Brownfields versus Greenfields: What is the future of sustainable construction?

The revitalization of brownfields — unused or dilapidated sites — brings not only environmental benefits but also concrete advantages for cities, as it revitalizes neglected areas and reduces the need to consume new land. “We consider these projects exceptionally important not only for sustainability but also for the regeneration of urban environments,” says Jakub Kodr, CEO for Czechia at CTP.

However, building on these sites faces several barriers — complex property ownership issues, demolition and decontamination costs, and unclear infrastructure. Despite this, companies actively work with this type of land. Among the well-known examples of such projects are CTPark Brno Líšeň, developed on the site of the former Zetor factory, and Brno’s modern Vlněna district, built on the grounds of a former textile mill. Both projects were carried out by the developer CTP, the national partner of Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025, which builds roughly one-fifth of its projects on brownfield sites.

Nearly Three Hundred Brownfields Added Annually in Czechia
According to the latest statistics from the CzechInvest agency, published in June 2025, the National Brownfield Database records 4,627 sites, with nearly 200 added just in the past year. This, according to the agency, demonstrates a long-term interest in this type of land from both municipalities and investors. “The interest in brownfields remains consistently high, which shows that not only developers’ mindsets but also public administration’s approach to land use is changing,” said Tomáš Hamerský, Director of the Business Location Department at CzechInvest. He added that there is a growing effort to meaningfully transform unused sites into modern and functional environments that benefit both local communities and the economy as a whole.

A similar approach to brownfields is taken by HSF System, which built its headquarters, Antracit House in Ostrava, as well as the HSF System SK headquarters in Žilina, both located in former industrial complexes. According to Tomáš Kosa, Director of HSF System and a member of the Board of the investment group PURPOSIA Group – the official partner of the Czech National Pavilion at EXPO 2025 – investor interest in brownfields is growing: “In recent years, we have observed increasing demand for construction specifically on brownfield sites, particularly in the area of logistics and industrial facilities.”

Greenfields: Speed, Flexibility, Lower Costs
In contrast, building on greenfields—previously undeveloped land—is generally simpler and faster in practice. Companies especially appreciate lower costs, fewer administrative hurdles, and the ability to fully tailor the project to client requirements. “Construction on a greenfield still has many advantages. It allows for more efficient cost control, simpler design processes, and shorter project timelines,” explains Jakub Kodr.

Greenfields also don’t require complex demolition work, are free from historical contamination, and allow for entirely new urban designs without compromises. Their biggest downside, however, is their impact on the landscape. They often involve the loss of agricultural land, disruption of ecological structures, and increased distances between urban functions.

Sustainability in Construction: Seeking Balance
From a sustainability perspective, the choice of location is crucial. The decision to use a brownfield or greenfield affects not only the landscape impact but also the overall environmental footprint of the project. However, it’s not just about the site itself but the broader approach to construction as a whole. Today, companies face pressure not only from regulations and the public but also from their own clients. “Sustainability has become a basic expectation not only from investors but also from the public. For us, it’s important that we meet these expectations not only technologically but also systematically,” says Tomáš Kosa.

Companies are therefore seeking a balance between ecological ambitions and economic realities. Brownfields offer development opportunities without further land consumption, but often with higher initial costs. Greenfields provide a quick and inexpensive solution but come at the price of a higher environmental impact. Thus, the choice of location becomes a strategic decision influencing not only costs but also the long-term effect on the surroundings.

For these reasons, both companies implement specific measures in their projects aimed at reducing buildings’ energy demands and environmental impact. HSF System focuses, for example, on green roofs, rainwater use, photovoltaics, and e-mobility. They also actively develop their own ESG reporting as a tool to measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

CTP follows a similar approach. All roofs of new buildings are fitted with photovoltaic panels, and the company uses high-quality insulation and certified materials, LED lighting, and installs electric vehicle charging stations across its sites. Projects also include retention tanks and features that support biodiversity. “We do not see sustainability as a trend, but as an integral part of our business. In our parks, we aim to approach it comprehensively—not only from the perspective of energy, but also with regard to natural resources, mobility, the surrounding landscape, and the local community,” adds Jakub Kodr.

Inspiration from Japan
At EXPO 2025, Czechia showcases its approaches to construction that take future needs into account. Both CTP and PURPOSIA Group present their projects and ambitions here. “Japan inspires us with its precision, innovation, and respect for nature. These are exactly the values we want to bring into our projects,” says Jakub Kodr.

EXPO is also an opportunity to establish cooperation with Japanese investors, suppliers, and technology partners. “In Czechia, we have long been working with a number of Japanese and Taiwanese companies, which turn to us precisely because of our ability to respond quickly to their needs and provide high-quality infrastructure,” concludes Jakub Kodr.