The Dawn of Sustainable Logistics: A New Standard for Warehousing
Europe's logistics sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the imperative to curb emissions and transition away from fossil fuels. This shift is fueling the rapid adoption of electrification in heating and the integration of renewable energy sources. Increasingly, logistics facilities are being designed without gas connections, setting a new market trend. Buildings, accounting for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO₂ emissions in the EU, are central to decarbonization efforts, with heat pumps recognized as a crucial technology for the future. In Poland, the construction of large, gas-free warehouses signifies that electrified heating is fast becoming the new industry standard.
Revolutionizing Heating and Cooling with Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps offer a revolutionary approach to warehouse climate control. By completely replacing traditional gas installations, they can reduce CO2 emissions by several tens of percent. These versatile systems efficiently manage heating, cooling, and ventilation, providing a comprehensive and environmentally responsible solution. Beyond the ecological benefits, businesses can expect substantial operational savings, making heat pump integration a strategically sound investment for long-term sustainability and profitability.
Beyond Efficiency: Integrated Green Building Features
Modern sustainable warehouses go beyond just heat pumps. Leading developers like Prologis are actively investing in a suite of low-emission solutions. This includes large-scale rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations, advanced Building Management Systems (BMS) for optimal energy oversight, and the use of refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP), such as R32. Facilities are designed with minimal environmental impact in mind, incorporating low-emission materials, maximizing natural daylight, utilizing LED lighting, employing enhanced insulation, and implementing greywater recovery systems. These integrated features not only reduce a building's carbon footprint but also contribute to significant reductions in annual operating costs, often by 20-30% compared to conventional gas systems.
Prologis Park Ujazd: A Blueprint for Future-Ready Warehouses
A prime example of this new standard is the 62,500 m² BTS warehouse under construction for Schaeffler at Prologis Park Ujazd. This facility entirely foregoes a gas installation, relying solely on air source heat pumps for heating, cooling, and ventilation. Office areas will feature individual air heating and cooling systems, along with a dedicated heat pump for domestic hot water. The entire building will be seamlessly integrated with a BMS for intelligent energy management. Estimated operational savings are projected at 20-30% annually, further boosted by a powerful 1 MW rooftop solar PV system. The warehouse boasts a 12-meter clear height and a 4 MW power connection, ready for advanced automation. Designed for minimal environmental impact, it aims for the highest BREEAM Outstanding certification, with completion slated for the first half of 2026.
Strategic Advantages for Your Business
Choosing a warehouse equipped with cutting-edge heat pump technology and sustainable features offers significant advantages. Businesses can drastically reduce their carbon footprint, align with stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, and benefit from lower annual operating costs. Such facilities enhance corporate reputation, attract top talent, and future-proof operations against evolving energy regulations and costs. They represent a commitment to environmental stewardship while delivering tangible financial returns.
Prologis's Vision for a Net-Zero Future
Prologis, a leader in logistics real estate, is deeply committed to environmental responsibility, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global portfolio by 2040. Their investments in solutions like heat pumps and renewable energy sources are integral to this ambitious goal, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that benefits both the planet and their clients' businesses.
Source: prologisce.eu
