Seven per cent of people aged 66 and over are still in employment

Seven per cent of people aged 66 and over are still in employment – and many work in occupations facing skilled-labour shortages.

A DIW study based on the 2022 microcensus examined the employment of older people in Germany. According to the findings, one in 15 people aged 66 or older is still working. Health and education play a decisive role in labour-force participation at older ages.

After reaching the standard retirement age, seven per cent of older people remain in employment, working an average of 19 hours per week. The better their health and the higher their level of education, the more likely they are to continue working. Among people aged 66 to 69 in good or very good health, around one in five is still employed. These are the key results of a recent study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), conducted by researchers from the Government and Crime, and Labour and Inequality departments, using data from the 2022 microcensus.

“Even beyond the standard retirement age, older people make a significant contribution to the labour market, especially if they are in good health and have a higher level of education,” says study author Johannes Geyer, Deputy Head of the Government Department. Co-author Anna Bindler, Head of the Crime, Labour and Inequality Department, adds: “Whether people continue to work in old age depends not only on legal regulations, but also heavily on individual circumstances.”

Self-employed workers are particularly well represented: 37.4 per cent of employed people over 66 are self-employed, compared with nine per cent among the working population as a whole.

Older workers in shortage occupations

The study also assesses the extent to which older workers are represented in professions classified as suffering from, or at risk of, skilled-labour shortages. Higher labour-force participation among older people is often viewed as one way of addressing these gaps.

According to the analysis, 23 per cent of employed people over 66 work in occupations where labour demand already exceeds supply. This is a similar proportion to that of younger workers. However, older people are somewhat less represented in occupations where a skilled-labour shortage is only anticipated: around 40 per cent of workers under 66 are employed in such occupations, compared with 30 per cent of older workers.

“Greater efforts should be made to ensure that a higher proportion of workers remain in the labour market beyond the standard working age,” says Peter Haan, Head of the State Department. “Health-promotion measures, further education and training even in old age, and reforms in tax and social law can help to achieve this.”

International comparisons suggest further potential. Countries such as Sweden have significantly higher employment rates among older people. “Changes in tax and social-security regulations are also crucial, for example a reform of the mini-job regulation,” says Hermann Buslei. “It is important to create incentives for more employment and longer working hours. This could help increase the relatively low employment rate among older women. In addition, pensioners should receive more support in finding work.”

Source: DIW Berlin

Modern community building in Zamarski reflects local heritage and contemporary design

A new multi-functional public building—the Municipal Cultural Center “STODOŁA”—has been completed in Zamarski, one of the oldest villages in Cieszyn Silesia. The project, designed by ARCHiTEKT studio under architect Paweł Kuczyński, is a contemporary interpretation of traditional rural architecture and brings together three public functions: the Municipal Cultural Center, the Volunteer Fire Service unit, and the local community meeting space (sołtysówka). The scheme is intended to support local activities while fitting into the historical and landscape context of the village.

The architectural concept by Bartosz Kuczyński is based on three separate volumes resembling rural houses and barns, linked by a shared ground-floor area. This division allows each function to operate independently while forming a cohesive structure that integrates with the surroundings. The building is partially recessed into the terrain, with its form adapted to the natural topography and the pedestrian route connecting the park and the historic St. Roch church.

“When in 2019, during the commune harvest in Zamarskie, I announced the construction of this facility, I knew one thing – it is supposed to be an investment that will set a new standard in our municipality. From the beginning, I wanted the Municipal Cultural Center of the BARN to be not only functional, but also architecturally bold and made of the highest quality materials. Today I can say that this vision has been fully realized. This building is an example of conscious, responsible design and the effect of consistent work of many people, but also a proof that the local government can be a true architect of success – if it thinks long-term, courageously and with respect for local heritage,” said Grzegorz Sikorski, Mayor of Hażlach Commune.

