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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT /
Nine priority issues
Innovation is a necessity for Cofinimmo’s survival. It must not only detect new growth opportunities, but also ensure
the long-term future of existing properties. By researching new value propositions in line with clients’ needs, it can
reduce its portfolio’s rental vacancy. Applying new, more sustainable construction techniques will make it possible to
extend its buildings’ operating cycles. In parallel, it must also consider integration of new technologies facilitating the
operation of its buildings and establish new mobility solutions.
Innovation
Responses / actions
Cofinimmo has always aimed to be innovative at a financial level.
The debt sale opened access to the Public-Private Partnerships
market. In 2011, in order to partially finance the acquisition of MAAF
agencies, it carried out an issue of bonds convertible into shares
via its subsidiary Cofinimur I.
Over time, Cofinimmo has gradually expanded its range of products
and services and incorporated the various real estate business
lines. Firstly Project Management, in order to have control over
buildings’ quality from the construction stage. Then Property
Management, in order to improve and guarantee its clients the
proper functioning of buildings. It grafted on further services in
addition to leasing, to make its customers’ lives easier.
It then seized new opportunities in the healthcare, distribution net-
works and Public-Private Partnerships real estate segments. These
decisions, sometimes perceived as going against the market flow,
allowed it to guarantee its shareholders stable income and to offer
value in these new segments through its real estate expertise.
Cofinimmo’s internal structure has also evolved. Organisational effi-
ciency has been improved thanks to upgraded IT systems and the
implementation of electronic management of documents, as well
as correspondence since 2004 and invoices since 2014.
In 2014, Cofinimmo set up a think tank on changes in its business
lines. This group is made up of 13 people from all business areas
and all the company’s business lines. Four projects resulting from
this reflection are currently undergoing validation. Cofinimmo hopes
to be able to implement the projects selected from 2015. It will
also set up a new working group to ensure the continuation of the
innovation process.
Patrick Luysterman, De Tijd, journalist, Corporate editor and
a specialist in the real estate and construction sectors
As a major player in the Belgian real estate market,
Cofinimmo has a duty to be visionary and contribute
to the debate on actual future real estate needs.
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