New World Group takes dual wins at Real Estate Asia Awards 2026

The Group delivered a transit-oriented mixed-use development and cross-border green building certification framework.

New World Development Company Limited, along with Shenzhen Qianhai Green Building Certification & Advisory Limited, and New World China Land Limited, received the ESG Initiative of the Year - China and Sustainable Development of the Year - China, respectively at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2026, recognising their work in urban development and green building certification.

Transit-oriented development with integrated sustainability features

New Metropolis in Guangzhou was developed as a mixed-use project above a major metro interchange, combining residential, office, retail, and public spaces within a single connected site. The layout integrated direct transit access, elevated walkways, and linked public zones to support movement between functions without reliance on private vehicles.

Environmental performance was addressed through design and infrastructure. The development met China’s Three-Star Green Building standard and achieved LEED Gold pre-certification and WELL Health-Safety Rating. Energy consumption was projected to exceed LEED baseline performance by 9%, whilst water savings reached 36% through efficient systems and reuse strategies. Sponge city features such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and water storage systems improved stormwater management and reduced flood risks.

Health-related design elements included MERV-13 filtration systems that reduced indoor pollutants, as well as daylight optimisation and acoustic controls. Public green spaces and landscaped areas were incorporated across multiple levels to support community use.

Cross-border certification framework for green buildings

The Qianhai CTF Finance Tower was implemented as a pilot project for a unified green building assessment system linking Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland standards. The initiative involved New World Development Company Limited and Shenzhen Qianhai Green Building Certification & Advisory Limited, with technical input supporting the development of the “One Assessment, Dual Certification” mechanism.

This framework reduced duplication in certification processes and enabled a single assessment approach across jurisdictions. The project achieved CGBL Three-Star, LEED Gold, and WELL Gold certifications. Energy systems, including variable air volume technology and optimised cooling, delivered 18% energy savings beyond LEED benchmarks, whilst water systems achieved 45% savings through efficiency measures such as greywater reuse. Material selection included 24% recycled content and 95% regional sourcing, contributing to reduced embodied carbon.

The Real Estate Asia Awards proudly shines a spotlight on exceptional achievements in the dynamic world of real estate across Asia. It seeks to recognise those who consistently push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, making a lasting impact on their local communities.

The Real Estate Asia Awards is presented by Real Estate Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional projects or initiatives in the Real Estate industry, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].