Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. In the 2020s, sustainable construction became an integral part of development strategies around the world. In Georgia, despite the novelty of the concept of “green development,” the elite segment has adopted global trends. This is especially noticeable in the country’s two largest cities, Tbilisi and Batumi. Leading developers, including Apart Group, Orbi Group, and Metropol, are integrating energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly solutions into premium residential projects.
What is green development?
Green development is an approach to construction that minimizes negative environmental impact and improves the energy efficiency of buildings. It includes:
- use of sustainable and local materials;
- energy-saving technologies, such as solar panels, LED lighting, and insulation;
- water management and drainage systems;
- green roofs, vertical gardens, and natural landscapes;
- sustainable planning, including maximizing the use of natural light and ventilation.
Tbilisi: Smart Architecture and Landscape Care
In Georgia’s capital, green technologies are becoming part of prestigious residential projects. The main emphasis is placed on integration into the landscape, energy efficiency, and privacy.
Apart Group, a leader in the premium segment, actively uses “green” approaches. Their Saguramo Gardens residential complex, located in the suburbs of Tbilisi, has become an example of eco-friendly architecture:
- the building is embedded in the natural landscape without disturbing the forest;
- a system of passive ventilation and high-quality thermal insulation has been implemented;
- energy-efficient, double-glazed windows and natural façade materials have been used;
- the project provides an electric car charging station.
Another one of the company’s projects, Old City Panorama, uses solar panels to partially power common areas and has a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate green spaces.
Batumi: Resort Eco-Friendliness and Smart Technologies
As a resort area and a portal to the Black Sea, Batumi urgently needs sustainable construction. Smart solutions aimed at minimizing the carbon footprint and increasing the energy efficiency of buildings are being implemented here.The Orbi Group, the largest developer in the Black Sea region, emphasizes this in its latest projects, such as Orbi City and Orbi Twin Towers.
- automated climate control systems;
- use of solar panels on roofs;
- LED lighting in all public areas;
- energy-efficient plumbing and ventilation.
Another notable project is Metropol’s Cube Tower, an eco-friendly skyscraper. Designed according to sustainable construction principles, the tower will feature energy-efficient facades, smart heating and cooling systems, and waste sorting stations. The building’s architectural design is optimized to reduce wind loads and increase energy efficiency.
Prospects and challenges
Despite notable progress, Georgia’s luxury real estate market is only at the beginning of its journey toward green building practices. The main barriers are the lack of nationwide green development standards and the high cost of implementing green technologies.
Nevertheless, investments in sustainable housing are becoming increasingly profitable. According to consulting agencies’ estimates, “green” houses increase an object’s liquidity and profitability by 10-15% in the long term. Additionally, tenant and buyer feedback indicates that environmental friendliness is becoming an increasingly important selection criterion.
Conclusion
Georgia is entering the era of sustainable development. Market leaders such as Apart Group, Orbi Group, and Metropol already emphasize sustainability as a competitive advantage. Tbilisi projects emphasize landscape integration and privacy, while Batumi projects focus on automation, energy efficiency, and smart technologies. Green construction is no longer just a trend; it is a prerequisite for luxury real estate that meets today’s clients’ expectations and tomorrow’s standards.