Poland's New ESG Guide for Commercial Real Estate
The Polish commercial real estate market has reached a significant milestone with the publication of the English-language version of the joint report “ESG for Commercial Real Estate 2.0. Selected Issues and Practices.” This comprehensive guide, developed by the Polish Chamber of Commercial Real Estate (PINK), the Polish Council of Shopping Centers (PRCH), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), offers practical insights for investors, developers, asset managers, and property owners. Its wider international accessibility means that the principles guiding property development and management in Poland are now clearer than ever, directly influencing the quality and sustainability of properties available for lease.
Key Areas Shaping Future Commercial Spaces
The new ESG guide delves into critical areas that are reshaping the commercial real estate landscape, directly benefiting businesses seeking modern and responsible spaces:
Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization: Lowering Your Operating Costs
A core focus of the guide is on optimizing building energy performance and reducing carbon footprints. For tenants, this translates into potential savings on utility bills due to more efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems. It also means occupying a space that aligns with global environmental goals.
Green Leasing: Transparent and Mutually Beneficial Agreements
The guide promotes 'green leasing' practices, encouraging collaboration between landlords and tenants on sustainable operations. This can lead to more transparent agreements, shared responsibilities for energy and waste management, and the overall creation of a healthier, more environmentally friendly workspace.
Innovative Building Management: Enhancing Your Workplace Environment
With an emphasis on innovative building management strategies, properties are becoming smarter and more responsive to occupant needs. This can result in improved indoor air quality, better thermal comfort, and advanced technological solutions that enhance productivity and well-being for your employees.
ESG in Property Valuation: A Mark of Quality and Future-Proofing
The inclusion of ESG in property valuation signals a shift towards recognizing the long-term value of sustainable assets. For businesses, leasing space in an ESG-compliant building means occupying a property that is likely well-maintained, resilient, and better positioned for future regulatory changes and market demands.
Why ESG Remains a Priority Despite Reporting Delays
While the transposition of the EU ‘stop the clock’ directive into Polish law has delayed and narrowed the scope of mandatory ESG reporting, the guide's authors emphasize that ESG remains a critical priority. Many companies, including key developers and landlords, have already embedded net-zero goals into their long-term business strategies. Furthermore, access to 'green financing' heavily incentivizes the development and maintenance of sustainable properties, ensuring that the market continues to move towards more environmentally responsible buildings regardless of reporting mandates.
How This Benefits Your Business as a Tenant
As a business looking for office or warehouse space, the emphasis on ESG in Poland's commercial real estate market offers several advantages:
Enhanced Reputation: Occupying an ESG-compliant building demonstrates your company’s commitment to sustainability, boosting your brand image among clients and stakeholders. Operational Savings: Benefit from lower energy and water consumption, leading to reduced utility costs over time. Improved Employee Well-being: Modern, efficiently managed buildings often provide better indoor environments, contributing to employee health, comfort, and productivity. Future-Proofing Your Operations: By choosing a sustainable property, you mitigate risks associated with future environmental regulations and ensure your premises remain relevant and valuable in an evolving market.
Securing Your Sustainable Future in Poland
The new ESG guide marks a clear direction for Poland's commercial real estate market towards greater sustainability. For businesses seeking office or warehouse space, this means an increasing availability of high-quality, efficient, and environmentally responsible properties. When considering your next lease, prioritizing ESG-aligned buildings is not just an ethical choice, but a strategic business decision that offers tangible benefits for your bottom line and your brand.
Source: property-forum.eu
