Invest-Gate held its 28th roundtable titled “Powering Real Estate: The New Value Equation,” which took place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ‘Alf Leila We Leila’ Ballroom.

The roundtable brought together senior government officials and executives, real estate developers, alongside experts in energy management and efficiency, renewable energy, and technology providers. They discussed practical approaches to enhancing energy efficiency and management across projects and urban communities in ways that support sustainability, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

Amid ongoing global economic challenges and fluctuations in energy prices, alongside accelerating governmental efforts toward green transformation and enhancing resource efficiency, energy management has become a strategic priority for the real estate sector not only from the perspective of reducing operational costs, but also as a key factor influencing asset valuation, competitiveness, and investment attractiveness. In parallel, the expansion of smart cities and sustainable developments, coupled with rising investor and end-user expectations regarding sustainability and operational efficiency standards, has compelled developers and operators to adopt more advanced and flexible energy management solutions, including modern technologies, renewable energy, and smart systems, to ensure asset sustainability and future readiness.

The roundtable shed light on how the balance between energy cost and efficiency is becoming increasingly critical, both in terms of capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX), amid mounting pressure to reduce costs and improve operational performance. At the same time, reliability is emerging as a core operational factor, essential for ensuring business continuity and minimizing operational risks. This shift is also driving greater interest in ownership and energy management models, including “Energy as a Service” (EaaS), which offers developers more flexibility in managing costs while reducing upfront investment burdens. In parallel, the growing adoption of smart systems and AI-driven technologies is enabling more advanced data analysis, better resource utilization, and enhanced operational efficiency.

The discussions further examined, the increasing focus on energy efficiency is directly influencing energy and asset valuation, particularly through the growing distinction between the “Green premium” associated with high-performing sustainable assets and the “Brown discount” linked to less efficient properties. ESG standards are also becoming a major driver of attractive investment, especially as they increasingly influence access to financing under more competitive conditions. This includes the expansion of preferential financing for green buildings, which are generally associated with lower operational risks and reduced long-term costs, ultimately strengthening the economic and investment viability of projects.

The roundtable was held as one interactive session chaired and moderated by Mr. Amr Elkady, Founder and Managing Director of AKD Advisory, that explored the key trends and challenges related to energy management and efficiency. The session provided a platform for sharing practical experiences, exchanging insights, and highlighting best practice and innovative solutions that support asset sustainability and enhance operational performance over the long term.

The roundtable also witnessed the presence of an elite group of senior government officials and executives, real estate developers, alongside experts in energy management and efficiency, renewable energy, and technology providers, including: Eng. Khaled Sedeik, Chairman of the Board of Urban Development Fund & Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities and head of the Minister’s Office; Dr. Eng. Abdelkhalek Ibrahim, Member of the House of Representatives; Prof. Hend Farouh, Director of Architecture and Housing Research Institute, Housing & Building National Research Center, Head of the Central Unit for Sustainable Cities & Climate Change.; Eng. Waleed Mokhtar, CEO of Iwan Developments & General Secretary of the Egyptian Real Estate Council; Eng. Tamer Nasser, CEO of City Edge Developments; Eng. Ahmed Amin Massoud, Chairman of Menassat Developments; Eng. Samy Abdel Kader, Managing Director of TAQA Power; and Ms. Mai Ismail, Associate Director, Manufacturing and Services, SEMED, at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The roundtable was inaugurated by Ms. Safaa Abdel Bary, General Manager and Business Development Director of Invest-Gate, who extended her gratitude and warmly welcomed the distinguished attendees. She expressed her great pleasure at the presence of an elite group of decision-makers and experts at this gathering, emphasizing that the event comes at a highly important time, as energy management is no longer viewed solely as a means of reducing operating costs, but has become closely linked to enhancing the value of real estate assets, achieving sustainability, and improving their long-term efficiency.

She emphasized that energy is no longer merely an operational cost item aimed at reducing expenses, but has become a strategic factor influencing real estate asset value and investment attractiveness, given its pivotal role in optimizing operating costs, enhancing project competitiveness, and increasing appeal to investors and end-users, as well as supporting the ability to generate sustainable long-term returns.

At the conclusion of her remarks, she extended her gratitude and appreciation to all attendees and participants, expressing her hope that the discussions would result in practical insights and recommendations that support development and sustainability efforts and strengthen the competitiveness of Egypt’s real estate sector.

