The challenges facing the logistics industry are immense: the war in Ukraine, inflation, rising energy and packaging costs, a lack of space and the aftermath of the pandemic. This is also a major challenge because booming e-commerce is further intensifying the demands on production and logistics: the supply chain needs to be as sustainable and efficient as possible.

A major obstacle to the efficiency of logistics space is the lack of space. It has been an acute problem for years: In the minds of many people, the thought of logistics real estate triggers associations with noisy traffic, high levels of particulate pollution and disadvantages for nature and the environment. Accordingly, many logistics sites are located in peripheral locations. Nowadays, however, logistics properties are able to create added value for the surrounding area. In addition to attractive architecture, this requires one thing above all: a sophisticated sustainability concept. There are many ways to reduce the carbon footprint of a logistics property. Ecologically sustainable often also means economically viable. A good logistics property combines both.

Sustainability in construction

Efforts to achieve greater sustainability continue in the construction process. The use of resource-saving materials reduces the proportion of embodied carbon, i.e. the_{CO2 emissions} released during construction. Regionally sourced, renewable and climate-friendly resources have a positive impact on the eco-balance of the property - as does sustainably produced cement.

Another lever for greater sustainability in construction is the use of digital "Building Information Modeling" (BIM). This ensures greater transparency for all parties involved and thus facilitates collaboration during the construction phase and ongoing operation. A timely life cycle analysis of the property is also worthwhile for long-term climate-friendly operation. How can subsequent further use be planned during construction? After all, the space should be as flexible to use as possible in order to keep construction costs as low as possible when re-letting.

Saving energy alone is not enough

In view of the current energy prices, photovoltaic panels are a good alternative for reducing the ancillary costs of a logistics property. Having your own power supply from renewable sources offsets emissions and also provides the necessary energy independence. When installed over a large area, photovoltaic systems can not only improve the environmental balance of the property, but also turn it into a positive one. Another plus point: the energy generated from renewable sources can also be used to operate e-charging stations. The photovoltaic system on the roof thus paves the way for a green last mile in terms of the mobility transition.

Once the sustainable energy supply of the property has been secured, details such as modern building technology come into play: automatic lighting control both indoors and outdoors, energy-saving light sources and intelligent heating systems ensure that the property does not become a climate sinner during operation. Smart metering systems are available to identify any weak points: The intelligent and networked meters provide real-time data on resource consumption and thus show where adjustments need to be made. This improves the energy balance during operation.

Personal initiative is required

Once all these technical building sustainability aspects have been completed, landlords of logistics properties need to think ahead. Creativity is required: How do we design open spaces? Where do we start to increase the well-being of employees? After all, sustainability is not a purely technical issue. Instead of saving and reducing, renaturation and strengthening regional biodiversity are ultimately on the list of requirements. Green spaces on the site as shelters for animals and bee hotels with appropriate planting - this benefits the local ecosystem. Employees need sufficient breakout areas that invite them to relax, as well as spaces with a high quality of stay in general. The environment must be geared towards employee performance and meet their needs.

The result of all these efforts is a sustainable logistics property that produces more energy than it consumes. To confirm the energy balance, it is worth aiming for certification according to the DGNB standard in gold or platinum, which is precisely tailored to German building law and also complies with the EU Taxonomy Regulation. With this type of certification, local authorities are more open to the topic of logistics properties - because the properties also demonstrably meet the legal standards of German local authorities in terms of sustainability.

Conclusion: intelligent solutions are required

With the help of digital systems, there are worthwhile approaches that enable both the maximum efficient construction and operation of logistics real estate. The modern type of logistics property is characterized by comprehensive implementation of the applicable sustainability standards; there is no way around this on the road to the future.

Ecologically sustainable and economically sensible