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Operated by Gránit Pólus Group, the shopping center has undergone the upgrades while remaining fully operational. Westend has been operating for more than 25 years and attracts approximately 18 million visitors annually.
The program included the installation of a 6,500-square-meter rooftop solar park on its parking garage, described by the operator as Budapest’s largest. Heating and cooling systems were renewed, mechanical equipment modernized, and an AI-based automated building management system introduced to regulate energy consumption.
According to the operator, the developments have reduced the building’s energy consumption by 38% and carbon dioxide emissions by 81% compared with the 2019 baseline. Solar energy now accounts for 80% of overall energy consumption.
Inaugurated in June, the rooftop solar park generates 1.53 GWh of electricity annually. This is supplemented by a long-term power purchase agreement with Solar Markt’s Szihalom solar plant, bringing the renewable energy available to the complex to approximately 17.53 GWh per year.
The AI-driven building management system optimizes heating, cooling, ventilation and energy supply in real time, using nearly 300 data points per day.
The shopping center has achieved an A+ energy rating, while the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Westend Office Building have received A ratings. According to the operator, these meet EU Taxonomy requirements. Westend also expects to obtain BREEAM In-Use Excellent and Outstanding certifications later this year.
The program will extend to Westend’s 1.5-hectare rooftop garden, described as the largest public green space in Budapest’s District VI. Planned improvements will expand the green area by approximately 1,000 square meters and introduce native, drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants.
The Green Awards were presented by Portfolio and Green Cloud.
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