Agnieszka Gutowska, Head of Brand Marketing & Communication at Nhood Services Poland has talked to Property Forum about the implementation of the ESG principles in the new retail projects, the costs of modernization of the older ones and the approach of the tenants to the ‘new green deal’.
People, Planet, Profit - which of these three pillars of your strategy is most important to you?
At Nhood Services Poland, we treat the pillars of our ESG strategy - People, Planet, Profit - as inseparable elements that are closely intertwined. Each of these pillars is extremely important to us and none of them can function fully without the support of the others.
We repeatedly emphasise that people are the foundation of our business. We believe that sustainability starts with caring for our employees, local communities and business partners. Investing in talent development, creating a safe and supportive working environment and engaging in community initiatives are priorities for us.
Planet is another key pillar of our strategy, where we focus on minimising our environmental impact. Activities related to energy efficiency, waste management and environmental innovation are an integral part of our operations. We introduce practices that support environmental protection and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the planet.
We ensure that our activities deliver tangible benefits to wider communities and the environment.
In summary, it is crucial for our company that all three pillars of our strategy are harmoniously integrated. Only then can we achieve true sustainability success, benefiting both our stakeholders and the wider environment.
Agnieszka Gutowska
Head of Brand Marketing & Communication
Nhood Services Poland
Nhood is currently developing two mixed-use projects in Warsaw's Wilanów district and in Góraszka. What will distinguish these projects in terms of their implementation of sustainable development principles?
The mixed-use projects we are currently developing in Warsaw's Wilanów and Góraszka are excellent examples of how to implement sustainability principles in practice. The key aspects that characterise and link these investments are energy efficiency, access to green infrastructure, sustainable materials, mobility and sustainable modes of transport.
Both projects are designed to minimise energy consumption. We will use state-of-the-art technologies such as building management systems (BMS), intelligent LED lighting and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. We also plan to install solar panels, which will contribute to the production of renewable energy.
At both locations, we place great emphasis on seamlessly integrating green spaces into the daily use of the buildings. Therefore, we plan to introduce green infrastructure solutions such as green roofs, rain gardens and extensive green spaces, which will not only have a positive impact on aesthetics but also contribute to improved air quality and stormwater management.
We plan to use sustainable building materials in the projects. Thus, we will use recycled materials and materials with low CO2 emissions. We pay particular attention to the durability and efficiency of the materials, which will translate into the quality of the buildings and their resilience.
The projects in Wilanów and Góraszka will support sustainable transport through the construction of paths and stopping places for cyclists, or the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles. We are also entering into discussions with the local administration so that the built developments can be reached by public transport.
The two mixed-use projects mentioned here have already been awarded the prestigious BREEAM Communities certificate at the design stage. The documents confirm the practical application of sustainable solutions and their benefits for local communities.
All of the above make the projects we are working on an example of an advanced approach to sustainable development that integrates innovative technological solutions and care for the environment.
The multi-functional space in our planned mixed-use developments will encourage local community gatherings and family entertainment. The amenities and planned tenant mix will take into account the expectations of the local community. In the case of Góraszka, Nhood Services Poland got to know them during the community consultation carried out in 2023. In Wilanów Park, on the other hand, the extensive park space has been designed taking into account the requests of the district's residents gathered during the ‘Neighbourhood Conversations’.
We are convinced that they will contribute to creating a more sustainable and friendly urban environment. Our team is already actively involved in local initiatives in the vicinity of the development, including the “Rajd Gorących Serc” and the “Półmaraton Wiązowski” sports events.
Implementing ESG principles in older buildings can sometimes be very expensive. Is the game worth the candle?
I agree that there can be challenges and costs involved in applying ESG principles to older buildings. However, I am convinced that investing in sustainability is definitely worth the effort. A perfect example is our project to redevelop the Auchan Piaseczno Shopping Centre, which was awarded the PRCH Retail Awards. Although the building was built in 1996, we decided to undertake a comprehensive modernisation to meet modern ESG standards. We can point to several reasons that make this investment worthwhile. The first is the increase in energy efficiency. During the refurbishment, we installed state-of-the-art Energisme energy management systems and replaced the lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption. We also used systems to support water conservation. The solutions introduced have contributed to a reduction in operating costs, resulting in long-term savings.
Secondly, the modernisation of the building has significantly improved the comfort of tenants and end customers. Modern solutions, such as efficient air-conditioning systems or comfortable common areas, contribute to customer satisfaction. I can confidently say that the changes in the Auchan Piaseczno Shopping Centre have enhanced the shopping experience and increased the attractiveness of the shopping centre.
Importantly, lower operating costs, including reduced energy consumption and maintenance of the entire property and maintenance costs are tangible benefits that make the investment in sustainability worthwhile.
It is worth noting that adhering to ESG principles not only brings economic benefits but also responds to the growing expectations of local communities and tenants. Implementing sustainable solutions in existing buildings demonstrates our responsibility to the environment and society.
ESG also means higher common costs for tenants. Are they prepared to pay more for space in a sustainable facility?
I understand the concerns about higher common costs for tenants associated with ESG initiatives. However, it is important to remember that many tenants today are increasingly aware of and committed to sustainability. They realise that operating in a sustainable property not only aligns with their corporate values but also provides long-term financial benefits. These include savings from reduced utility consumption or improved employee well-being and productivity.
We note that many of the brands present in the properties we manage are strongly committed to social responsibility and prefer to lease space that reflects their values and supports their sustainability goals.
At Nhood Services Poland, we believe in creating value for our tenants through the development and management of sustainable properties. We are committed to working closely with them to ensure that the benefits of our ESG initiatives are clear and tangible, ultimately demonstrating that sustainability is not just a cost, but a strategic investment in their future success.
