By CTP Poland
Sustainable development and environmental stewardship are now among the key distinguishing features of logistics properties. Eco-friendly solutions primarily support tenants in creating attractive workplaces by ensuring high-quality surroundings, while also facilitating the implementation of ESG strategies. In this spirit, CTP Poland continues to develop its CTParks business parks, introducing solutions that promote biodiversity and user comfort.
Trees, shrubs and meadows
A study conducted by CTP Poland among 502 production and warehouse employees in Poland shows that nearly 40% expect green areas around their workplace, and almost one in four points to the need for outdoor recreational zones. This indicates that the space surrounding buildings is becoming an important element of workplace comfort and one of the factors determining the attractiveness of a location.
“CTP certifies all its business parks under the BREEAM system at a minimum level of ‘Very Good’, and increasingly at the ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ level. Around our projects, we aim to build communities and enable partners to grow in a friendly environment. Greenery plays a key role in this context ´– it improves the microclimate and offers users a place to rest. That’s why we work closely with an ecologist, who recommends the most beneficial solutions,” says Adam Targowski, group head of ESG at CTP.
Across the eight CTP projects in Poland alone, 1,145 trees and 2,236 shrubs have already been planted, along with several thousand square metres of flower meadows – improving not only aesthetics but, above all, strengthening local biodiversity.
Magdalena Loose, an ecologist working with JWA, says: “We use natural methods to support plants during planting: mycorrhization, which increases the resilience of root systems; mulching with bark without using geotextiles; and compost instead of peat—to protect peatlands. These are solutions that significantly enhance the natural value of the development.”
The planted species are dominated by native trees and shrubs, such as maples (sycamore, Norway maple and field maple), oaks (pedunculate, sessile), limes (small-leaved, large-leaved), dogwoods, willows, plums and hawthorns. Their presence supports pollinating insects, birds and small mammals by providing food and shelter.
Ms Loose adds: “In CTP projects, great importance is also attached to details that directly increase biological diversity. New habitats are created within the parks, where – in addition to vegetation – elements such as logs for insects, nesting boxes for birds and flower meadows supporting wild pollinator populations are introduced. The stakes supporting young trees come from FSC – or PEFC – certified sources. Additionally, blue-green infrastructure is being developed to improve rainwater retention. The educational aspect is also important – information boards placed throughout the parks help employees better understand the significance of these environmental efforts.”
Responding to employee needs
Among the biggest challenges faced by employees working in industrial and logistics facilities across Poland, respondents most frequently indicated excessive noise (71%), high temperatures (69%), and lack of fresh air (61%). And around 64% stated they had limited access to quiet zones.
“Publicly accessible relaxation spaces in our CTParks play a very important role in ensuring comfort for employees at each site. We place great emphasis on designing them thoughtfully, functionally and aesthetically. Depending on the location, we provide, among other things, access to outdoor gyms, greenery-filled courtyards with benches and chill-out areas, or barbecue zones. Compared to reference industrial parks in Poland, CTParks offer solutions that consciously address challenges related to access to user-friendly spaces. In the near future, we intend to continue expanding this type of infrastructure.” says Mr Targowski,
Green surroundings, green energy
Beyond its strategic approach to enhancing biodiversity within individual developments, CTP’s environmental stewardship also includes offering tenants access to green energy. Across the 10 CEE markets in which CTP Group operates, the company owns photovoltaic power plants with a total capacity of 138 MWp (megawatt peak – the maximum potential power output of a complete solar power plant). The energy produced is used for tenants’ ongoing operations, reducing the carbon footprint of the developments and optimising operational costs.
