Nearly 6 million sq m of certified space for Panattoni at the end of September

Panattoni, the leader of the industrial real estate market in Europe, had nearly 6 million sq m of certified industrial space at the end of the third quarter of this year. Of this, approx. half a million, in 12 locations, obtained BREEAM certification at the Excellent level, which is currently the standard for the developer. Another 4.6 million sq m is awaiting environmental assessment.

Ecological construction in the industrial sector has ceased to be a niche trend and has become one of the most important directions for the industry's development. In Poland, there is currently over 28 million sq m of space, and nearly half has undergone environmental certification. Furthermore, 70 percent of certifications were carried out in the last 3 years. The changes are driven by Panattoni, which in Poland alone has certified nearly 6 million sq m of space, of which over half a million obtained the Excellent level – the highest currently in the country – which has been part of the developer's standard for over a year.

- A few years ago, few developers certified their investments, today in the industry it is a „must have”. In the context of taxonomy and investments in sustainable construction, clearly defined certification rules act as a kind of lighthouse for clients, funds, and investors in the real estate market. Certified buildings allow for the determination of their energy efficiency, contribution to reducing the carbon footprint, preservation of biodiversity, or social issues regarding working conditions and comfort in these facilities. These issues are of interest to all clients implementing their ESG strategies and are included in their non-financial reports – says Emilia Dębowska, Sustainability Director at Panattoni.

Towards greater efficiency. Panattoni facilities are characterized by high energy efficiency - the technologies used in them allow for a reduction in power consumption of up to 60 percent and savings of around 50 percent in terms of energy used. The developer focuses on a wide range of solutions – starting from increasing the insulation of partitions, using LED lighting, through heat recovery from refrigeration equipment, air recuperators, and heat pumps, to comprehensive metering systems and advanced BMS systems. In certified Panattoni facilities, water consumption is also on average half as low – an effect of using modern leak detection systems, waterproof fittings, rainwater or greywater installations. Investments are powered by green energy, and the developer reinforces their roofs as standard for photovoltaic installations. It also supports the recycling of infrastructure producing green energy, equipping its developments with furniture made from used wind turbines.

Care for users and biodiversity Certified facilities include a number of amenities for users, such as ensuring access for people with disabilities, or an adequate amount of daylight and thermal comfort. Relaxation zones with ecological furniture, outdoor gyms, and sports fields are being created around them. The developer is also introducing bicycle paths and parking lots with changing rooms and showers for cyclists, charging stations for electric cars, and a „car-sharing” platform.

Another distinguishing feature of Panattoni facilities is the care for ecosystems. Gardens, flower meadows, and lawns that do not require mowing are growing near the investments. The use of local plant species reduces the demand for watering. Habitats for protected species are being created, including houses for invertebrates and birds, hedgehog houses, and beehives. Over the last year, Panattoni has planted a total of approx. 6,000 trees and 60,000 shrubs and ornamental grasses. This year, it plans to create 100 more green recreation zones. 60,000 sq m of flower meadows will also be sown, and over 70 new insect hotels will appear.

BREEAM certification at the Excellent level has so far been obtained by facilities in 12 locations. These include, among others, the BTS DHL/Zalando in Żerniki near Poznań (approx. 108,000 sq m), the BTS Świebodzin for Amazon (203,500 sq m), or the BTS Action in Tychy (approx. 61,000 sq m). Furthermore, „Excellent” was obtained by buildings within: Panattoni park Nadarzyn (50,000 sq m), Panattoni Park Konotopa III (28,000 sq m), Panattoni Park Sosnowiec I (nearly 32,000 sq m - the first facility in Poland certified at the Excellent level), or Panattoni Park Tricity South II, whose hall received the maximum rating – 100 percent – for solutions in the „Water” category.

The developer is still conducting processes for facilities with a total area of 4.6 million sq m, and the bar is being raised, as Panattoni is in the process of obtaining the certificate at the highest level - Outstanding - for one of its latest projects.