According to the design team, one of the priorities was to ensure that the exterior reflected the rural landscape while the interior met contemporary operational needs. “When designing a multifunctional building, we wanted the form to be rooted in the local landscape, but the interiors correspond to modern utility standards. We were looking for materials that will provide both durability and a friendly, warm environment for the daily activities of residents. We decided on HERADESIGN® Superfine and HERADESIGN® Creative Effect ceiling tiles, because their natural structure, acoustic properties and aesthetics perfectly fit into our vision of the social space – modern, but close to man,” said architect Paweł Kuczyński.

The project incorporates HERADESIGN® acoustic materials from Knauf Ceiling Solutions, used in both standard and decorative versions. The natural wood wool panels in the Nature 13 finish appear throughout public areas, classrooms, and the main performance hall, providing consistent acoustics and referencing materials found in local wooden architecture.

Given the building’s intended role as a venue for events, rehearsals, meetings and everyday community activities, acoustic performance was a central focus. “This is a building used by children, seniors, music bands and residents during meetings. Good acoustics are the basis – not only for performances, but also for everyday work and conversations. The solutions used really make a difference – in the performance hall you can talk without reverb, in the other rooms there is silence needed to talk with residents, and classes for children run in comfortable conditions. This changes the quality of stay in this place,” said Cecilia Gasz-Płońska, Director of the Municipal Cultural Centre in Hażlach.

The HERADESIGN® ceilings contribute not only to interior acoustics but also to sustainability objectives. The materials hold PEFC, FSC, and Cradle to Cradle® certifications, reflecting the use of renewable inputs and suitability for recycling—factors increasingly expected in public-sector developments.

The “STODOŁA” Cultural Center is presented as an example of a community building that integrates functional requirements with sensitivity to local history and contemporary design standards. Its combination of public programmes, architectural form and material choices aims to create a long-term, adaptable space for village residents.

ZEITGEIST opens new Warsaw headquarters in revitalised tenement on św. Barbary Street

ZEITGEIST Asset Management has opened its new Warsaw headquarters in a renovated tenement building at 6/8 św. Barbary Street. The company, known for projects in which architectural form reflects the function and history of the site, has created a 250 m² office space designed to align with the modernist character of the building.

“We decided to create an office in Warsaw that would reflect the most important values of our projects,” said Peter Noack, Co-Founder and CEO of ZEITGEIST Asset Management. “The headquarters are located in the heart of the capital, in a historic building that we have carefully renovated, right above the flats we manage. Importantly, it is located near ZEITGEIST’s largest project in Central and Eastern Europe – the quarter of buildings between Nowogrodzka and Poznańska Streets.”

The opening highlights the company’s growing scale in Poland. Since 2019, the value of ZEITGEIST’s assets in the country has increased significantly, spanning both the revitalisation of historic residential properties and the development of new rental projects in central locations.

“Thanks to the new location, we can be closer to our clients and partners, and our team gains a comfortable, high-quality space needed for focused work, away from market turmoil,” said Tomasz Dąbrowski, Managing Director of ZEITGEIST Asset Management in Poland.

Functionalist design with flexible use

The tenement on św. Barbary Street is a gallery-type building constructed as part of the former Telecommunications and Telegraph Office complex at 45 Nowogrodzka Street. In consultation with the heritage conservator, ZEITGEIST added a lightweight rooftop extension, creating an intimate office space featuring extensive glazing and a surrounding terrace.

“The terrace with a view of the green square and historic buildings, as well as the well-lit conference room, are now our favourite places,” Dąbrowski noted. The interior has been designed with flexibility in mind: the office can operate as a single space today, but can also be divided into four separate apartments in the future.

The design references ZEITGEIST’s Prague headquarters, with a minimalist aesthetic, light materials inspired by natural wood and stone, and Art Deco-influenced details such as rounded wooden wall corners.

Revitalisation supported by long-term use

The company emphasises that revitalised buildings remain sustainable only when continuously occupied and managed. “Filling renovated buildings with tenants extends their durability, guaranteeing long-term care and attention to quality,” said Dąbrowski.

ZEITGEIST retains management responsibility for its revitalised Warsaw properties – Barbary 6/8, Wrzesińska 2 and Solec 22. “As the operator of HOME by Zeitgeist, we manage long-term apartment rentals, and together with our subsidiary ZEITRAUM, we are developing a network of student residences and serviced apartments,” added Noack.

