East Midlands Logistics Property: Leading the Way to Net Zero


Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead


With events from recent years having a major impact on global supply chains, manufacturers have no choice but to reevaluate the way they approach logistics. At the same time, with the UK’s net zero by 2050 goal on the horizon, the logistics landscape is gearing up for a more sustainable future.


While commercial property development isn’t the first industry that comes to mind in relation to sustainability, global logistics property owner and developer, Prologis, is one name making big news in the race to net zero. In fact, Prologis UK’s commitment to net zero dates back to 2008, when its trailblazing approach involved implementing a strategy to ‘measure’, ‘engage’ and ‘communicate’ its sustainability achievements, in partnership with Planet Mark. Since then, the logistics giant has reduced over 470,000 tons of CO2e across 74 projects in the UK (spanning over 19 million sq. ft. of development) and protected over 4.1 million trees through a collaboration with global climate change charity, Cool Earth. The company has also helped 68 schools and colleges achieve the Planet Mark certification – a symbol of their commitment to sustainability.


From the LEDs lighting up warehouses to the methods and materials used to construct the buildings, Prologis UK’s commitment to sustainability and social value delivery is unwavering. Since establishing its partnership with the sustainability certifier, Planet Mark, 15 years ago, the mission has been simple; to focus on the measurement and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions and, in particular, to shine a light on embodied carbon emissions.


All new warehouses and distribution centres built by Prologis UK are net zero carbon in construction. The embodied carbon emissions,


those associated with building construction, are mitigated by funding the protection of the rain forest in conjunction with Cool Earth. Looking forward, Prologis is beginning to develop buildings that are net zero carbon in operation – also described as the emissions that are generated by a building post-completion.


Two distribution centres at Prologis UK’s stand-out developments, Prologis Apex Park and Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead, have recently been awarded the highest BREEAM rating, “Outstanding”, at 88.2 per cent and 88.8 per cent respectively. This rating makes Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead the highest rated building in its category (Industrial – Shell and Core). Prologis Apex Park, located near Daventry, which was described as “the first UK logistics building to go beyond net zero” when it was completed in 2021. The 435,000 sq. ft. unit employs bespoke energy- saving technologies and is capable of returning more energy to the grid than it uses. Through rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and a 1.4MW rooftop solar array, the building is able to use its surplus energy to power local homes and businesses, further demonstrating Prologis UK’s commitment to sustainability innovation and being a force for good in local communities.


In recognition of its commitment to sustainability, in 2021 Prologis UK was the only property developer out of 45 companies worldwide to be awarded the prestigious Terra Carta Seal. Putting nature, people, and the planet at the top of its agenda, the award scheme celebrates companies that go above and beyond in their dedication to delivering their sustainability goals.


To build on its industry-leading achievements, Prologis’ global network has recently set a new target – to achieve net zero by 2040. In setting this new target, the company is aiming to lead from the front; driving the sustainability agenda on behalf of the logistics property industry as a whole.


Businesses in the sector need positive sustainability examples that they can learn from, and Prologis is setting the pace.


To find out more about Prologis’ groundbreaking steps towards sustainability, visit their website or download their white paper, “Net zero building in action”.


Protecting tropical rainforests with Cool Earth 14 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2022


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