Under the Lens: Innovating Industrial Construction

Four innovations we’re adopting to enhance our facilities’ sustainability and efficiency with Piotr Flugel, CTP Poland’s Managing Director

Innovation is a never-ending journey. It’s what keeps our work exciting and why we take pride in being “Parkmakers.” We see our business parks as innovation labs, constantly learning, testing, and adopting new technologies. This forward-thinking approach is especially true in Poland, one of our newest markets, where we started building our portfolio from scratch in 2022. By Q3 2024, we proudly announced the launch of our 12th new park in this thriving market. The ability to design and build new parks from the ground up gives us the perfect opportunity to try out and adopt cutting-edge innovations more seamlessly. To give a deeper look into these advancements, we hear from Piotr Flugel – CTP Poland’s Managing Director, who shared four key innovations his team is currently working with

1. Natural light integration

We are enhancing the translucency of our buildings by incorporating multi-chamber polycarbonate panels, which permit 55% of natural light to penetrate interior spaces. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting and fosters a more pleasant working environment.

Following the success of a pilot project at CTPark Warsaw South and CTPark Zabrze, we are expanding this innovation across other sites. By integrating these light-enhancing panels into the façade and roofs, we are not only improving the visual appeal of our facilities but also cutting energy consumption, aligning with our broader commitment to sustainability.

2. Rethinking steel and concrete 

Steel is a cornerstone of industrial construction, yet its production is notoriously carbon-intensive. The urgency of adopting green steel innovations lies in their potential to curb emissions without compromising the material’s essential role in modern infrastructure. Not just in Poland, but also in the Czech Republic, we have started working with XCarb™ Steel.  XCarb™ Steel is a programme developed by ArcelorMittal to produce steel with significantly lower carbon emissions. It focuses on creating greener steel using recycled materials, advancing low-carbon technologies, and investing in innovations like carbon capture and hydrogen-based production to move towards carbon-neutral steelmaking.

We are also exploring the use of recycled concrete. While chemical alterations in the material lead to increased porosity, complicating its application, we are employing it as a subbase for roads,  thereby lessening reliance on virgin resources.

3. Heat pumps powered by renewable energy

Heat pumps are a central innovation in industrial real estate; this is no exception at CTP. We are currently deploying renewable energy-powered heat pumps across our business parks, harnessing their energy efficiency and versatility. These systems integrate with various heating solutions, such as underfloor heating, to optimise temperature control in large spaces. For instance, at CTPark Warsaw South, we implemented a heat pump to regulate temperatures above the loading docks, removing the need for air curtains and thereby reducing energy loss while enhancing thermal comfort.

We are currently working with three different types of heat pumps:

• Air-to-Air Heat Pumps: These are ideal for general heating but become less effective below -5°C. At that point, we switch to emergency gas heating, ensuring reliable warmth even in extremely cold conditions.

• Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: This type is particularly effective for underfloor heating systems, a highly efficient solution for large warehouse spaces.

• Hybrid Systems: We combine air-to-air systems with gas backups for efficient energy use across a range of temperatures, especially in colder climates.

As we continue implementing these systems, our next step is to assess the real-world performance, including how tenants use the system, occupancy costs, and energy savings. By the start of next year, we expect to see full usage of these systems, allowing us to assess how they impact reducing operational costs and carbon footprints.

4. Green infrastructure and CO2 absorbing pavements

At CTPark Warsaw West, we have implemented an innovative 200-square-metre CO2-absorbing pavement, which actively captures and sequesters carbon from the atmosphere—a new approach to tackling greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel, we are repurposing leftover construction concrete into functional benches, ensuring minimal waste. To further integrate sustainability, we are incorporating green mesh walls, which not only enhance the visual appeal of our buildings but also promote biodiversity, blending ecological solutions and a pleasing design.

Conclusion: Building for the Future

We look forward to continuing to put not only these but also other, innovations into practice and assessing their real-world impact on our parks. Innovation is a constant pursuit to make our parks more resilient, sustainable, and efficient, enhancing the services we provide to clients and local communities while minimising environmental impact. As we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable development, our focus remains clear: shaping a future where industrial infrastructure serves both economic needs and environmental responsibilities.

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