Demand for industrial and logistics spaces in Europe, including Romania, is set to increase significantly in the coming years, driven by investments in defence, green energy, critical materials for the technology sector, and life sciences, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield.

In a time of shifting consumer behaviours, rising costs, and increasing sustainability demands, retail landlords must do more than simply lease space. Property Forum spoke with Marek Noetzel, COO of NEPI Rockcastle, about how the region’s largest retail investor is adapting its strategy to meet changing market dynamics. From expanding into new cities to rolling out large-scale refurbishments and solar investments, NEPI Rockcastle is focused on curating experiences, driving operational efficiency, and enabling retailer growth across Central and Eastern Europe.

The Futureal Group has announced the transitioning of its entire Hungarian real estate portfolio to green energy, as part of a move aligned with the Paris Agreement and EU’s 2050 net-zero carbon emission target.

In an exclusive interview with Property Forum, Rüdiger Dany, CEO of NEPI Rockcastle, reflects on the company’s record-breaking year, key investments in retail and green energy and explains why consumer resilience in CEE continues to drive growth. Looking ahead to 2025, he discusses market expectations, omnichannel retail trends, and NEPI Rockcastle’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Syrena Real Estate, owner of properties in Warsaw and Wrocław, has signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (cPPA) with Polenergia Sprzedaż, for the supply of green energy in the next four years.  

Globalworth announced that it has purchased guarantees for the sourcing of 100% of the electricity it is forecast to use across its entire Polish portfolio over 2024. All the Sourcing Guarantees are redeemed on a monthly basis.

Capital Park Group has started to power its investment projects exclusively with energy from renewable sources. As of January 2024, Norblin Factory, Royal Wilanów and two Vis à Vis street malls use 100% green energy. The total area of all projects powered by RES is more than 110,000 sqm. The energy supplier is Enefit. The Westbridge Advisory team advised Capital Park in the procurement process.

Wind power, which accounts for approximately 2% of total electricity supply, is at the global forefront of green solutions and growing well ahead of traditional energy technologies and other renewable energy sources. One of the most prospective regions in Poland for this sector is Western Pomerania. According to the latest report from global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, this region is already seeing professional large-scale wind farms being established and is a clear leader in terms of economic potential for wind power with 14,000 MW, 40% ahead of Pomerania and Lower Silesia.

Focus Estate Fund plans to convert its entire shopping centre portfolio to solar-powered facilities. The first initiative was inaugurated with the installation of solar panels at Galeria Awangarda in Bartoszyce.

The number of photovoltaic surfaces installed on SES shopping malls is constantly increasing. This year, SES has invested in the construction of photovoltaic systems in the five Slovenian shopping centres, namely Aleja, Citypark and Center Vič in Ljubljana, Citycenter Celje and Europark Maribor. The systems, boasting a total output of 4,300 kilowatts, have been in operation since July and August. They cover around one-fifth of the centres’ electricity requirement with a 1,200-ton saving in terms of CO2 emissions. The SES climate objective to fit photovoltaic systems on at least 50 percent of its available mall roof surfaces by 2040 has therefore already been achieved or exceeded to a significant extent in Slovenia. SES is currently operating four photovoltaic systems in Austria. An additional three locations are scheduled to be equipped with these systems by the end of the year.