Ground floors of ZEITGEIST projects are typically activated through commercial units such as shops, medical services and restaurants. At 6/8 św. Barbary Street, this approach resulted in the creation of a glazed street-level corner that now houses the VaBene Centro restaurant, alongside additional spaces used to promote art and community activity.

Skanska wins NOK 950 M contract for Illvatn hydropower plant in Norway

Skanska has signed a contract with Hydro to build the Illvatn pumped-storage hydropower plant in the municipality of Luster, Vestland County, Norway. The contract value is NOK 950 million (about €77 million), roughly equal to SEK 900 million (about €74 million). The order will be recorded in Skanska’s Nordic orders for the fourth quarter of 2025.

The agreement covers construction of an underground power station and related tunnel and infrastructure works. The scope includes building a pressure tunnel of approximately 8 kilometers between the Fivlemyrane and Illvatn reservoirs, part of a larger tunnel network totalling about 9 kilometers. Additional work involves constructing a permanent access road, a tunnel to the transformer and station halls, and a surge system stretching 250 meters. Given that portions of the project area are currently inaccessible by road, helicopter transport will be required during certain phases.

The new Illvatn pumped-storage facility will leverage the elevation difference between the Fivlemyrane and Illvatn reservoirs, increasing Illvatn’s storage capacity by 90 million cubic metres. The plant is expected to enable more efficient use of water resources by pumping water uphill during summer months or periods of low electricity demand and price, and generate approximately 84 GWh of electricity annually.

Preparatory works are already underway. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 2030.

Currency: At the time of writing: 1 NOK ≈ €0.081, 1 SEK ≈ €0.082

Airports Confront Climate and Efficiency Demands as HVAC Modernisation Becomes Essential

fletcher@cijeurope.com
26 November 2025
Environmental, Indicators, Transportation

Airports are increasingly required to adapt their technical infrastructure to meet rising environmental expectations and improve operational efficiency. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are emerging as a key area of focus, driven by regulations, energy-reduction goals and the need to deliver consistent comfort for passengers.

According to industry specialists, modernisation efforts now extend far beyond traditional upgrades. Airports are investing in integrated automation systems, energy-efficient ventilation strategies and sustainable design solutions.

“There is increasing talk around the world about the need to modernise airports, where HVAC systems are to be made more energy-efficient not only through the use of special lighting, but also through digital solutions that improve operational efficiency,” says Marcin Kosieniak, MEP specialist and co-owner of the PM Projekt design office.

Intelligent energy management

Many airports are adopting advanced automation platforms for energy management. Building management systems now enable continuous oversight of ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting and related systems.

“By integrating control systems, airports can monitor ventilation, air conditioning, heating, lighting and other critical systems in real time,” notes Kosieniak.

Car park ventilation: a distinctive challenge

Airport car parks, often large enclosed structures handling high vehicle volumes, present a separate ventilation challenge. New design approaches aim to reduce building height requirements while ensuring effective air movement.

“Interestingly, airport car parks often pose a particular challenge for HVAC systems. A new ventilation concept for garages reduces the required height of the car park, which translates into a greater number of parking spaces, but requires well-thought-out and well-planned systems for the placement of supply and exhaust fans. Their appropriate location in the parking area allows for the control of air distribution,” explains Kosieniak.

He adds that at Katowice–Pyrzowice Airport, PM Projekt applied energy-efficient fan systems linked to continuous monitoring of pollutant concentrations.

Sustainability practices in airports

Airports worldwide continue to adopt wider sustainability measures, with HVAC optimisation forming part of broader decarbonisation strategies. Indianapolis International Airport operates one of the largest airport-based solar farms globally, producing around 20 MW of energy annually. Sydney Airport has advanced its carbon neutrality programme with a 100% renewable electricity PPA, an energy-efficiency programme and a carbon-offset strategy.

In Sweden, Swedavia has introduced occupancy-based airflow control that adjusts air conditioning to passenger density. The solution has reduced fan energy use by roughly 30% and improved indoor comfort.

