MDC2 Park Gliwice has received confirmation of the highest possible rating – Outstanding – in the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification. It is one of the most recognised methods of assessing buildings for their environmental impact. It assesses, amongst other things, energy efficiency, water management and indoor environmental quality.

The development comprises three buildings with a total area exceeding 58,000 m² on a 13.4-hectare site. The project was commissioned in Q4 2023. Companies such as: Rohlig SUUS – one of the fastest growing, market-leading logistics operators in Poland and AFL – a global market leader in information technology, have leased space in the development.

“Our common goal was to create a space that not only meets the needs of tenants, but also contributes to protecting the environment. The fact that we have achieved this is the result of the hard work of the entire team and proof that responsible investments can benefit both people and nature,” says Anna Szelc, Director, Investments, Invesco Real Estate.

MDC² Park Gliwice exemplifies a successful investment in a revitalized post-industrial urban area. It was built on a former railway site that served as a prefabricated house factory. The project involved site remediation and preparation to make it suitable for the new development.

MDC2’s ESG strategy, which underpins the company’s development, is guided by the motto Building for Good, according to which it builds warehouse parks for a sustainable future for tenants, investors, local communities, the environment, and the industry as a whole.

“Achieving the highest BREEAM rating is a huge success for us. This proves that our sustainability efforts are producing a tangible effect. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable construction practices, MDC2 Park Gliwice remains at the forefront of this type of speculative development, setting the best example for the entire warehouse market in Poland,” – says Katarzyna Dudzik, Development Director, MDC2.
In terms of the operation of the building, the MDC2 provides comprehensive, energy-efficient solutions to ensure tenant comfort, service efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the development. A life cycle analysis (LCA) of materials was used to assess the environmental impact of the investment and products with EPD environmental declarations were used.

Thanks to the thermal insulation of the walls, the building minimizes heat loss, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs (62% reduction in final energy consumption compared to reference buildings). The use of passive technologies has resulted in an additional reduction in primary energy demand of 40% on average. Water-saving solutions, including aerators, electro-valves, and leak detection systems, have reduced water consumption by over 66% compared to standard models. Regular monitoring of energy consumption, water consumption and CO2 emissions was carried out at each stage of construction. A minimum of 80% of the office space has access to daylight. A construction waste recycling rate of at least 97% was achieved. FSC and PEFC-certified timber was used in the construction of the building. Rexbud, the general contractor, with ISO 14001 environmental management certification, was responsible for the project.

MDC2 believes in environmentally friendly mobility, so it provides convenient bicycle shelters to encourage tenants to use bicycles as an alternative to cars. MDC² has thoughtfully designed the surroundings to promote biodiversity, positively contributing to the local ecosystem. The project includes the planting of 170 trees, 50 m² of shrubs, and 250 m² of a flower meadow with bird-friendly plants, along with dedicated habitats for insects. There are areas for relaxation and physical activity, and this promotes both a healthy lifestyle and social integration. In the interests of sustainability and in support of electric vehicle users, charging stations have been installed on the site.

With these solutions, MDC² not only raises the building’s operating standards but also significantly contributes to sustainability and environmental protection.

The JWA team is responsible for carrying out the certification process.

“We congratulate MDC² Park Gliwice for achieving the highest Outstanding rating in BREEAM certification. This unique award highlights excellence in logistics building design. MDC² Park Gliwice fulfils the key tenets of Poland’s sustainable warehouse development strategy for the evolution of the business,” – says Olga Więckowska, BREEAM NC International Assessor and Sustainability Expert, JWA.

Panattoni has commenced construction on Panattoni Park Poznań XIV, a state-of-the-art logistics hub in the Wielkopolska region. The park’s first tenants, Gasa Group and Markat Plus, are set to occupy the space upon its completion in February 2025.

The new park will consist of two cutting-edge industrial and logistics buildings, with a total planned area of 63,000 square meters. Construction has started on the first building, encompassing 14,000 square meters, which will host the park’s inaugural tenants.

Gasa Group, an international trading company specializing in B2B plant distribution, will lease 6,300 square meters of warehouse space and 1,100 square meters of office space. The company plans to streamline its logistics and office operations at this site, beginning operations in February 2025.