The round table started with remarks by Mr. Amr Elkady, Founder & Managing Director of AKD Advisory, who began his remarks by extending his appreciation to Invest-Gate for organizing this distinguished event, praising the roundtable’s theme and highlighting its continued role in addressing key issues shaping the real estate market, particularly those that anticipate future trends and foster effective dialogue among various stakeholders.

He explained that the real estate sector is undergoing a significant shift in the concept of value, noting that location and design alone are no longer sufficient. Instead, operational efficiency, energy management, and sustainability have become critical factors in attracting investment and maximizing asset value. With the expansion of smart cities, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, the adoption of sustainable energy solutions and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have become increasingly important for enhancing asset performance, strengthening competitiveness, and generating stronger long-term returns.

In conclusion, he emphasized that integration between the energy and real estate sectors is no longer an option but a necessity. He noted that such integration creates significant opportunities to improve operational performance, reduce risks, and maximize investment returns. He also expressed his anticipation for the practical recommendations that would emerge from the discussions, which he believes will support the development of Egypt’s real estate market and strengthen its ability to meet the requirements of sustainable development.

Eng. Khaled Sedeik, Chairman of the Board of Urban Development Fund & Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities and head of the Minister’s Office, stated that energy efficiency requirements are no longer a voluntary commitment or an incentive-driven approach, but rather a necessity imposed by global changes and sustainable development requirements. He noted that energy has become a fundamental component across all stages of planning and development.

He explained that efficient energy management is no longer limited to reducing operational costs; it has become a key pillar for achieving sustainability, improving quality of life, and enhancing the economic value of real estate assets. He added that considering wind direction, sunlight, and natural ventilation in architectural design significantly helps reduce energy consumption, particularly cooling and air-conditioning loads. However, these considerations have in some projects been overshadowed by commercial priorities.

He further noted that relevant authorities are working to integrate energy efficiency and sustainability standards into the comprehensive urban development vision, as a core element of the future of cities and urban communities.

He also pointed out that the operation of water and wastewater treatment plants is no longer limited to delivering services efficiently but also includes improving energy consumption efficiency and reducing environmental impact, through expanding the use of energy-saving technologies, upgrading operational systems, and relying on smart solutions and clean, renewable energy sources.

He concluded by noting that the relocation of around 246,000 households to organized residential areas has been targeted, pointing out that about 90% of these households did not have electricity meters, which led to unregulated and high energy consumption. He also highlighted that around 160,000 feddans within urban areas are consuming electricity informally, representing a major challenge to efficient energy management.

Dr. Eng. Abdelkhalek Ibrahim, Member of the House of Representatives, noted that the launch of national initiative for smart green projects clearly reflects the importance the state places on energy efficiency and sustainability within the construction sector, alongside the Prime Minister’s decisions issued in 2026 aimed at supporting and promoting the green building ecosystem.

He explained that buildings in Egypt can be categorized into new buildings, existing buildings, and planned future developments, noting that future buildings can be more easily required to comply with energy sustainability standards. He added that these standards can also be applied to new buildings with suitable infrastructure, while existing buildings require more flexible and gradual implementation approaches.

He emphasized the need for clear legislation governing the application of energy efficiency standards, along with the designation of the responsible authority for monitoring and enforcement, stressing the importance of raising awareness among real estate developers regarding the significance of energy sustainability and the mechanisms for its implementation.

He further explained that developing the financing framework requires integration among the government, the industrial sector, and developers, noting that buildings expected to be developed over the next four to five years are divided into residential and non-residential categories. He pointed out that the residential sector requires incentives to help absorb the relatively higher costs associated with sustainability, while mandatory requirements can be applied more clearly to commercial and administrative buildings.

He added that existing buildings can be classified into occupied and unoccupied units. Occupied buildings can be addressed through legislative tools such as property tax incentives, including tax reductions in exchange for compliance with energy efficiency standards, while unoccupied units can be encouraged to return to operation through targeted incentives.

He stressed the importance of designating a responsible entity to oversee this file, tasked with monitoring the implementation of the roadmap and coordinating among the relevant stakeholders. The entity responsible for regulating the real estate sector could play a leading role in this regard.

