Panattoni Leads Sustainable Industrial Development: Over 500,000 sqm of BREEAM Outstanding Space in CEE

Panattoni's Landmark Achievement in Green Industrial Space

Leading industrial developer Panattoni has announced a monumental achievement, exceeding 500,000 square meters of industrial properties in the Czech Republic and Slovakia that have received the highest possible "Outstanding" rating under the international BREEAM New Construction sustainability certification. This significant milestone was most recently propelled by the certification of a highly automated ZF distribution center within Panattoni Business Park Ostrov North in the Czech Republic, solidifying Panattoni's position as a trailblazer in sustainable industrial construction across the Central and Eastern European markets.

This half-million square meter benchmark underscores Panattoni's unwavering commitment to green building practices and environmental stewardship, directly benefiting businesses seeking high-performance, eco-conscious facilities. By choosing Panattoni, companies align with a leader dedicated to reducing ecological footprints while enhancing operational efficiency.

Setting the Standard with BREEAM Outstanding Projects

Panattoni's portfolio of highly sustainable projects includes several notable developments that meet the strictest sustainability requirements. Among these are the expansive Amazon distribution center in Kojetín, the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for Shape Corp. in Nýřany, and the unique Panattoni Business Park Cheb South, where every single building achieved the coveted BREEAM New Construction "Outstanding" rating. A common thread uniting these projects is the strategic recycling and repurposing of brownfield sites, demonstrating a commitment to revitalizing existing areas rather than encroaching on greenfield land.

These long-term investments in green construction, stringent environmental standards, and energy innovations are yielding measurable results, strengthening the competitiveness of the region. Both Slovakia and the Czech Republic are now poised to play a pivotal role in Europe as innovative and ecologically responsible partners in industrial construction.

Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Panattoni's approach to industrial development is holistic, integrating innovative materials, efficient energy solutions, advanced digitalization, and the principles of the circular economy. This forward-thinking strategy not only aligns with existing technological and legislative frameworks but also actively contributes to shaping future regulations, making progressive sustainable solutions common practice across the industry.

Eco-Friendly Materials and Reduced Carbon Footprint

The global construction industry faces immense pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions. While significant progress has been made in lowering operational emissions, "embodied carbon"—emissions generated during construction and the production of building materials—remains a substantial challenge. Panattoni is pioneering innovative material solutions that can actively bind carbon. This includes using concrete with a higher proportion of recycled content, conserving aggregate and cement. Even greater potential lies in wood as a construction material; mass timber structures can reduce a building's emission footprint by 32-40% compared to traditional concrete and steel. In a groundbreaking move for the region, Panattoni secured approval in 2024 from the Plzeň Region Fire and Rescue Service for the use of wooden roof trusses in large industrial halls for manufacturing and logistics, a practice previously limited to residential, office, or smaller industrial buildings in the Czech Republic.

Electrifying Operations for Energy Efficiency

Electricity consumption is consistently rising across all sectors, driven by the fact that electric technologies are up to three times more efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts. Consequently, industrial halls are increasingly embracing electrification, opening new economic opportunities. Modern industrial parks are now often self-generating and sharing energy, supplementing photovoltaic systems with wind sources, developing fast-charging infrastructure for heavy transport, and utilizing large heat pumps for heating decarbonization. Pavel Fojtík, Panattoni's Regional Sustainability Manager, states, "Electrification of industry is key to energy transformation and an opportunity for Europe to lead. It brings higher efficiency and flexibility for the future. Technologies such as heat pumps are many times more efficient than gas-based technologies. We have already delivered almost 800,000 square meters of buildings equipped with heat pumps to our clients in the Czech Republic."

The Role of Legislation and Digitalization

Legislative changes are providing crucial impetus for implementing these current trends. A new building law, effective April 1, 2025, simplifies construction permitting processes. Another significant innovation includes pilot acceleration zones for wind and solar power plants, which guarantee a one-year timeframe for permitting. For further innovation, revising outdated norms—such as fire limits for timber constructions or regulations concerning recycled materials—is essential. Systematic collaboration between innovators and policymakers is key to progress.

Furthermore, technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twin are fundamentally transforming how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. Digitalization enables the prediction and optimization of both design and operation (e.g., HVAC systems), thereby reducing material waste, preventing errors, and optimizing operational costs. "Digitalization allows us to optimize the design and operation of buildings based on data, reducing material waste and operating costs, which is why it's more important for us to focus on data quality and its utilization than on mere visualization," adds Pavel Fojtík.

Why Choose Panattoni for Your Sustainable Business Growth?

Panattoni fearlessly integrates progressive trends into practice, adopting a comprehensive and data-driven approach to construction. This commitment ensures industrial properties not only meet the highest sustainability standards but also actively contribute to decarbonization, efficient resource utilization, and resilient infrastructure for the future. For businesses, this translates into tangible benefits: lower operating costs, enhanced brand reputation through strong ESG credentials, and facilities that are future-proof against evolving regulations and environmental demands.

As Pavel Sovička, Panattoni's General Director for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, concludes, "At Panattoni, we view sustainability holistically as a path to the greatest possible efficiency in resource utilization—not only natural, but also financial and human. This train is already rolling irreversibly across the world, and if we want it to safely reach its destination with us, we must not only get on board but ideally also steer it a bit. We are succeeding in this at Panattoni, and it is an opportunity for both the Czech Republic and Slovakia."

Source: systemylogistiky.sk