“Examples of such solutions show that it is regulations that enforce best practices in the market that reduce the industry’s impact on the environment, and that heating, air conditioning and cooling systems must adapt to the needs imposed by law, the specific space and the needs of passengers,” says Kosieniak.

A shift toward integrated management

Kosieniak emphasises that the transformation required is not only technical but also organisational. “It is worth noting that the transformation of the HVAC sector at airports is not only a matter of technology, but above all a change in mentality – from reactive maintenance to proactive management, from isolated systems to integrated energy ecosystems,” he concludes.

JTRE secures building permit for next phase of River Park: 153 residences, offices and a new green square

fletcher@cijeurope.com
25 November 2025
Company News, Mixed-use, Office, Residential

JTRE has obtained the building permit for the next phase of the River Park development on the Danube waterfront. The project will extend the existing River Park complex and introduce 153 residential units, new office space and an additional public square.

The upcoming residential buildings will offer river views, a limited number of apartments per floor and layouts designed for comfort and privacy. The development continues the urban concept established in the first phase, combining the Danube promenade, contemporary architecture, landscaped areas and ground-floor services.

“Securing the building permit marks an important milestone for both the project and the wider waterfront,” said Pavel Pelikán, Executive Director of JTRE. “The next phase builds on the original concept of bringing the city centre closer to the river. High-quality public spaces and new services will contribute to the ongoing improvement of the Danube riverfront.”

Alongside the residential component, the scheme includes 10,000 m² of office space designed to meet high sustainability standards, with low energy consumption, smart technologies and an emphasis on natural light and ventilation. The promenade will be supplemented with 1,500 m² of retail and service units, suitable for shops, cafés and restaurants. A total of 733 underground parking spaces will serve residents and visitors.

The architectural design for the extension was prepared by GFI studio, which aimed to integrate the new buildings with the existing urban structure and the riverside location. The original River Park was designed by Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat, whose concept focused on creating a “city within a city” while opening the area toward the river. The expansion will add five buildings in total—four residential and one office building.

“The residential offering is diverse and reflects demand for both investment and permanent living,” said Ján Ťupek of GFI studio. “Homes range from compact one-bedroom units to larger two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as spacious five-bedroom apartments. Given the character of the location, the buildings are oriented to ensure river views for most units.”

A central landscaped courtyard will form part of the waterfront promenade, providing quiet outdoor space for residents and visitors and offering separation from traffic along Arm. gen. L. Svobodu Street.

The new public space, Lanfranconi Square, will cover 2,600 m² and was designed by BETWEEN studio. The square will integrate mature trees, planting areas, seating and shaded zones to support cooling and water retention. It aims to enhance biodiversity and improve the microclimate of the waterfront.

Upon completion, the upgraded riverside promenade is expected to act as a key leisure and social area along the Danube. The design includes visual corridors, seating areas and preserved architectural features such as the travertine railing by architect Ivan Matušík, maintaining continuity between the original development and the new phase.

Apartment sales and construction are planned to begin in 2026.

BIK Anti-Fraud Report 2025: Cyber Threats to Polish SMEs and Institutions Continue to Rise

The latest Anti-Fraud Report published by BIK indicates a further rise in cyber attacks and fraud attempts targeting both Polish companies and public institutions. The findings show that organisations of all sizes remain vulnerable, with social engineering, internal errors and insufficient security practices contributing to an increasingly challenging risk landscape.

Recent cases have underscored the scale of the issue. A data breach at a Polish loan provider exposed personal information of at least 10,000 customers, including national identification numbers, bank details and income information. Earlier in the year, more than 5,000 records were copied from the Marshal’s Office in Lublin by an employee. These events reflect a wider trend in which both external attacks and internal lapses lead to significant data leakage.

According to the BIK report, almost 32% of SMEs experienced attempted fraud or extortion in 2025, regardless of their size or industry. More than a third of companies surveyed reported exposure to cyber attacks, and among those affected, over half faced repeated incidents—up to ten times per year. Public sentiment mirrors these concerns: 63% of Poles believe the risk of data leakage has increased over the past year.

