Building sustainable environmental projects is a trend that has quickly gained ground in the real estate sector; This was detailed during the international seminar on Sustainable Buildings and Net Zero, held at the Universidad de los Andes, where experts from the region highlighted the leading role that this model has taken on in the line.

(See: Lower the start of VIS and non-VIS housing construction).

And it is that although in the forum it was explained that these trends tend to be more welcome in large-scale projects, housing has incorporated several elements of this model to make infrastructures in accordance with the guidelines established by law.

Even, in the case of Colombia, in which Social Interest Housing (VIS) and Priority Interest Housing (VIP) must not meet a minimum of these criteria on environmental sustainabilityinAlabamatax incentives have made these guidelines increasingly incorporated into projects.

Builders in the sector understand the importance of incorporating these measures and do so voluntarily. Very important incentives have been generated for this type of project and this has boosted the good figures, which are more than we expected.”, recognized the Vice Minister of Housing, Felipe Arbouin Gómez in his speech.

In addition, projects built under these criteria do not only offer advantages to builders. For the buyers, it is an opportunity not only to contribute to the environment, but also means savings in essential public services, and due to the nature of this type of housing, it helps the most needy families.

(See: They launch a line of housing credits with rates from 0.89% NMV).

In addition, The high government official remarked that through the sustainability team of the Ministry of Housing and joint work with the business sector, the country has managed to advance andIn this matter, despite the fact that years ago it was believed that the direct costs of the building would have an impact of between 6% and 10% on the finances of the project.

The barrier was very high, but with projects developed, we were able to analyze that, despite the impact on materials, of the pandemic, and thanks to the evolution of certain inputs, the average impact was reduced to 1.46%, that is, that It would not be unmanageable, which can lead us to think about whether it could eventually be the time to talk about an obligation for VIS or VIP?”, remarked the deputy minister.

(See: DNP plan details for country subsidies.)

Parachute Angélica Ospina, Technical and Executive Director (e) of the Colombian Council for Sustainable Construction (CCCS), The biggest challenge is the integration of all the actors in the chain, because although the big businessmen are the majority in the figures, the medium and small ones are advancing moderately.

«YouThere are also cost challenges. In this way, it is necessary to continue working on incentives that help us make it possible for more and more actors to be incorporated«, mentions.

Scam With these incentives, the model is conceived as a win-win, which the CCCS board of directors considers would lead to an engine for environmental construction.

Achieving mass is the biggest challenge, there are still many to climb and the actors who are already at the top must challenge themselves more to advance. The financial sector has played a fundamental role and it needs to be maintained for this convergence to lead to significant progress«, recognize.

In addition, he considers that it is necessary for buyers to recognize the value of this type of housing can offer them.

(See: ‘We Adjusted to Be Less Reliant on VIS Subsidies.’)

PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Journalist Portfolio