Today’s class trip was truly insightful. I learned so much regarding what makes sustainability initiatives effective and what factors makes a business successful. I found the discussion on incentives for developers to integrate energy efficient buildings interesting along with the conversation on authenticity and transparency, using the Spain blackout as an example.

In the EU, each building is rated through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which measures energy efficiency. This puts pressure on landlords to have insulation, enhanced heating and cooling systems and the use of renewable energy. I personally feel this is amazing for both the renters and landlords. Higher ratings make housing more livable and attractive to renters, which can increase a landlord’s income. In turn, those earnings can be invested in further improvements to raise their rating even more.

For any company transitioning to renewable energy and sustainability, it is more important to remember that the process requires patience and commitment. If something doesn’t work the first time, the key is to find solutions rather than abandon the effort that was being made. I found the example of the Spain electrical blackout in April a good example of this. Upon further research I found that the blackout wasn’t caused by an issue with solar energy but rather the failures in grid management and infrastructure, yet Spain didn’t give up on renewable energy. Instead, they worked to improve their infrastructure to prevent any further issues and enhance the system.

This experience deepened my understanding of how sustainability efforts require both regulations (like the EPBD ratings) and a mindset of resilience and transparency. I left this business trip with a clear view of how policy and transparency can work together to create meaningful, lasting change.