As sustainability becomes a central factor in investment and operational strategies, the logistics and industrial sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonize. Companies that act now will gain a competitive advantage, while those that delay may struggle to meet evolving market demands.

 

At the Real Estate & Construction Forum 2025, organized by Business Mark on February 28 at the JW Marriott Bucharest, Răzvan Nica, CEO of Carbon Tool and founder of BuildGreen, joined industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of logistics and industrial spaces. He emphasized that decarbonization is not merely a regulatory requirement but a strategic necessity for long-term business resilience and growth.

 

The case for decarbonization in logistics

 

Currently, over 90% of Romania’s logistics and industrial space is owned by investors with integrated ESG strategies. With Scope 3 emissions, generated across the supply chain,making up as much as 80-90% of a company’s total emissions, there is growing pressure to track, report and reduce environmental footprints.

Răzvan Nica highlighted that decarbonization must be an integral part of corporate strategy rather than an isolated initiative. “Companies that embrace decarbonization today will secure long-term success, while those that delay will struggle to meet future market demands”, he said.

 

Key Takeaways from Răzvan Nica’s Insights

 

• • Sustainability remains a priority despite regulatory changes: While the Omnibus Initiative, adopted last week by the European Comission, has reduced ESG reporting bureaucracy, companies cannot afford to ignore sustainability. Large retailers, manufacturers, and investors continue to demand transparency and decarbonization throughout supply chains.
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• • Romania's logistics sector is shifting toward sustainability: Projected to reach 8 million square meters of industrial and logistics space in 2025, the sector is witnessing an increasing preference for sustainable developments.
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• • A focus on emissions measurement, energy efficiency, and green financing is crucial: Logistics companies that prioritize these aspects will gain a competitive edge in securing investments and meeting stakeholder expectations.
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• • Green financing provides business resilience: ESG-aligned companies enjoy easier access to funding from banks and investment funds prioritizing sustainability. Green loans, carbon reduction incentives and sustainable financing mechanisms support long-term growth.
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• • Infrastructure improvements will impact emissions: Romania’s expanding highway network, currently exceeding 1,100 kilometers of operational highways, is expected to improve transport efficiency. As new roadways enhance connectivity between logistics hubs, they will help reduce congestion and lower emissions from transportation.