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that legislation represents a fundamental pillar in supporting the transition toward energy efficiency and sustainability, if it is implemented gradually and in phases to avoid any market disruptions. He explained that an effective legislative framework should combine both mandatory requirements and incentives, considering the different characteristics of residential, commercial, and administrative buildings, while providing clear mechanisms to encourage compliance with sustainability standards in both new and existing buildings.

In this context, Prof. Hend Farouh, Director of Architecture and Housing Research Institute, Housing & Building National Research Center, Head of the Central Unit for Sustainable Cities & Climate Change, stated that discussions on energy efficiency and sustainability are not new, as serious work on this file began in 2000. However, the real challenge today lies in moving from the stage of recommendations to mandatory implementation and practical enforcement.

She emphasized that energy efficiency and sustainability standards have become a global trend and must be integrated into urban project requirements and licensing regulations. She noted that assessment systems, despite their importance, will not achieve the desired impact unless they are made binding. At the same time, she stressed that spreading a culture of energy efficiency should not rely solely on enforcement, but also on offering clients the freedom to choose between conventional units and those designed according to energy efficiency standards, allowing them to understand the economic return of such solutions through comparison and practical experience.
She highlighted the need for clear implementation mechanisms, along with incentives and legislation that ensure actual on-the-ground application. According to data from the Ministry of Electricity and renewable energy, around 46% of total energy consumption in Egypt is attributed to residential buildings, while nearly 59% of natural gas consumption is used in power plants, reflecting the significant pressure on the energy system and underscoring the importance of improving efficiency in the building sector.

She also pointed out that a package of incentive measures has been approved by the New Urban Communities Authority to support the shift toward green building. These include increasing the floor area ratio by 10–15%, raising the percentage of land allocated for services from 1% to 2%, granting additional construction time extensions of 6 to 12 months, extending land payment periods by 6 to 12 months, and applying a discount on instalment interest rates ranging from 1% to 3%.

She added that studies show increasing glass surface areas in building facades beyond 30% leads to higher electricity consumption, which necessitates the establishment of design regulations and energy efficiency controls without affecting building quality or user comfort.

From this perspective, the Green Pyramid rating system based on international best practices while considering the environmental, social, and economic characteristics of Egyptian society, making it a practical and locally applicable model. To further support this approach, the Housing and Building National Research Center updated the Egyptian Green Pyramid Rating System and prepared the Green Buildings Guide, with the aim of supporting and facilitating the dissemination of green building concepts in the Egyptian market and promoting the implementation of energy efficiency and sustainability standards, particularly within the real estate development sector.

She noted that market experience has proven that green buildings and units achieve tangible added value, as they can be sold at prices up to 30% higher than conventional buildings, due to lower operating costs and higher levels of efficiency and sustainability.

She further explained that the Egyptian system is distinguished by its focus on management as a core pillar of sustainability—an approach adopted by only a few global models, including Egypt and Dubai—where effective building management from the design stage through to operation plays a key role in reducing resource consumption and long-term operational costs.

She confirmed that the solar energy project funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 2018 has, over approximately six years, resulted in the installation of 241 solar power stations across 19 governorates, covering green social housing projects and the “Janna” project. In compound developments in particular, financing was provided to cover around 30% of the cost of a solar energy unit with a capacity of approximately 5 kW per villa, contributing to the expansion of this system.

In the same context, she noted that from a design perspective, care is taken not to affect architectural facades, with solutions enabling the integration of solar panels in a non-visible or aesthetically harmonious way. They are no longer treated as separate conventional elements, but rather as part of modern architectural design that combines efficiency and sustainability without compromising aesthetic value.

She concluded by noting that the sudden removal of energy subsidies does not represent the optimal solution, emphasizing that the transition toward more efficient energy pricing should be implemented gradually and in parallel with clear incentives that support a balanced shift toward sustainability. She added that this is the approach currently being pursued through the measures announced by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, ensuring a balance between economic considerations and the advancement of the sustainable transition agenda.

Eng. Waleed Mokhtar, CEO of Iwan Developments & General Secretary of the Egyptian Real Estate Council, explained that the topic under discussion is one of the important and distinctive issues that Invest-Gate consistently addresses. He added that when examining the structure of Egypt’s real estate market, it becomes clear that the starting point lies in the extent to which developers are committed to energy consumption rationalization, particularly in light of the noticeable rise in electricity and water prices, which have increased by around five to six times over the past ten years.

