Nobu Hotel Barcelona has been awarded the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, making it the highest-rated hotel in Spain under the sustainability accreditation. The recognition follows a series of environmental and aesthetic upgrades executed by ActivumSG’s local team to enhance the building’s efficiency and design.
The improvements included a façade renovation to increase insulation, the installation of advanced water systems for greater efficiency, and the implementation of new building management systems. Additionally, local fauna has been incorporated into the hotel’s landscaping, and designated areas for car sharing and bicycle storage have been introduced.
ActivumSG acquired the hotel in 2020 through its ActivumSG Real Estate Fund VI, taking advantage of pricing dislocations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to this acquisition, the property had already undergone a €57 million renovation by its previous owner, upgrading it to modern luxury hospitality standards. Following the purchase, ActivumSG continued making enhancements to strengthen the hotel’s market position within Barcelona’s competitive hospitality sector.
One of the key projects undertaken after the acquisition was the transformation of the previously unused rooftop into a destination featuring Barcelona’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant, alongside an outdoor pool. The redevelopment included the removal of a 27-ton, 130-foot-tall antenna to enable construction. The rooftop now offers panoramic 360º views of the city’s skyline.
Brian Betel, Head of Direct Asset Transactions at ActivumSG, highlighted the significance of these upgrades, stating:
“With these latest upgrades, our local team has added further value to a hotel that was already a trophy asset within the European hospitality investment landscape. Across our managed funds, creating value-driven impact is something we take very seriously as we focus on initiatives designed to future-proof our assets which also create lasting value for our communities, stakeholders and the environment. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Nobu as the building’s operating partner going into the future.”
Alberto Selas, General Manager of Nobu Hotel Barcelona, noted the impact of the certification on the hotel’s standing, stating:
“The Nobu Hotel Barcelona achieving the prestigious BREEAM certification with the highest rating for a Spanish hotel underlines our commitment to delivering a luxury hospitality experience elevated by sustainability. The latest capital expenditure initiative has made significant environmental and aesthetic enhancements to the building, improving efficiency without compromising its distinct design as one of Barcelona’s most sought-after hospitality destinations.”
The BREEAM certification system assesses buildings based on sustainability factors such as energy efficiency, water usage, materials, and ecological impact. Achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating places Nobu Hotel Barcelona among the leading environmentally conscious hotels in Europe.
The recognition further solidifies the hotel’s reputation within the luxury segment while aligning with growing industry and consumer expectations for sustainable hospitality. As the tourism sector continues to evolve, investments in green initiatives are increasingly becoming a differentiating factor for hotels competing in high-demand markets such as Barcelona.
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