
Flexible Spaces as a Response to Changing Housing Needs
The modern, densely populated urban environment and the rising cost per square meter calls for collaborations, new synergies, and smart use of spaces with a forward-looking perspective. Van der Wardt says, "In areas with limited space, you need to not only think carefully about the layout but also be able to quickly switch between functionalities so that they can meet residents' needs both now and in the future."
The 'S' in Social Also Stands for Service
Multifunctional space usage and shared functions in community spaces can be the answer. Consider common areas that serve as workplaces during the day and social meeting spots in the evening. Think of a laundry facility in the building or a 'shared living room' where residents can exchange books and hold workshops or neighbourhood activities. Such a ‘living room’ simultaneously strengthens the social cohesion in buildings. Smart space design not only offers convenience but also creates an environment where residents feel more connected. The 'S' in social also stands for service.
The MyPup Model: Smart Logistics for a Sustainable Future
There’s much talk about car-free neighbourhoods where services like shared mobility and redesigned transport flows are key. There is still much to be done in parcel delivery. MyPup’s innovative model combines service with smart transportation flows, reducing logistical pressure on neighbourhoods. By consolidating parcel flows from various providers, 9 out of 10 delivery trips are saved. This results in reduced traffic and CO2 emissions. Additionally, MyPup’s in-building parcel lockers allow residents to securely receive, return, or send parcels 24/7. Van der Wardt says, "Our model supports the transition to car-free neighbourhoods and strengthens social cohesion. By implementing services like MyPup, we can take a step beyond energy efficiency and work toward the core of what ESG can achieve in neighbourhood development: sustainability, livability, and human-centred design."
Livable Neighborhoods: The Importance of Integrated Solutions
A car-free neighbourhood doesn’t automatically mean a green or livable one. It’s up to developers to think beyond just reducing car traffic. Limiting traffic movements in a neighbourhood improves air quality, reduces noise pollution, minimizes parcel theft, and enhances safety and residential comfort, but without integrated solutions, the impact falls short. Flexible spaces and smart logistics must go hand in hand.
The Future-Proof, Livable Neighborhood Requires New Synergies
The future of the real estate sector is inextricably linked to ESG guidelines. Developers who incorporate various services from the drawing board with these guidelines make their projects future-proof. By considering sustainable and flexible solutions now, they can better respond to the changing needs of residents and the pressures of regulation. This is by no means an easy task, but if well implemented, it leads to future-proof, low-risk real estate that contributes to livable and sustainable neighbourhoods.
Smart logistics solutions like MyPup, in combination with flexible spaces, offer a practical implementation of ESG criteria. They improve the quality of living and urban logistics, leading to livable, sustainable neighbourhoods in the long term.
Interested in how MyPup can help transform your real estate project into a more sustainable and livable model? Contact us for more information.