“We are thrilled that Gasa Group has chosen our newest development in Wielkopolska to consolidate their operations,” said Katarzyna Kujawiak, Development Director at Panattoni.

Markat Plus, a supplier of wood-based materials, will occupy 3,000 square meters in the park, with operations scheduled to begin in July 2025.

The park’s strategic location offers unparalleled connectivity. Situated 1.5 km from the A2 motorway and the S11 expressway junction, and just 12 km from Poznań Airport, it ensures seamless access to domestic and international markets. Additionally, its proximity to Poznań city center, a mere 14 km away, allows for convenient worker commutes using public transportation. The Głuchów site also benefits from minimal traffic congestion, enhancing operational efficiency.

“For both tenants, the park’s strategic location at the intersection of the A2 motorway and S11 and S5 expressways is a major advantage,” added Kujawiak.

Panattoni Park Poznań XIV will be certified under the BREEAM Excellent standard, incorporating sustainable and ecological solutions to enhance energy and water efficiency. Features include electric vehicle charging stations, optimized natural lighting, and green zones for a better work environment. The park’s design also prioritizes acoustic and thermal comfort, high air quality, and other amenities to improve the well-being of future workers.

This new development underscores Panattoni’s commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and strategically located logistics solutions, meeting the needs of global tenants while driving regional economic growth.

Author: Bartłomiej Zagrodnik, Managing Partner, CEO of Walter Herz

Strategic Dispersion of Business Services

Nearshoring—the relocation of business processes and production closer to home markets—is reshaping industries worldwide. In sectors such as BPO/SSC, technology, consulting, and finance, companies are increasingly establishing smaller, strategically located branches. This distributed model enhances risk management, improves response times, and tailors services to regional needs, moving beyond the traditional reliance on large operational centers.

By setting up local satellite offices, firms reduce the demand for traditional office spaces while aligning with the flexibility of hybrid work models. These regional hubs, which also serve as coworking or project spaces, allow access to highly skilled employees in areas with optimized operational costs.

Poland: A Nearshoring Hotspot for Business Services

Poland has become a prime destination for nearshoring, offering competitive labor costs, a skilled workforce, and proximity to Western Europe and the U.S. According to the ABSL report on Poland’s business services sector, 60 new business service centers began operations between early 2023 and Q1 2024, primarily in Poznan, Wroclaw, and Cracow. These investments have created nearly 5,000 jobs, with IT and shared services leading the charge.

Notable players like Capgemini, Infosys, and Google have established regional hubs in Poland, taking advantage of its growing talent pool. Similarly, smaller cities like Cracow and Wroclaw are increasingly attracting investments from consulting and financial firms, including Deloitte and Revolut, eager to diversify their operations.

Poland’s Role as Europe’s Warehousing Hub

The pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and global trade disruptions have accelerated the relocation of production and logistics to Europe. Poland’s strategic location, robust logistics infrastructure, and competitive costs have made it a leading destination for nearshoring. The country is now Europe’s fourth-largest warehousing market, following Germany, France, and the Netherlands, with 30% of warehouse space dedicated to the booming e-commerce sector.

Manufacturing Rebounds to Poland

To mitigate risks associated with distant supply chains, international companies are increasingly choosing Poland for manufacturing investments. Sectors such as automotive, electromobility, and wind energy have seen significant growth, supported by foreign direct investment over the past three years. Poland is now Europe’s top producer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and a major hub for household appliances.

Panattoni has observed rising demand for production facilities from industries such as electronics, space technology, and renewable energy components. Additionally, Asian manufacturers, particularly from South Korea, Japan, and China, are viewing Poland as a gateway to Western Europe, driven by rising costs in Asia and EU regulatory pressures for greener supply chains.

A Future Built on Nearshoring

Poland’s strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and advanced infrastructure position it as a critical hub for nearshoring in Europe. As companies continue to prioritize operational efficiency and resilience, Poland’s role in global services and production is set to grow, further strengthening its reputation as a leader in business services and manufacturing.