Cushman & Wakefield (C&W), through its Sustainability & ESG team, provided consultancy services for the BREEAM New Construction v4 certification of the residential development located on Plot 9 of Quinta da Pícua, in Águas Santas, Maia, promoted by VIZTA.
With a total construction area of 13,320 sqm and 110 residential units, the project stands out as part of a still limited group of residential buildings in Portugal assessed under the BREEAM New Construction framework—one of the most demanding international systems for evaluating the sustainability of new buildings. Developed for a mid-market housing segment, the project demonstrates that integrating high sustainability standards and international environmental certification is not limited to luxury developments, but is also compatible with residential models focused on affordability and economic efficiency. At the design stage, the development achieved a score of 53%, reflecting solid environmental performance and the consistent integration of sustainability criteria from the early stages of development.
The project incorporates a comprehensive set of sustainability-oriented measures, with a particular focus on efficient water management, responsible material selection, and the promotion of sustainable mobility solutions. Notable features include the integration of high-efficiency water equipment (faucets, showers, toilets, and washing machines), as well as the provision of bicycle parking and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. The environmental strategy also includes the careful selection of certified materials, namely responsibly sourced timber used both during construction and in the final building, as well as the incorporation of equipment and materials with Environmental Product Declarations and relevant ISO certifications.
Cushman & Wakefield was responsible for defining the project’s sustainability strategy and integrating BREEAM requirements during the design phase. The consultancy also coordinated the entire certification process, including submission for the Interim Certificate—which has already been obtained—while maintaining continuous support to the project team with the goal of optimizing the final rating. The design-stage certification was achieved directly, without the need for additional comments or requests for clarification from BRE, demonstrating the quality and technical robustness of the preparation and submission carried out by the consultancy team. The certification process is currently ongoing, with monitoring during the construction phase, followed by the final certification upon completion, scheduled for the end of the second half of 2027.
Teresa Bártolo, Senior Consultant in the Sustainability & ESG team at Cushman & Wakefield, stated: “Obtaining the Interim Certificate for the Quinta da Pícua project is a decisive step in ensuring that the solutions defined during the design phase meet the most stringent international sustainability criteria. This recognition validates the project’s commitment to energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, responsible resource management, and the minimization of impacts throughout the building’s lifecycle, reinforcing the project’s path toward final BREEAM certification and its credibility in the market.”
Cristina Oliveira, Director of Programs & ESG at VIZTA, stated: “VIZTA reaffirms its commitment to sustainability as a strategic pillar of value creation in a regulatory context that is constantly evolving, integrating practical, tangible, and user-oriented solutions into its projects. Through a focus on energy efficiency, high-performance equipment, readiness for electric mobility, and resilient systems, VIZTA develops homes that are more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective—reducing energy and water consumption, promoting healthier environments, and ensuring lower operating costs over time. Aligned with current and future European requirements in energy, climate, and sustainability, VIZTA projects position themselves as solid investments—more resilient, attractive, and valuable in the long term.”
The BREEAM New Construction v4 certification is an international benchmark that assesses the performance of new buildings throughout the design and construction phases, based on criteria such as energy efficiency, water consumption, materials, management, transport, pollution, land use and ecology, as well as the health and well-being of users. The assigned rating results from a comprehensive analysis of these categories, promoting the integration of sustainable solutions throughout the entire lifecycle of the asset.
