Sustainability Talks Building the Future: Sustainable Real Estate Innovations with Coen van Oostrom
In this episode of Sustainability Talks, ETF Partners’ Tomer Strikovsky sits down with Coen van Oostrom, founder and CEO of Edge Technologies, a global leader in sustainable real estate. They explore Coen’s early journey into climate-focused development, the challenges of transforming an emissions-heavy industry, and how Edge became synonymous with high-performance, net-zero buildings.
Coen shares sharp insights on how AI is revolutionising construction and building management, why policy engagement matters more than ever, and how sustainability and profitability are not only compatible — they’re mutually reinforcing. It’s a deep dive into the innovation, regulation, and mindset shifts needed to decarbonise the built environment.
Key Takeaways:
Coen Van Oostrom is a true pioneer in sustainable real estate.
Net-zero buildings produce as much energy as they consume — but achieving that requires more than just solar panels.
The real estate sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions.
AI and smart data are transforming how we design, operate, and manage buildings.
Lifecycle thinking and embodied carbon are becoming central to next-gen construction.
Policy engagement is essential to scaling green innovation.
The current environmental and economic crises present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the transformation of real estate.
Understanding total lifecycle costs is key to unlocking both ROI and sustainability impact.
Chapters:
00:00 — The Genesis of Sustainable Real Estate
02:54 — Navigating Challenges in Real Estate Development
05:56 — The Shift to Sustainable Practices
09:13 — Understanding Net Zero Buildings
12:10 — The Role of Technology in Sustainability
15:08 — Defining Sustainable vs. Net Zero Buildings
18:04 — Addressing Emissions in Existing Buildings
25:19 — Navigating Social Aspects of Technological Interventions
28:04 — Innovations in Construction and Real Estate
30:31 — Next Sense: Revolutionising Building Management
33:41 — AI’s Role in Building Maintenance
36:52 — The Future of Decarbonisation in Real Estate
39:23 — Leadership and Vision for Europe’s Future
About Coen
Coen van Oostrom is a true pioneer in sustainable real estate and the founder and CEO of EDGE Technologies. Edge is considered the global leader in sustainable buildings — known for developing the world’s smartest building, equipped with 28,000 sensors and personalised workspace controls. They’re also behind some of the greenest buildings ever certified.
Coen started Edge in Amsterdam nearly 30 years ago, and what began as a bold local vision has grown into a global platform. To date, Edge has developed almost 2 million square meters of sustainable real estate across Europe, the UK, and North America, with over €5 billion in projects. In 2022, Macquarie took a significant minority stake, helping to accelerate growth even further.
Through Edge, Coen has proven that environmental performance and commercial success don’t just coexist — they actually reinforce each other.