A neighbourhood that is sustainable
We are among the world's top four in sustainability
At the end of 2025, Nová Zbrojovka ranked among the four best-planned urban areas in the world in terms of sustainability. It became the first multifunctional urban area in the Czech Republic to obtain FINAL BREEAM Communities certification – one of the most stringent and prestigious in the world. This British methodology assesses the sustainability of large development areas in all their complexity – from environmental and energy aspects to social and demographic impacts to economic stability and long-term development. The certification confirms that Nová Zbrojovka is designed with an emphasis on people, quality of life, and environmental friendliness in the long term. The result is not just an award on paper, but above all concrete benefits for those who will live, work, and spend their free time here. An international commission evaluated hundreds of details in five main categories – read on to find out more.
Resources and energy
The final BREEAM Communities certification confirms that Nová Zbrojovka is an exceptionally energy-efficient neighbourhood – with energy-efficient buildings and smart technologies that help save energy and costs in the long term. We place emphasis on environmental protection during construction and in the future operation of the entire neighbourhood. A well-designed energy strategy plays a key role in minimizing operational consumption and significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Thanks to a combination of alternative energy sources, such as photovoltaics and a direct connection to Brno's heating plants, we will achieve savings of up to 20% in primary energy compared to conventional reference buildings. The result is a healthier, more pleasant, and sustainable urban area with a high quality of life.
Land use and ecology
Nová Zbrojovka is designed as a climate-resilient neighbourhood that is ready for the future. A significant advantage is the revitalization of the brownfield site – instead of building on green fields, we are breathing new life into an area close to the center of Brno while also preserving the landscape. Almost a third of the area will be green space, evenly distributed throughout the streets, along the Svitava River, in the sports and relaxation park, and in all buildings. Through blue-green elements, we will increase the amount of water absorbed by 70% and reduce runoff by 25% compared to a typical urban environment. By preserving four original buildings, we have managed to significantly reduce the consumption of building materials. We process recycled rubble directly on site and reuse it in construction. Thanks to these "recycle & reuse" principles, we will reduce the consumption of building materials by 38% and CO₂ emissions by up to 25% compared to the option without reusing materials and preserving buildings.
Transportation and movements
We place emphasis on sustainable transport and high-quality public spaces. Thanks to the support of public transport and the concept of short distances, getting around the neighborhood is fast, convenient, and environmentally friendly. The priority is the safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists – fewer cars, more bikes, and cleaner air contribute to a pleasant environment for everyday life. Pedestrian zones and bike paths connect the entire area from north to south and east to west, and public transport and train connections are easily accessible. Cyclists will find above-standard conditions here – high-quality infrastructure, secure bike storage, and bike sharing options. We haven't forgotten about drivers either – we are planning for plenty of covered parking spaces and high-capacity parking for residents, businesses, and visitors. Another advantage is the direct connection to the large city ring road leading to the highway.
Community and collaboration
An important part of the FINAL BREEAM Communities assessment is working with the community and cooperating with all stakeholders, experts, and the public. Cooperation with the city of Brno on transport, technical, and educational infrastructure projects – which are gradually being prepared and implemented on the basis of a cooperation agreement from 2021 – is essential. From the outset, we have built on open and transparent communication with all partners. We involve the public in decision-making, for example when voting on architectural designs for certain buildings or when choosing new street names. At the same time, we are actively creating community life – people already make extensive use of Amenities Park, restaurants and cafés, sports facilities and the community garden. Every year, we organize dozens of social, cultural, and sporting events here. We are also preparing the neighborhood for the creation of long-term communities, including support for apartment building management and homeowners' associations, so that it truly becomes a place where people enjoy living.
Social and economic prosperity
FINAL BREEAM Communities takes a comprehensive view of quality of life across an entire neighbourhood. In this category, it assesses how a project supports long-term economic vitality, diversity of activities, job creation, education, quality and accessibility of services, and many other criteria. For the residents of Nová Zbrojovka, this means that their everyday life is comfortable, healthy, and easily accessible. Thanks to the concept of a "neighbourhood of short distances," you will find everything you need within a 15-minute walk – housing, work, shops, services, public transport, schools and kindergartens, culture, sports, and entertainment.
In the international evaluation, we scored points for a number of other aspects – for example, the quantity and quality of public spaces, sufficient greenery, a pleasant microclimate, preparedness for climate change, flood control measures, light pollution reduction, safe and accessible parking, and architectural diversity that preserves the unique genius loci of the place. The commission also emphasizes inclusion and diversity – families, seniors, and people with disabilities will all enjoy living here.