New Logix study: Logistics properties can make a significant contribution to the municipal heat transition

 
•    Logix study examines the role of logistics properties in municipal heat planning
 
•    Strategically favourable locations make logistics properties ideal for use as energy and mobility hubs
 
•    Study includes practical guidelines for stakeholders
 

 
 
 
Caption: The new study ‘Logistics properties as a pillar of municipal heating planning’ is available for free download on the Logix website. Copyright: Logix. 
 
The Logistics Real Estate Initiative (Logix) has published a new report. Entitled ‘Logistics Real Estate as a Pillar of Municipal Heat Planning,’ the authors, led by Jannick Höper and Benedikt Scholler of List Eco, with the participation of Fiege and Siemens, examine the potential of logistics real estate for municipal heat planning (KWP). 

Based on the Act on Heat Planning and the Decarbonisation of Heat Networks (Heat Planning Act – WPG), the course for KWP has been set since 1 January 2024. The aim is to make heat supply in Germany climate-neutral by 2045. For municipalities, this means an obligation to identify the most cost-effective and practicable way to achieve a climate-friendly and long-term local heat supply. By the end of June 2028, they are required to draw up corresponding heat plans, which must then be reviewed every five years.

The authors of the study conclude that logistics properties can make a significant contribution to the success of the KWP. To this end, they examine the role of the asset class both as an energy producer and as an energy consumer. They also highlight the importance of logistics properties in local energy cooperatives and how they can contribute to a sustainable transport transition. The topic of grid infrastructure is also examined in a separate chapter.

The study results show that logistics properties offer a wide range of opportunities to support cities and municipalities in achieving a sustainable energy and heating transition. This is because the buildings have large roofs that are ideal for photovoltaic systems and are strategically located for their function as energy and mobility hubs. This enables them to generate electricity and heat from sustainable sources such as solar energy or geothermal energy, which flows into the local grids. Local production of hydrogen storage solutions would also be possible, which could either be used in the property itself or passed on to industrial and manufacturing companies. 

As electricity consumers, logistics properties relieve the strain on the power grid, as they are significant consumers of energy due to their operation of warehouse technology, conveyor systems, industrial trucks and IT. If the electricity comes from fossil-free sources such as photovoltaics, tenants also benefit from the sustainable energy supply.  

"For players in the logistics real estate industry, the issues of sustainability and climate protection are nothing new. In the context of ESG criteria and increasing political and social requirements, buildings are becoming increasingly sustainable and economical. However, the fact that this also creates potential for supporting local authorities in their heating planning is a new and important insight, which the study makes accessible in practical terms with concrete recommendations for action," says Jannick Höper, managing partner at List Eco and co-author of the publication.

At the same time, the authors make it clear that there are still a number of challenges to be overcome, both in terms of network expansion and on the political side. These include, for example, high investment costs, a lack of load-bearing capacity on hall roofs and regulatory uncertainties, which require partnership-based solutions in cooperation between local authorities and industry. 

"The current study is equally relevant for local authorities and economic decision-makers. The authors use figures and facts to demonstrate what works and what does not work in terms of sustainability in logistics real estate and what role this plays in supporting the energy and heating transition. These results in particular can help to show logistics real estate in a different light to local communities and citizens. Ultimately, this can also help to facilitate settlement projects," explains Dr Malte-Maria Münchow, spokesperson for the Logistics Real Estate Initiative (Logix) and Head of Logistics Strategy at Deka Immobilien Investment. 

The publication is available online and can be downloaded free of charge at: www.logix-award.de/forschung

About Logix:

The Logistics Real Estate Initiative (Logix) aims to increase the acceptance and status of logistics real estate among experts and the general public. A functioning logistics industry is a fundamental prerequisite for a modern economy. Logistics real estate plays a key role in the success of this industry. Logix initiates research projects and publications and actively promotes communication. The initiative creates opportunities for dialogue and promotes exchange between industry representatives and local authorities, economic development agencies and associations in order to foster mutual understanding and build trust.

Since 2013, the initiative has presented the Logix Award every two years for outstanding logistics real estate developments in Germany and promotes innovation and sustainability.

The Logix Initiative includes: abrdn Investments Deutschland AG, Alcaro, Aurelis Real Estate, Bayern LB, Bockermann Fritze plan4buildING, Bremer, CBRE, Colliers, CTP, Deka Immobilien, Delta Development Group, Deutsche Pfandbriefbank, Deutsche Post DHL, DFI Real Estate Management, Dietz AG, DLH Deutsche Logistik Holding, dörpinghaus divisek und partner, Drees & Sommer, Duisburger Hafen, EGLS, Enviria, Evolutiq, Fiege, Four Parx, Frasers Property, Garbe, GCA projektmanagement + consulting, GDD, GLP, Goldbeck International, Goodman, greenfield development, GSE, GSK Stockmann, Harden Industriebau, Hines, Immogate, Jones Lang LaSalle, Köster, Lang & Cie. Industrial, Lidl, List Bau, Logicor, Logivest, Mercurius, Messe München, metawerk, MLP Group, Nuveen Real Estate, Panattoni, pfenning logistics, phase 5, Prologis, Property Team, Real I.S., Realogis, Robert C. Spies, Segro, Sicore Real Assets, Singu, Sunrock, Trammell Crow Company, Union Investment, Verdion, VGP, WDP and Wisag.

Cooperation partners include the BVL Logistics Real Estate Working Group, the German GVZ Association (DGG), the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), Euroforum, Heuer Dialog, the Power of Logistics initiative and the ZIA (German Property Federation). Exclusive media partners are Immobilien Zeitung, Deutsche Verkehrs Zeitung and Logistik heute.

Further information is available at: https://www.logix-award.de

Contact: 
Logix GmbH Initiative Logistikimmobilien | www.logix-award.de
Dr Malte-Maria Münchow | +49 171 494 1000 | kontakt@logix-award.de
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teamtosse Agency for Communication | www.teamtosse.de
Nicole Weikmann |+49(0)89 414175290 | nicole.weikmann@teamtosse.de
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