IP Investment Management (IPIM) – in partnership with Heed Capital and Amro Partners – has achieved the highest ESG certifications for Amro Porto, its debut PBSA project in Porto, Portugal.
Amro Porto is the country’s first new building ever to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, in addition to Fitwel 3* and WiredScore Platinum ratings – the highest ranking for each respective certification.
Located in the Paranhos area of Porto within the city’s main university hub, the 151-bedroom PBSA scheme includes a mix of studios, twodios and some doubles with modern amenities including study rooms, terraces, gym, cinema, MasterChef room and outdoor green spaces. The project was completed in October 2023 and opened to students in January 2024.
“We set out to create Europe’s most sustainable student housing portfolio, and in doing so we have set a new standard in the Portuguese market with our debut project.
“Sustainability is the cornerstone of our investment strategy and by taking a data-centric, whole-life approach, we are futureproofing our portfolio, creating a superior experience for our residents and proving that it’s possible to create new residential assets with minimal impact on the environment.”
Raj Kotecha, Chairman and CEO, Amro Partners
Following a fabric-first approach to reduce energy demand, a Whole Life Carbon assessment was carried out at the design stage, as well as post-construction, to calculate carbon emissions over the whole lifecycle of the building.
This was critical in informing procurement strategies for the project, embedding circular economy principles by maximising the proportion of reused and recycled products – and helping to achieve a 15% reduction in upfront emissions between the design and construction phases.
“Our student accommodation is honoured to be the first new building ever in Portugal to receive the BREEAM’s ‘Outstanding’ certification, one of the most prestigious sustainability certificates.
“This achievement reflects Heed Capital’s commitment to the best environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, topics that are increasingly crucial in the real estate sector and many other areas of business.
“By adopting rigorous sustainability standards, we reaffirm our role in building a more responsible and sustainable future, aligned with society’s expectations for a positive impact on the environment and the community. Implementing these practices in student accommodation is a vital step in preparing future generations for a more sustainable world”.
Gustavo Caiuby, Board Member and Director, Heed Capital
With zero reliance on fossil fuels and a highly efficient, fully electric heating and cooling system, operational energy consumption for Amro Porto is minimal, with passive strategies in place to optimise performance, control heat gains and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Data shows that heating requirements for the building are 89% lower than standard and space cooling demand is 67% lower, which in addition to the 100% renewable origin power supply contract, brings the building into Zero CO2 emission operationally.
Sensors continually track air quality and pollution levels, indoor temperatures and real-time energy usage and water consumption, ensuring the building is always running at peak performance and providing optimal comfort for residents.
“We are immensely proud to have achieved the highest ESG certifications for Amro Porto, marking a significant milestone as the first new building in Portugal to receive BREEAM’s ‘Outstanding’ rating. This accomplishment reflects our desire to create living environments that prioritise both environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of our residents.”
Selina Williams, Executive Director, IP Investment Management
Amro Partners is a vertically integrated specialist investment manager of UK and European student housing, multifamily housing and co-living real estate.
This news follows Amro’s student housing projects achieving the highest score of any operator in Europe. Amro Partners has developed nine PBSA projects in Spain since its debut in 2018, comprising around 2,400 beds in total, with a presence in prominent student cities including Seville, Madrid, Valencia, Salamanca, Málaga, Granada and Pamplona.
