The EnviroSustain team travelled to Prague for GBCI Europe Circle 2025 to sponsor and participate in the event and spend meaningful time together as a team. Set in the heart of one of Europe’s most architecturally stunning cities, this year’s Circle brought together real estate professionals, ESG leaders, and green building experts for an unforgettable mix of deep-dive discussions, practical tools, and personal connection.

We were proud to co-host an engaging round-table session with GRESB and took part in multiple workshops, keynotes, and networking events. At the same time, our team explored Prague together, soaking in the history, culture, and sustainability innovations of this remarkable city.

GRESB & EnviroSustain Roundtable: A Focused Conversation

We kicked off Wednesday with a co-hosted roundtable session with GRESB, held at The Julius Prague. Although small and invite-only, the session was full, every seat taken, and the intimate format allowed for open, honest, and approachable exchange.

Our Partner, Ingemar Hunold, opened the session with a snapshot of current ESG developments from the market’s perspective. Following that, Chris Pyke of GRESB delivered a compelling overview of how GRESB is adapting to evolving industry needs. His ability to connect topics and articulate the broader purpose behind ESG efforts left a lasting impression on attendees.

The discussions didn’t end with the session; a joint lunch followed, where conversations continued across tables. It was a very productive and engaging format.

Sustainable Portfolios & Smart Tools

Later that day, several of our team members – including Daniel, Victor, and Christina – attended the Sustainable Portfolios workshop, hosted by GRESB and USGBC. The session provided practical strategies to align portfolio-level sustainability goals with new tools such as USGBC’s PERFORM platform and how they connect to broader ESG metrics.

Presenters including Jeff Benavides, Emily Heppard, and Francesca Galati walked us through verification methods, data management, and performance reporting. Chris Pyke’s presentation once again stood out. His enthusiasm and clarity brought the technical content to life. Discussions of platforms like ARC, FGB Studio, and Climate First showed how digital tools are making sustainability more measurable and actionable.

Evening Networking in a Former Church

Wednesday evening’s networking event was held in one of the most atmospheric venues of the week, Crossroads Church, a beautifully restored historic church-turned-event-space in the heart of Prague. With ancient murals still visible on the walls, the venue created a unique and memorable setting for open conversation.

While most of us made the rounds meeting new people from across the sector, we also spent time reconnecting as a team. Events like this remain one of the most valuable ways to share experiences, meet like-minded professionals, and explore new collaborations.

Thought Leadership on LEED and the EU Taxonomy

On Thursday, our Partner Ingemar Hunold delivered a well-attended session offering a valuable overview of how LEED Version 5 aligns with the EU Taxonomy. His presentation clearly outlined the growing synergy between voluntary certification systems and regulatory frameworks, showing how LEED can serve as a practical tool to support both compliance and investor transparency across European markets.

One of the key takeaways was the increasing emphasis on climate resilience within the building sector – a topic that resonated strongly with the audience and sparked a lively discussion. As sustainable finance and reporting demands evolve, sessions like this help industry professionals stay ahead of the curve and better integrate performance standards with policy goals.

Inspiring Keynotes and Conversations

The keynotes throughout the conference delivered both practical insight and emotional resonance.

On Thursday, Sandra Schmid of Siemens Real Estate shared how Siemens is responding to taxonomy requirements across their operations in over 190 countries. It was a fascinating look into how one of the world’s largest real estate owners is embedding sustainability into its global strategy.

Another highlight was Harald Friedl’s keynote: “From Linear to Circular: Can We Make the Economics of Change Work in a World of Turmoil?” His energy was contagious. As the room tired from a long day, he brought a surge of motivation, helping us remember why we do what we do and what it will take to truly transform the built environment.

Takeaways from Prague

While the event was packed with important discussions, one of the most powerful takeaways came from simply being in Prague. With its rich history and breathtaking architecture, the city itself reminded us of the importance of restoration, reuse, and design integrity.

Christina and Victor visited the Mucha Museum, celebrating the city’s famous Art Nouveau legacy, and even connected with a local innovator working on smart glass for facades, integrating sun shading and potential PV functionality. It was a reminder that sustainability is not only technical but also artistic, creative, and human.

Looking Ahead to Milan

As we reflect on a fulfilling week, we’re already looking forward to what’s next. The 2026 GBCI Europe Circle will take place in Milan, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going.

Until then, we’ll carry the ideas, tools, and energy from Prague forward in our work across Europe and beyond.