The most common methods used against SMEs include fake payment-related emails (35%) and fraudulent invoices (33%), often accompanied by social engineering tactics designed to impersonate contractors or financial institutions. BIK notes that all major categories of cyber-enabled fraud have increased since 2024.

While external attacks pose a serious threat, internal vulnerabilities remain a parallel concern. One in five entrepreneurs considers the risk of internal fraud or accidental data leakage a real issue within their organisations. Mistakenly sending sensitive files to the wrong recipient, mishandling databases or unknowingly installing malware typically result from human error rather than intentional wrongdoing, highlighting the importance of regular staff training.

Despite rising threats, protective measures remain inconsistent. The report shows that 5.8% of SMEs use no preventive tools, leaving more than 162,000 companies exposed to cyber risk. Many rely on informal measures: 36% of SMEs base their protection primarily on “common sense”, rather than structured security policies or tools. By contrast, 34% of companies have implemented regular cybersecurity training, one-third of medium-sized firms have established anti-fraud units, and 28% routinely verify contractors in external databases.

Companies that have previously experienced attacks are more likely to introduce formal safeguards, but many still lack the resources or tools needed to address vulnerabilities. A quarter of SMEs report a need for enhanced staff training, while more than 22% indicate they lack effective mechanisms for identifying fraud attempts.

The BIK Anti-Fraud Report concludes that while awareness of cyber threats is rising, the overall level of preparedness across the SME sector remains uneven. The organisation emphasises that as both external attacks and internal errors continue to grow in frequency, a formalised approach to cybersecurity—supported by training, monitoring tools and standardised procedures—will be essential for reducing exposure to fraud and data loss.

Consumers Scale Back Black Friday Spending as Retail Sector Faces Another Difficult Year

Germany’s retail sector is entering the crucial Black Friday and Christmas trading period under sustained pressure, as weak consumer sentiment, rising insolvencies and continued labour-market uncertainty weigh on household spending. According to Atradius, these reinforcing factors are expected to shape market conditions well into 2026.

Consumer indicators point to ongoing caution among households. The GfK consumer climate index is forecast at –24.1 points for November, a decline of 1.6 points compared to October, driven by falling income expectations, inflation concerns, geopolitical uncertainty and fears surrounding employment stability. The HDE consumer barometer also fell in November to 95.57 points, underscoring reduced willingness to buy.

Nicole Bludau, Risk Services Manager at Atradius, notes that consumers are demonstrating increased price sensitivity, postponing purchases until discount campaigns and avoiding impulsive spending. Atradius expects Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales to reach around €5.8 billion this year, slightly lower than the €5.9 billion recorded in 2024, a figure that had already stagnated relative to 2023. Although the peak season will remain the strongest period of the year for retailers, it is not expected to act as a growth driver.

Despite significant consumer interest in discounts, an emerging shift is visible among retailers. While surveys from the German Retail Association indicate that nearly half of respondents intend to shop on Black Friday and one-third on Cyber Monday, more companies are choosing to refrain from deep price reductions. According to Bludau, an increasing number of retailers are adopting a “fair products at fair prices” policy to counteract ongoing margin erosion, especially at a time when personnel, energy and rental costs continue to rise.

Electronics and technology products are expected to dominate Black Friday demand again this year, followed by clothing. Atradius reports that the overall consumer sector has remained relatively stable despite the stagnating economic environment. However, several segments face considerable challenges. The home textiles and furniture industries continue to struggle after the peak seen during the pandemic, while the cosmetics trade faces strong competition from online channels. The situation remains difficult for traditional department stores, which are seeing declining footfall alongside continued online cannibalisation.

Looking ahead to 2026, Atradius expects only limited improvement. Despite government initiatives, including investment programmes aimed at infrastructure and climate neutrality, households will continue to feel the impact of rising health insurance contributions, persistently high electricity prices and increased costs for rent and food. Bludau emphasises that a meaningful easing of the situation will only occur once structural economic changes progress and consumption begins to recover, a development Atradius does not expect before 2027 at the earliest. Economic research institutes forecast Germany’s GDP to grow between 1.1 and 1.6 per cent in 2026, offering only modest support for hopes of a broader market rebound.

