CTP becomes Largest Private Owner of FSC Certified Forsts in the Czech Republic

Prague, 14 August 2024 – CTP, Europe’s largest listed developer, owner, and manager of industrial and logistics properties by gross lettable area (GLA), has achieved another significant milestone in its strategy for sustainable business and ESG principles. The company has become the largest private landowner in the Czech Republic to achieve FSC certification for 560 hectares of forests it owns in two Czech locations. This step confirms CTP’s commitment to sustainability and responsible management of natural resources.

 A fundamental pillar of CTP’s carbon-neutral strategy, which emphasizes sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, involves the purchase and maintenance of natural forests in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company has committed to investing in forests across CEE at a 1:1 ratio to its built portfolio, which means owning one square metre of forest for every square metre of buildings.

CTP decided to take care of the forests in the Czech Republic first. It is here that CTP started its business and feels very strongly about its commitment to the communities affected by its activities. However, depending on the pace of its growth, CTP plans to continue these activities throughout Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, CTP owns and manages two forests. In 2019, the company purchased the Semčice forest near Mladá Boleslav, which covers 100 hectares. CTP acquired a second forest near Zlín, covering 460 hectares, in 2021.

 As an owner, CTP is not dependent on logging revenues, which allows it to invest in tree planting and protective fencing to restore the forest to its original appearance. The trees have been severely damaged by drought and bark beetle, and the company is continuing to restore them. The forests are managed by a professional forester who promotes biodiversity and genetic diversity, which helps protect the forests from bark beetle infestation. Some of the wood is left in the forest for natural regeneration or as coppice trees.

 FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is an internationally recognised standard that guarantees that forests are managed according to strict environmental, social and economic criteria. The certification confirms that CTP forests are managed to support biodiversity, protect water resources and ensure fair working conditions. Criteria include compliance with forest management plans (FMPs), positive environmental impact, compliance with legislation, occupational safety (OHS) and recording of specially protected species of plants and animals, and the correct species composition of regenerating stands. The audits are carried out regularly and include field investigations, interviews with experts and documentation checks. The certificate, valid for five years, is issued after all the rules have been met, with annual audits and the possibility of renewal. CTP meets all 179 indicators of the Czech FSC Forest Management Standard, which guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.

Activities in CTP forests

CTP is committed to conserving biodiversity and keeping its forests open to the public. As part of this effort, the company plants a variety of tree species, promoting biodiversity and improving forest health. In 2024, CTP plans to plant 150,000 trees, bringing the total number of new trees planted since the program’s inception to 637,500. By the end of 2023, CTP has already planted 487,500 trees, of which 362,500 in Zlín and 125,000 in Mladá Boleslav.

CTP has installed beehives in the Semčice forest, contributing to the promotion of local biodiversity. In addition, different types of bird boxes were installed in the Semčice and Zlín forests according to local bird species to support their populations. Wetland pools were also built in the Zlín forest to support water management.

CTP is also planning to build sustainable, self-sufficient and mobile “tiny houses” in Semčice and Zlín, which will serve as holiday homes. The company is also building educational and sports trails, equipped with information boards and games, which will serve local communities. The reconstruction of the forest houses will create spaces for schools, clients and visitors to hold meetings and other activities. Repair of forest paths is also planned.

CTP organises a number of community events, such as a “Day in the Woods” focusing on spring cleanup, which includes removing old fencing, cleaning up litter, and installing birdhouses, with the participation of local hunters. Another event is the planting of a forest in Zlín with the participation of scouts and local hunters, which is attended by approximately 80 people. The “Christmas Family Day in the Woods” provides an opportunity for families to spend time in nature and engage in a variety of activities.

CTP will continue advancing its sustainability and environmental protection initiatives, expanding its forest projects, and exploring new opportunities to safeguard natural resources across Central and Eastern Europe.

CTP is the largest listed owner, developer and manager of logistics and industrial real estate in terms of gross leasable area, with 12,4 million sqm. GLA in 10 countries (as of 30 June 2024). The company certifies all new buildings under BREEAM at ‘very good’ or above and has achieved a negligible-risk ESG rating from Sustainalytics, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability.

More information can be found on the CTP website: www.ctp.eu

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