Panattoni, the European industrial real estate market leader, had almost 6 mln sqm of industrial space under certification at the end of the third quarter. Half a million sqm of this is certified under BREEAM with a rating level of Excellent, which is currently the standard for the developer. A further 4.6 mln sqm is currently under assessment.
Environmentally-friendly construction has ceased to be a niche trend and has become one of the most important developments in the entire industry. Now, there are more than 28 million sqm of space in Poland, and nearly half has passed environmental certification. Moreover, 70 per cent of the certificates have been issued within the last three years. Panattoni drives the change as it has certified nearly 6 million sqm of space in Poland alone, of which more than half a million have achieved the Excellent level - currently the highest in the country. It has been part of the developer's standard for more than a year.
“Just a few years ago, there were few developers who certified their projects but now it is a must-have for the sector. In the context of the taxonomy and investment in sustainable construction, the clearly defined certification rules act like a lighthouse for clients, funds, investors and the real estate market. The energy efficiency of certified buildings can be quantified as well as their role in reducing carbon footprints, protecting biodiversity and in promoting social cohesion and work comfort in such centres. These issues are in the interests of all clients pursuing their own ESG strategy and feature in their non-financial reports” says Emilia Dębowska, Sustainability Director at Panattoni.
Towards greater efficiency. Panattoni’s centres are characterised by their high energy-efficiency. The technologies that are implemented within them allow their power consumption to be reduced by up to 60% with energy savings of around 50%. The developer makes use of a wide range of solutions including increased insulation in partitions, LED lighting, recapturing heat from cooling systems, air recuperators, heat pumps, complex metering systems and advanced BMS. In Panattoni’s certified centres water usage is on average halved. This is due to a modern leakage detection system, water tight fittings as well as rainwater and grey-water installations. These developments are powered by green energy and the developer reinforces the roofs as standard for the fitting of solar panels. Panattoni also supports the recycling of the wind turbines that generate green electricity by equipping its developments with furniture made from their propeller blades.
Care for centre users and biodiversity The certification of centres takes into account a host amenities for users such as access for the disabled, access to natural light and thermal comfort. Around the centres, relaxation areas are created with environmentally-friendly furniture, outdoor gyms and playing fields. The developer also lays down cycling paths with bicycle parking facilities as well as cyclist changing rooms and showers. Additionally there are electric vehicle charging points and car-sharing facilities.
Another feature that makes Panattoni centres stand out is their care for the ecosystem. Nearby such developments, gardens and flower meadows grow as well as lawns that do not require mowing. By using native species, watering requirements are reduced. Havens for protected species are created including invertebrate homes, bird boxes, hedgehog shelters and beehives. Last year, Panattoni planted around 6,000 trees as well as 60,000 bushes and ornamental grasses. By the end of this year, it is planning to have created yet another 100 green relaxation zones, sown 60,000 sqm of flower meadows and also set up another 70 new insect hotels.
Up till now, BREEAM certification with a rating of Excellent has been awarded to twelve locations. These include BTS DHL/Zalando in Żerniki near Poznań (around 108,000 sqm), BTS Świebodzin for Amazon (203,500 sqm) and BTS Action in Tychy (around 61,000 sqm). Furthermore ratings of ‘Excellent’ have been awarded to buildings in Panattoni Park Nadarzyn (50,000 sqm), Panattoni Park Konotopa III (28,000 sqm), Panattoni Park Sosnowiec I (almost 32,000 sqm – the first centre in Poland to receive an ‘Excellent’ rating) and Panattoni Park Tricity South II, the building of which received the maximum possible score of 100% for in the Water category.
The developer is still in the process of certifying centres that comprise a total area of 4.6 mln sqm and the bar is being set higher. Panattoni is now applying for the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ for one of its latest projects.