He emphasized that the evolution of user awareness has led buyers to pay greater attention to energy consumption costs in new buildings, as this has become a key factor influencing purchasing decisions. He questioned whether developers have sufficient time during the design phase to study and integrate energy efficiency solutions as a competitive advantage for their projects.

He added that the real estate development ecosystem is based on three main stakeholders: the developer, the operator, and the client. The developer seeks to secure financing at the lowest possible cost, the operator aims to reduce operational expenses and improve efficiency, while the client can benefit from additional advantages if sustainability standards are applied, including the use of solar energy solutions such as rooftop photovoltaic panels.

He pointed out that the pre-launch period for projects is often limited to between three and six months, which may not allow sufficient time for developers to conduct in-depth energy efficiency studies, especially given the increasing competition in the real estate market.

He suggested that instead of allocating land first and introducing incentives at later stages, a more effective approach would be to offer land from the outset with clear conditions requiring compliance with energy efficiency and sustainability standards. This would ensure that developers are bound by these requirements from the moment of allocation, rather than treating them as optional or incentive-driven measures introduced later, thereby improving implementation efficiency and achieving sustainability goals more clearly and effectively.

He concluded by stressing that incentives directed at end users should be clear and transparent, like European practices, and should be directly linked to the building’s level of efficiency or sustainability—whether through operating costs, financing benefits, or other incentive mechanisms. This, he noted, would help create a more aware market and strengthen demand for sustainable buildings from the outset.

Eng. Tamer Nasser, CEO of City Edge Developments, began his remarks by thanking Invest-Gate for selecting this important topic, emphasizing that discussions around energy and sustainability are no longer a luxury but have become an integral part of the modern real estate development ecosystem.

He explained that the Egyptian market possesses the expertise and capabilities necessary to design and implement more efficient and sustainable projects. However, the main challenge lies in achieving a balance between complying with energy efficiency and sustainability standards while maintaining the economic viability of projects.

He highlighted the importance of having clear legislation and implementation mechanisms that encourage the market to adopt energy efficiency standards, particularly in light of the significant increase in energy consumption rates in recent years. He added that developers naturally seek to control costs, while many clients still require greater awareness of the benefits provided by energy-efficient solutions in terms of reducing operating expenses and increasing property value over the long term.

He also pointed out that the limited availability of incentives and the lack of clarity regarding procedures associated with implementing sustainability standards are among the most significant challenges facing the sector. He stressed the importance of providing a clear vision of the expected returns and incentives to support developers’ willingness to invest in sustainable solutions.

He concluded by emphasizing that intense competition within the residential sector, coupled with the limited awareness among some clients regarding the importance of sustainability standards and the long-term value they generate, represents a challenge to the wider adoption of energy-efficiency solutions. He added that this requires the provision of appropriate incentives to ease the burden on developers, particularly given their reliance on supply chains and raw materials linked to foreign currencies.

Continuing the discussion Eng. Ahmed Amin Massoud, Chairman of Menassat Developments, emphasized that energy has now become a core component in the equation of any successful real estate product, whether from the perspective of operational cost, sustainability, or long-term investment value.

He explained that the nature of the Egyptian market does not rely solely on enforcement and pressure on developers to implement sustainability and energy efficiency standards. He stressed that enforcement alone will not be the decisive factor in encouraging developers to adopt these practices; rather, the presence of clear and attractive incentives is what truly makes the difference.

He pointed out that the incentive model applied in the New Capital was a positive example, where incentives were clearly defined and announced from the outset, without directly imposing sustainability requirements on developers, which encouraged them to adopt these standards in recognition of the returns they could generate.

He added that when nearly 50% of energy consumption is directed toward residential, commercial, and administrative buildings, this highlights the importance of expanding energy efficiency solutions across the entire sector. He also praised the steps taken by the Ministry of Housing and the New Urban Communities Authority in offering incentives that helped developers overcome many challenges and supported the shift toward sustainable construction.

He noted that construction costs may increase by around 5–10% when implementing sustainable energy solutions, but the real return becomes evident within a period of 3 to 5 years, as differences in operational costs begin to significantly impact the project’s financial performance. He added that adopting these solutions can also increase sales by approximately 5%, due to the higher attractiveness of energy-efficient and sustainable projects to customers and investors.

