Renovating logistics buildings to meet environmental & financial objectives
Land scarcity and energy transition: the urgent need for renovated logistics warehouses
The energy transition is becoming a priority on a global scale, while the scarcity of land is leading to bans on additional soil sealing in more and more countries. In this context, the renovation of logistics buildings is emerging as an essential solution. There are many benefits to be gained from this approach: reduced energy costs, compliance, longer asset life, increased asset value, generation of solar power and adaptation to changes in operation. Renovation can transform a logistics warehouse into a more sustainable facility that is comfortable for employees and respectful of the environment. Environmental, financial and HR objectives mean that many existing buildings need to be modernised to meet the needs of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
At your service: the expertise of a leader in the renovation of logistics platforms
Thanks to our dedicated team and its recognised expertise, our advice, projects and execution combine performance, sustainability and innovation. Increasing your real estate’s value is a top priority. Whether you are an investor, a developer or an end-user, we know your asset must be both sustainable and profitable – so we incorporate innovative solutions and use quality materials. This ensures your facility’s longevity and performance.
Regulatory standards are non-negotiable. We ensure that every project complies with existing requirements, including:
- Regulations on commercial buildings’ energy performance, such as France’s “décret Tertiaire”. We ensure that our buildings comply with the ever-stricter rules and guidelines.
- Requirements regarding technical systems, such as France’s “décret BACS” (Building Automation and Control Systems). We integrate centralised technical management systems that comply with the latest requirements, improving your logistics platform’s energy and operational efficiency.
- Energy regulations such as France’s “loi ENR” (Renewable Energies Act). With the experts of our Green Buildings team, we suggest options to integrate renewable energies into our projects, in compliance with the law. Solutions include the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and other environmentally-friendly technologies that reduce your facility’s carbon footprint.
- Certification: we provide advice and assistance to obtain environmental certificates such as the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which demonstrate that your building meets the highest sustainability standards.
Our commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation enables us to meet the challenges of modern construction while anticipating our clients’ future needs.
Our commitment to green your building
Improving environmental sustainability is one of our top objectives. We always carry out high-quality renovations that meet current standards in terms of energy performance and safety. Our approach aims not only to meet current requirements, but also to anticipate future needs in terms of:
- Cutting your energy consumption
- Reducing your carbon footprint
- Improving your employees’ wellbeing
- Generating solar energy on roofs or car parks
Cutting your energy consumption
A key benefit of the “energy renovation” of logistics buildings is the significant reduction in operating costs that it delivers. By optimising energy efficiency, you reduce your consumption, which translates into lower monthly energy bills.
Improvements such as the installation of a Building Management System (BMS), LED lighting systems, thermal insulation and the replacement of obsolete equipment all contribute to energy savings, freeing up funds for other investments.
We start by conducting a full energy survey and audit to identify areas of energy loss and opportunities for improvement. This audit provides a baseline for assessing potential savings and prioritising upgrades. We suggest a number of solutions and innovations, such as insulation and airtightness, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources and BMS.
The energy renovation of a logistics building is a profitable long-term investment, delivering financial, environmental and operational benefits. Besides reducing your energy costs, it will also improve overall wellbeing on your premises and confirm your position as a responsible stakeholder.
Reducing your carbon footprint
By renovating and reducing your industrial or logistics site’s carbon footprint, you are also improving its operational efficiency. This transformation begins with the modernisation of equipment, incorporating sustainable building materials and high-performance insulation systems to minimise energy loss. In addition, installing solar panels and energy management systems allows you to harness renewable energy sources.
We also recommend that you install low-energy LED lighting solutions and automated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, which can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
In short, renovating your logistics warehouse by integrating sustainable practices and green technologies is an essential step to reducing its carbon footprint and to increasing your supply chain’s efficiency and competitiveness.
Improving your employees’ wellbeing
Energy renovation also improves working conditions inside logistics warehouses. Modern HVAC systems contribute to employees’ wellbeing, increasing their productivity and – in some cases – improving attendance.
What’s more, a comfortable and healthy working environment is a major asset to attract and retain talent (more on this critical issue). Indeed, employee wellbeing is an essential element of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Thanks to our Design team and its specialists of fixtures & furnishings, we can offer a range of interior ambiences within redesigned workspaces:
- Comfort at work. The right levels of natural and artificial lighting, as well as adequate ventilation and temperature control, are key to users’ comfort.
- Comfortable, welcoming spaces. Equipped with ergonomic seating and water points, breakout areas and relaxation zones allow employees to collaborate or simply take a break in more informal surroundings. Well-designed catering areas also support your employees’ productivity.
- Sports and wellness facilities. Adding a gym, multisport court or a space for relaxation & meditation can have a positive impact on employees’ physical and mental health.
- Flexible, collaborative workspaces. Flexible offices that allow collaborative working and open communication between teams foster a sense of community and cooperation. Well-equipped meeting rooms and coworking spaces can support this dynamic.
- Green initiatives. Rolling out sustainable practices – such as recycling, switching to reusable supplies and improving energy efficiency – can also contribute to employee wellbeing by creating a cleaner and more environmentally responsible working environment.
To sum up, renovating a logistics warehouse to improve employee wellbeing involves more than just physical improvements. It should also include initiatives focused on health, safety and job satisfaction. These transformations create an environment where employees feel valued, supported and motivated, leading to improved performance and reduced turnover.
Our mission: renovation
Applying its know-how as a general contractor, GSE modernises and optimises existing buildings to ensure safe working environments that comply with current standards.
The Archon project in Chartron, southeast of Paris, illustrates our commitment to improving infrastructures to meet our clients’ needs. The renovation of two logistics buildings, covering a total surface area of 28,000 m², was part of an initiative to ensure compliance and increase rental value. The project also addressed environmental issues.
The initiative was launched by a foreign investor wishing to maximise the rental value of these assets by renovating them and making them compliant with environmental standards. The aim was not only to increase the buildings’ appeal to tenants, but also to prepare them for resale in the medium term.
Located in an urban area, the site is surrounded by housing and shops, making the works more delicate to manage. The specifications had to be adapted to the various users during the construction phase. Responsiveness during the design phase and support for the ICPE 1510 environmental application were also key challenges for our teams.
To identify the renovation needs, we carried out an exhaustive ICPE audit and a survey of the buildings’ state. Technical and financial surveys were used to plan compliance and prepare the works. A dedicated technical team was set up to work on the complete refurbishment of the roads and roofing, as well as the renovation of the paving. Significant work was also undertaken to improve fire protection, including spray-applied fireproofing, retention ponds, the refitting of the skylights and the installation of hose systems.
The renovation project was awarded a BREEAM GOOD certificate. Thanks to its comprehensive approach, the investor was able to significantly increase the buildings’ rental value while ensuring their compliance and meeting the renovation’s environmental objectives.
