Ülemiste Centre has received a score of 70.9% in the internationally recognised BREEAM In-Use certification for management processes, achieving the Excellent level. With this result, it rose to the absolute top among shopping centres in the Baltics and set a new standard for the entire Estonian commercial retail real estate sector. Attaining such a high-level certificate directly impacts the centre’s competitiveness, the property market, and the international reputation of Estonia’s economy.
Tiia Nõmm, Head of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility at Ülemiste Centre, emphasised that the certificate is not just another recognition but a clear confirmation that real estate in Estonia can be just as environmentally sustainable and innovative as in the Nordic countries or Western Europe. “The BREEAM In-Use certificate gives Ülemiste Centre a significant competitive edge, as more and more global companies and brands are seeking commercial spaces with sustainability certifications that align with their own sustainability goals. In addition, the certification process itself provides us with a powerful toolkit – a chance to move forward systematically, applying the exact methods set by the standard, which also prove effective for us in practice. This helps us improve continuously,” Nõmm explained.
According to Margus Tali, the certification expert from Tepsli OÜ who conducted the process, this is an outstanding achievement. “Sustainability and commercial success go hand in hand, and Ülemiste Centre’s accomplishment could have a notable impact on the entire Estonian property sector,” said Tali. “This is not just a one-off result but the fruit of systematic, long-term work. The bar for sustainability in Estonia’s shopping centres has now been raised for good.”
BREEAM In-Use evaluates building sustainability across two categories: Part 1 assesses physical solutions, and Part 2 evaluates management processes. Ülemiste Centre had already received a Very Good rating for Part 1 and now adds an Excellent rating for Part 2. Among shopping centres in the Baltic States, only one other – the Shopping and Entertainment Centre OZAS in Lithuania – has reached an equally high Excellent rating for Part 2.
An Economic Advantage for Tenants as Well
Tali pointed out that in evaluating both Part 1 and Part 2, there were aspects in which Ülemiste Centre clearly stood out from other shopping centres. For instance, Ülemiste Centre demonstrates high-quality, multifaceted, and consistent communication with its tenants – communication that also helps tenants operate as efficiently as possible. “Continuous information flow and well-being surveys conducted among tenants help guide the centre’s improvement efforts,” Tali explained.
As for the physical space of the centre, it is important to highlight that Ülemiste offers tenant employees dedicated rest areas, a shared-use kitchen, and separate changing rooms with shower facilities.
For tenants, good accessibility to the centre is crucial, as is the availability of a wide range of services – it is essential that the centre does everything to make visitors want to come and getting there should be as easy as possible. “Ülemiste Centre is easily accessible by public transport as well as by bicycle. Although more and more bike parking spaces are appearing around the city, no other shopping centre, for example, offers bicycle parking that is covered overhead,” Tali noted. The centre’s solutions related to universal design for visitors with reduced mobility also meet world-class standards and go beyond the usual accessibility requirements.
“Our investments in environmentally and socially friendly solutions are not just about sustainability. They provide a clear economic advantage,” Nõmm said. “Improving energy efficiency has reduced utility costs, which make up a significant portion of the centre’s operational expenses. This allows us to offer tenants a more stable environment, even in challenging times.”
Estonia as an Environmentally Conscious Business Destination
The internationally recognised BREEAM certificate helps strengthen Estonia’s reputation as an environmentally conscious commercial environment. Foreign companies seeking environmentally sustainable commercial premises for expansion can now find confirmation that Estonia offers rental spaces that meet the highest standards.
“Sustainability certificates are becoming one of the key criteria for global enterprises when choosing commercial premises,” said Margus Tali, an expert from Tepsli OÜ, a company conducting certification processes in Estonia. “Certificates like BREEAM enable Estonia to compete in the international investment market, especially since many global corporations are committed to operating exclusively in environmentally certified rental spaces.”
Ülemiste Centre’s certificate is valid until May 2026; however, the centre has already begun developing a roadmap to achieve even higher results in the next assessment.
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