International logistics giant Prologis said that it raised standards in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance (ESG) across its global platform in 2019, allowing the firm to exceed a number of its stated ESG objectives, according to its annual impact report.
Prologis reported that in Europe, key projects that contributed to the company’s improved performance included its gold-certified Well building in Tilburg, the Netherlands; its purpose-built, carbon-neutral facility in Muggensturm Germany, developed for L’Oreal; and its newly constructed building in Daventry in the UK, which received a Breaam Excellent certification.
According to Prologis, the Well building in Tilburg is the first logistics project in the world to receive this certification. The report also highlights the role of its Cool Earth partnership, which was recently expanded across Europe from its roots in the UK.
Ben Bannatyne, president Prologis Europe said: 'We have long recognised that strong ESG performance creates value beyond real estate. By working with our customers, we can help to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and not only provide the workspace and services which enhance their employees’ wellbeing, but benefit our park communities as a whole.
'The role that Europe plays in helping Prologis remain a global leader in the field of ESG is underpinned by the real progress we are making on these fronts, including through our PARKLife initiative.'
In 2019, Prologis also added LED lighting to 50 million ft2 (4.6 million m2) of distribution and warehouse space; surpassed its goal of 200 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity by 2020, 1.5 years ahead of schedule, and set a new target of 400 MW by 2025; and became the first real estate company on the S&P 100 to achieve operational carbon neutrality.
In 2019, Prologis had 456 sustainable building certifications in 18 countries and was awarded 8 out of 8 Green Stars by GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). GRESB also ranked four Prologis funds industrial sector leader in four of its operating regions including Northern Europe, the Americas, the US and Asia.
Furthermore, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company reported that the Prologis Foundation has established a $5 mln (€4.42 mln) global relief fund to support not for profit organisations, hospitals and organisations focused on public health and safety, as well as those dedicated to food access and economic recovery.
Prologis chairman and CEO Hamid R. Moghadam said: 'Amidst a global pandemic, Prologis took meaningful action to help those in need and reaffirmed our commitment to our employees, customers and communities around the world. Due to our portfolio scale and infrastructure, we are uniquely able to position our ESG programmes to both serve our customers and support people and organisations through crises.'
