MIPIM 2026: When Sustainability Ceases to Be Future and Becomes Identity

This year, as I walked through the halls of MIPIM 2026, I felt something different. It wasn't just the usual enthusiasm of the real estate industry when it gathers. It was a common, almost palpable vibe, a feeling that, for once, we're all looking in the same direction. From the big stages to discreet conversations, the same idea was repeated with impressive naturalness:
ESG is the new currencies in Real Estate Assets.
Not as a trend. Not as an obligation. But as a deep truth, assumed and felt.
The moment that crystallized this perception was the keynote by the Nobel Prize in Economics, Philippe Aghion. Listening to him was like witnessing a clear reading of the future. Aghion explained how innovation and technology are shaping sustainable and resilient urban development, how the link between public and private capital is decisive in this phase of green and digital transition, and how public policies need to evolve to generate productivity, competitiveness and more balanced regional growth.
Aghion's presence follows MIPIM's tradition of bringing some of the most influential figures in contemporary thought to the global debate. François Hollande, Sanna Marin and Ban Ki-Moon have already passed through this stage. But this year's intervention had something special. It was a call to action, a clear warning that the real estate sector is being redesigned by forces so profound that those who do not adapt quickly will be irretrievably left behind.
Nicolas Boffi, director of MIPIM, highlighted that Aghion's gaze is fundamental at a time when artificial intelligence is changing everything we do. The truth is that, today, before a project is born, AI already gives us back the expected carbon footprint based on thousands of different materials and scenarios. Real estate has become a sector of data science, environmental metrics and decisions based on real impact.
And this is where the 2026 edition becomes personal to me.
In these two days, I felt genuine pride to see the growing recognition given to Greenvolt Group and Greenvolt Next. Representing part of my time a Portuguese multinational that is, concretely, part of the solution is something that excites me. These are not abstract concepts. These are real responses to real challenges.
Greenvolt is acting where this transition requires immediate action. In industrial and logistics sectors, it has implemented solar self-consumption solutions that significantly reduce emissions and offer very fast paybacks. In several European countries, it is offering PPAs that allow companies to transition to renewable energy without the need for upfront investment. In large-scale infrastructure, it is integrating storage and intelligent energy management systems that make operations more resilient, efficient and economically sustainable. In real estate, renewable energy is no longer a complement and has become an integral part of the value proposition of assets that seek to comply with ESG criteria and ensure better financing conditions.
With each meeting I have here at MIPIM it is evident that Greenvolt is being recognized as a solid partner, quick in response and technically competent. Seeing companies and funds from various countries refer to their work as a reference gives me the certainty that Portugal really has something differentiating to offer Europe's energy and environmental future.
What I take away from these two days is more emotional than technical. I feel that we are experiencing a historic change. The real estate industry is rewriting its genetic code. Value, risk, return, liquidity, and even reputation now go through sustainability, energy efficiency, and real impact metrics.
And being involved in this transformation, whether as General Manager at Casaiberia, or as a representative of Greenvolt, leaves me with the feeling that we are exactly where we should be. Not to observe change from a distance, but to actively participate in it.
ESG is no longer an additional chapter in projects. It became identity. Essence. And those who understand it now will not only be prepared for the future, but will be responsible for building it.
I want to be on that side. And here at MIPIM 2026, I deeply feel that I am not alone.