Sustainability at Upgrade Estate
Our approach on the ecological, social, and economic fronts
Upgrade Estate wants to contribute to society and is always looking for added value that extends beyond meeting financial targets and results. We are committed to ecological & social sustainability,
through which we can have a positive impact on society. We use the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals as a guideline for our activities.
The sustainability charter is co-signed by all our partners.
How do we make an impact today?
Certifications and recognitions
VOKA
Our actions are annually
certified by VOKA
Unitar SDG Ambassador
In October 2024, we were elected as
a Unitar SDG Ambassador
Future-Fit Pioneer*
We use the Future Fit Business
Benchmark management tool
Sustainable forest management
For the sustainable management
of our forest in Finland
Future Fit Pioneer
We think it is important to measure our progress towards Future Fit. We use the Future Fit Business Benchmark management tool for this purpose. In this way, Upgrade Estate helps build a society that is ecologically restorative, socially just & economically inclusive. Curious to discover our Future-Fit Statement of Progress Report?
Ecological
sustainability
Limoengroen
Limoengroen, our sustainable spin-off, focuses on various themes around energy transition, data monitoring, renewable technologies and sustainable construction. In every project, Limoengroen limits energy demand by intelligently designing, implementing innovative techniques & optimally insulating. Limoengroen also uses sustainable energy sources such as solar panels, heat boilers, heat pumps, water recuperation, etc.
Sustainable and circular construction
The transition to sustainable and circular construction is in full swing. The climate change is challenging, and so are our own sustainability goals. This attitude starts with the development of our building projects and continues throughout the construction process. Our long-term management guarantees continuous sustainability.
Gas-free construction and energy efficiency
Since 2020, we have been building gas-free and we are making the existing energy installations of older buildings more sustainable. In our green Energy hUP, we are committed to implementing renewable energy, reducing energy demand & increasing energy consumption efficiency.
CO₂ reduction through timber construction
We are developing our first projects in wood construction. This is a key challenge to reduce our CO₂-emissions during the construction process to zero by 2035. By purchasing forests, we are learning about sustainable forest management and the possibilities of timber construction.
Green and biodiverse outdoor spaces
We go all out for an attractive green outdoor environment. This way, we not only raise the quality of life of our tenants to a greener level, but also give the city a green boost.
Upcycling and reuse in projects
Upcycling is an integral part of our interior design. Upcycling is reflected in the interior design of all our projects. We also incorporate construction waste in the interior design, the garden and signposting. Students who want to sell their old stuff to new students after their studies can do so on our Upkot Marketplace.
Development of own solar parks and wind turbines
Our environmental sustainability strategy is to be a net zero carbon organisation by 2035. To provide 100% renewable energy for our energy consumption within our projects, Upgrade Estate is developing its own wind turbines and its own solar farms.
Sustainable due diligence
As a company, we not only feel responsible for our own impact on the environment, human rights, working conditions & the fight against corruption, but also for that of our suppliers & contractors. Therefore, we engage in dialogue on how to prevent solid impact in the entire supply chain together with partners & suppliers. Together, we make adjustments in the production process. Our suppliers, partners & contractors co-sign our sustainability charter.
Social
sustainability
Coaches as the
heroes of the concept
Our philosophy of connection, coaching and community focuses on the tenant's experience. Our coaches are the central focus of every Upgrade Estate project.
Diversity and inclusion at Upgrade Estate
During our internal diversity track, we always critically examine how we deal with people of different origins, gender, religion, age,... We are particularly proud of our pocket dictionary that project leaders use to communicate in eight languages on site.
Mental support for students through Upgrade Solidarity
Our own private foundation aims to meet the needs of our tenants. Today, we are focusing on the mental well-being of our students. Through the Feel Free To Talk project, any student who is mentally struggling can book up to three free sessions with a psychologist.
Sustainable corporate culture: Great Place to Work
In 2025, we achieved the Great Place To Work certification for the fourth time. We are already awarded twice as Best Workplace. For us, participation goes beyond recognition: it provides valuable input from employees to strengthen our corporate culture. The survey measures trust, commitment and job satisfaction, and valued and connected employees automatically result in better service to customers and stakeholders.
Social impact with Upgrade Charity
Our mission is: to create social impact and social added value. We do this in different ways and with different projects. We always look for a link with our business and try to assess whether we are making sufficient social impact with our charity actions. Today, with Upgrade Charity, we support different charities. We also support numerous local & smaller initiatives with a donation or by letting them use our venues for their events.
Upgrade Academy
As an Upgrade Estate tenant, investor or co-Creator, you automatically become a member of the Upgrade Academy, and can participate in many activities for free.
Economic
sustainability
Investing through property holding companies
At Upgrade Estate, we don't think 'in cubicles'. You invest in a patrimony company of a specific project and we build, rent and manage. We think holistically about each phase of a project and always in terms of the end user.
Sustainable property management for tenants and investors
We unburden our tenants & investors by ensuring long-term socially, environmentally & economically sustainable management.
How will we make more impact in the future?
Upgrade Estate aims to be carbon neutral on scope 1, 2 & 3 by 2035. We will start reducing our carbon emissions to the maximum to then qualitatively offset a small residual fraction. For this, we base ourselves on the Science Based Targets (SBTi) method.
You can just take a look at our interim targets.