GH Development announces the launch of sales for the Museo development and makes its debut on the Tri-City residential market

GH Development makes its debut on the Tri-City market, launching sales for its first development in Gdańsk. The elegant Museo apartment building is being constructed in a prestigious part of Gdańsk’s city centre, in the immediate vicinity of the National Museum. The developer, previously known for its residential projects in Warsaw, is consistently expanding its portfolio and strengthening its presence on the Polish market.

The Belgian developer, which has been operating in Poland for nearly eight years, began its Tri-City operations with the purchase of the former Gdańsk Electronic Works Unimor building at 14 Żabi Kruk Street. A modern, six-storey apartment building with 216 investment units will be built on this site, complementing the layout of the new development in the district – a dynamically developing area where office, residential and service facilities have replaced former production plants.

“The debut on the Tri-City market is an important stage in GH Development’s long-term development strategy in Poland. We have been consistently building our position for years, and entering such a dynamically developing region is the next step in the implementation of the company’s ambitious plans. Museo opens a new chapter for us and strengthens our presence in key residential markets in the country,” says Aleksandra Żuralska, Country Manager at GH Development Polska.

The Museo project refers to the character of the buildings in this part of Śródmieście, while harmoniously blending in with the historical fabric of the area. The simple, elegant form of the building will be emphasised by large glazing and carefully selected, noble façade materials, creating a coherent and modern structure with high aesthetics.

The investment has been designed with the rental market in mind, as well as for those looking for a popular second home by the sea. The offer includes 1- and 2-room flats ranging in size from 26 to 47 m² — functional, compact and ideal for renting.

The ground floor of the building will feature numerous amenities, including an elegant lobby with a reception desk, a modern exercise area, a space for relaxation and meetings, a co-working area, a bicycle storage room and a luggage storage room.

“Museo is a project designed for customers who are looking for quality and real investment potential. The Tri-City remains one of the most stable markets in the country, and demand for rentals is constantly growing — that is why the premises in Museo are an attractive proposition for both investors and those looking for a second home. The combination of a great location and functional floor space creates a product that meets today’s market needs,” says Michał Szałajko, Head of Sales & Marketing at GH Development Polska.

The ground floor will also feature over 500 m² of commercial space, ideal for services for local residents. The immediate surroundings of Museo provide access to a well-developed commercial and service infrastructure, historical and cultural facilities, and picturesque walking routes along the Old Motława River.

Construction of Museo is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with completion planned for 2028.

Umbach Group leases 5,000 sqm logistics facility in Alsdorf with Logivest advising

Logivest has advised Umbach Verpackungen and Umbach Logistik GmbH on the lease of a logistics property in Alsdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. The facility, located at Maurerstraße 42 and owned by Berde Immo, provides approximately 5,000 sqm of space.

Umbach sought a site for handling and storing a wide range of packaging materials. Logivest identified a property around 20 minutes from the company’s Eschweiler production site that met the operational requirements.

The warehouse comprises 3,000 sqm of open storage space and 2,000 sqm of high-bay storage, suitable for managing cardboard, cartons and related items. The layout also supports extended service operations including fulfilment and just-in-time delivery. Existing shelving and forklifts can be taken over, while multiple loading ramps and a ground-level gate support efficient logistics processes.

The Alsdorf location provides direct access to the A44 motorway and is close to the Aachen motorway junction, offering connections to Cologne, Düsseldorf and cross-border routes into the Netherlands and Belgium.

The lease reflects the Umbach Group’s continued commitment to the region. Its existing sites in Eschweiler, Stolberg and Hückelhoven will remain operational.

“In recent years, Alsdorf has successfully developed from a mining city into a service-oriented location and benefits from its position in the border triangle north of Aachen,” said Luca Wagner, Consultant Industrial and Logistics Letting at Logivest NRW GmbH.

The company plans to move into the new facility in December 2025.

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