He stressed that incentives do not need to be excessively large to have a meaningful impact, as even relatively modest incentives—such as those introduced in the New Capital—proved effective, particularly in large-scale, high-value projects. He emphasized that expanding and refining incentive schemes could yield even greater results, noting that the most important factor is for developers to feel that the state is a supportive partner providing the necessary tools and incentives for success.

He concluded by noting that with the implementation of energy efficiency standards, an increase in sales of around 5% has been observed, reflecting the positive impact of sustainability and its direct role in enhancing the value and market appeal of real estate units.

Continuing the discussion, Eng. Samy Abdel Kader, Managing Director of TAQA Power, emphasized that real estate remains the preferred safe-haven investment for Egyptians, making energy management and sustainability a matter of direct concern for both real estate developers and property owners.

He explained that property valuation should not be based solely on its final purchase price, but rather on its total cost and return throughout its operational lifetime, as energy and operating costs represent a significant factor in determining the true value of a real estate asset.

He highlighted the importance of establishing an integrated framework that clearly defines the roles of all stakeholders, explaining that a developer’s responsibility begins with designing projects that incorporate sustainability and energy-efficiency standards. He added that the availability of clear sustainability codes and standards would help developers integrate these considerations more easily amid the rapid pace of real estate development in Egypt.

He also pointed out that financing institutions have become increasingly interested in sustainable buildings, while specialized operations and facility management companies play an important role in managing energy performance based on clearly defined and measurable performance indicators.

He stressed that cooperation among all stakeholders will contribute to increasing property value and reducing operating costs, emphasizing that energy is no longer merely a utility service but has become an essential component of the success and sustainability of real estate projects.

Abdel Kader stated that electricity subsidies in the past constitute an obstacle to the wider adoption of clean energy solutions due to their relatively higher cost compared to traditional energy sources. However, this situation has changed in recent years with the significant decline in the cost of solar and wind energy. This development supports the broader deployment of solar panels on the rooftops of buildings and factories as one of the practical solutions for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. He also highlighted the importance of the decision requiring factories to obtain 25% of their energy consumption from renewable sources.

He further noted that the transition to the Energy as a Service (EaaS) model represents an important opportunity to enhance energy management efficiency within the real estate sector, particularly given the presence of approximately 40 companies already operating in this field. This model expands the range of solutions available to developers and operators without requiring them to bear direct capital or operational expenditures, as it transforms capital costs into a comprehensive service provided by a specialized provider.

Continuing his remarks on subsidies, he indicated that energy subsidies will remain in place, but in a more flexible and intelligent manner through a redistributive mechanism based on redirecting subsidies. Under this approach, prices would be increased relatively for commercial consumption segments, while greater support would be provided to low-consumption households, thereby achieving a balance between social equity and energy-efficiency objectives.

The roundtable concluded with a note by Ms. Mai Ismail, Associate Director, Manufacturing and Services, SEMED, at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in which she highlighted the importance of supporting the transition toward energy efficiency and sustainability. Adding that financial institutions assess projects in a comprehensive manner, considering energy efficiency performance, future operational costs, environmental impact, as well as economic feasibility, return on investment, and associated risks.

She added that the institution has worked over the years with the government as well as private sector companies on important energy-related and infrastructure development projects, as well as energy intensive sectors such as aluminum, cement, and building materials, which further highlights the importance of energy and resource management as a key factor across various economic activities.

She pointed out that the application of sustainability and energy efficiency standards can also enable projects to access financing under more favorable conditions with potential concessional financing. These opportunities also extend to real estate players, as well as energy-intensive industrial sectors, including building materials, provided they include resource efficiency or decarbonization initiatives.

She emphasized that sustainability is no longer an optional consideration but has become an important requirement for attracting foreign investors and international financial institutions, as well as securing financing on more competitive terms.

She also explained that the role of financial institutions is not limited to providing funding but extends to potential technical assistance at the early stages of projects by supporting design and planning processes and engaging consultants and specialists to integrate sustainability and energy efficiency standards into feasibility studies and project concepts from the outset.

The roundtable was held in collaboration with AKD Advisory and officially sponsored by City Edge Developments, while the gold sponsor was Menassat Developments and Silver sponsor was TAQA Power.

Media Partners included: Aleqaria, Al-Borsa Newspaper, Daily News Egypt, Al-Gedaan Real Estate, Aqarmap, Osoul Misr Magazine, Bloom Gate, Property Plus, Aqargate, and Iskan Misr.