Why Healthy Buildings in the Baltics Are On the Rise: Insights from Vesta Consulting 

Best in Building HealthHealthy Building ProfilesStrategies & Solutions
Written By Kenneth Einhorn
BLC2, Lithuania _ Photo Courtesy of BEI Capital - 15 _ BiBH 2024.jpg

BLC, Lithuania | Photo Courtesy of BEI Capital

AT A GLANCE

Certification Project Teams: SBA Urban, UAB; Vesta Consulting, UAB; BEI Capital, UAB 

Project: BLC

Location: Kaunas,Lithuania

Award: Fitwel Impact Award: Highest Scoring Project of All-Time (Built)

Eugenijus Sapel
Head of Sustainable Buildings Division, Vesta Consulting

Rūta Vismantė
Service Development Manager, SBA Urban, UAB

Andrius Mikalauskas
CEO, SBA Urban, UAB

Learn about the evolution of health-focused design, ESG integration, and strategic insights from the industry-leading project teams below.

 How have you seen the healthy building movement evolve in the Baltic Region?
ES: At first, the focus was more on energy efficiency and how buildings could minimize environmental impact, with certifications like BREEAM and LEED leading the way. However, post-COVID, there’s been a shift towards holistic well-being and health aspects in building designs and operations–and that remains front and center. The introduction of healthy building standards like Fitwel has further advanced this focus, allowing developers to differentiate themselves and create competitive advantages to meet people’s demand for healthy environments. Today, we see many first-time Fitwel-certified projects in the Baltics, with more on the horizon.

What does the ESG regulatory landscape look like in that region?
ES: The Baltic region's ESG regulatory landscape is driven by EU directives like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Taxonomy, pushing for greater transparency and sustainable building practices. These frameworks ensure environmental impact evaluations and require accurate ESG disclosures, critical for informed investor decisions. Consulting firms, such as Vesta Consulting, assist in navigating these stricter regulations. Adoption of GRESB is growing, with some real estate funds leading the way. Certification systems like Fitwel align with these standards, signaling the region's commitment to sustainability.

Which sectors have you noticed an increased demand for healthy buildings?
ES: The corporate office sector is driving demand as organizations strive to attract talent by providing healthier and safer work environments. Industrial sectors, including manufacturing and logistics, also show growing interest in certifications like Fitwel and WELL. We’re also seeing it increase within the healthcare sector, where the intrinsic link between environment and health outcomes drives demand for buildings that support patient recovery through design and operation, and in the educational sector, with schools and universities seeking to create environments that enhance learning and overall student well-being.

Why did you choose Fitwel to address your client's long-term goals?
ES: Fitwel aligns perfectly with our client’s goals of fostering well-being and strong tenant relationships. Its evidence-based strategies are adaptable, making it an excellent tool for integrating health into every aspect of building operations. Fitwel not only enhances the immediate environment but also supports broader community health benchmarks.

What motivated your company to pursue Fitwel?
RV: At SBA Urban, UAB, our focus from the start was on boosting well-being, health, and productivity for our community. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened our commitment. With guidance from Fitwel Ambassador Eugenijus Sapel at Vesta Consulting, we found Fitwel provided a systematic, research-backed approach to achieving our goals.

BLC2, Lithuania | Photo Courtesy of BEI Capital

BLC2, Lithuania | Photo Courtesy of BEI Capital

BLC2, Lithuania | Photo Courtesy of BEI Capital

BLC2, Lithuania | Photo Courtesy of BEI Capital

What advice would you give a team who is considering adopting Fitwel for the first time? 
RV: If you’re new to Fitwel and have the opportunity, it’d be great to start at the design stage to optimize the building according to Fitwel’s strategies. Consider key factors like location, infrastructure, common spaces, and daylight access. Remember, Fitwel isn’t just a certificate; it’s a foundational commitment to ongoing value through health and well-being.

How are you using Fitwel to advance your ESG-related strategy? 
AM: Fitwel has been key in enhancing employee well-being, leading to high satisfaction and lower turnover. We prioritize the Social pillar of ESG equally with the Environmental aspects, using Fitwel to support our employees and community while building trust and making a tangible impact.

What remains your company's greatest challenge to accomplishing – and generating value from – its ESG strategy?
AM: Our biggest challenge in the long term is staying competitive and ensuring sustainable financial value. We believe it’s not just about writing it down or verbalizing it, for us, it’s about making a real positive impact. Viewing our business through a healthy, sustainable lens is crucial for our future success.

Who else made this year’s Best in Building Health list? Visit fitwel.org/bibh and reserve your copy of our popular spin-off series, Building Health Issue# 4.

About Vesta Consulting
Vesta Consulting is leading sustainability partners in Baltics and beyond, dedicated to guiding businesses towards a sustainable future, making a real impact in organization. Since our establishment in 2012, we have been at the forefront of promoting environmental responsibility and implementing sustainable solutions. Our services encompass green building certification, corporate sustainability strategy, regulatory compliance assessment, and environmental impact analysis. By partnering with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Vesta Consulting helps integrate sustainable development goals into core operations, aiming to achieve measurable improvements in ESG performance and impact. Our commitment to driving change and fostering innovation makes us a trusted partner in building a more sustainable future. To learn more, visit vestaconsulting.lt/en 

About BEI Capital
BEI Capital UAB is a dynamic investment firm based in Lithuania, specializing in capital management and financial services. Founded with the vision of pioneering innovative investment strategies, BEI Capital UAB leverages extensive market expertise to deliver robust financial solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our clients, ranging from individual investors to large corporations. Our core services include asset management, venture capital funding, and strategic financial planning, all designed to optimize returns and enhance capital growth. Committed to integrity and transparency, BEI Capital UAB empowers clients to achieve their financial goals through tailored advice and exceptional service.

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Kenneth Einhorn
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