Green warehouses in Poland – a new standard for the logistics real estate market

ESG and warehouse certification are no longer a niche

From the perspective of the industrial and logistics advisory team at Knight Frank, the concept of a “green warehouse” is no longer a niche trend in Poland, although it has not yet become a fully unified market standard. In modern logistics parks, ESG-compliant solutions such as BREEAM or LEED certification, energy-efficient LED lighting, utility consumption monitoring, enhanced building insulation, photovoltaic-ready infrastructure, and EV charging stations are now expected by both tenants and financing institutions.

According to data from PLGBC, more than 70% of Poland’s industrial and logistics stock has obtained environmental certification, with BREEAM remaining the dominant standard. However, in the case of older warehouses and industrial facilities, earlier certifications at the “Pass” or “Good” level often no longer meet current market expectations. As a result, technical and energy audits are increasingly required to assess the potential for upgrading buildings and achieving higher certification levels such as “Excellent” or “Outstanding”.

Operational efficiency matters more than certification alone

In the logistics real estate sector, competitive advantage is increasingly shifting away from certification itself toward the actual operational quality of the building. For tenants, lower operating costs, access to green energy, the ability to report CO₂ emissions, and resilience to future environmental regulations are becoming increasingly important factors.

Basic “green” solutions are gradually becoming the market standard, while low-emission facilities offering measurable energy savings and lower operational costs continue to differentiate developers’ offerings. In practice, this means that when selecting warehouse space, tenants should evaluate not only rental rates but also the total cost of occupancy, including rent, service charges, and energy expenses.

Sustainable warehouses and higher rental costs

Modern sustainable warehouses are often associated with higher rental rates due to the investment costs required for energy-efficient technologies and ESG solutions. For example, installing heat pumps in an existing warehouse facility may cost several hundred thousand euros.

Some companies still compare available warehouse space solely based on rental levels, which may lead to incorrect business decisions. In reality, lower energy consumption and improved operational efficiency can offset higher rental costs over time. Solutions such as LED lighting, Building Management Systems (BMS), and modern thermal insulation increasingly provide measurable returns on investment.

The market is gradually accepting a so-called “green premium”, although in Poland it remains selective. Tenants are rarely willing to pay higher rent solely for an “eco-friendly warehouse”, but they are more likely to accept it when it results in more stable energy costs, compliance with corporate ESG policies, and reduced regulatory risk.

Power capacity availability becoming a major challenge for the warehouse market

In the context of industrial and logistics investments, the growing challenge is not only the cost of implementing ESG solutions, but also the availability of energy infrastructure. Limited grid connection capacity, long lead times from utility operators, and the risk of power supply constraints are becoming significant barriers to new developments.

Particularly in the case of manufacturing facilities, access to sufficient electrical power capacity at a development site is often a greater challenge today than whether the electricity itself comes from renewable sources.

Green warehouses as the future of the logistics sector

The ESG and sustainable warehouse development trend should be viewed as a long-term market direction, although the pace of change will depend on economic conditions and investment costs. Cost pressure may slow down the implementation of the most capital-intensive solutions, but it is unlikely to reverse the market’s overall trajectory.

European Union regulations, bank financing requirements, the expectations of international corporations, and increasing energy price volatility all contribute to the fact that modern green warehouses are becoming more resilient, operationally secure, and attractive investment assets.

Planning a warehouse lease or relocation?

Talk to our experts about ESG solutions, operational efficiency, and the best logistics locations in Poland.

Przemysław Piętak
Head of Industrial & Logistics Agency
Tel. +48 515 383 065
E-mail: przemyslaw.pietak@pl.knightfrank.com