EMEA: Navigating on-site renewables in real estate (Webinar)

Key considerations for rooftop solar panels in warehousing and logistics projects

In brief

During London Climate Action Week 2024, we hosted a webinar to explore the critical role of on-site renewables in reducing global emissions in the warehousing and logistics sector. Operating and embodied emissions from real estate accounts for around 37% of global emissions, making sustainable practices essential.


Contents

Issues and opportunities identified in pursuing active roll-out of on-site renewables include:

  • Technology and Targets Gap: Despite having the necessary technology, and ambitious sustainability goals, we’re falling short of real estate emissions targets. It’s like signing up for the gym but not exercising.
  • Systemic Change: In its most recent global status report for buildings and construction, the UN Environment Program highlights the need for deeper systemic changes. Renewable energy growth in buildings remains modest.
  • Pressures and Incentives: Geopolitical instability drives up electricity costs, reducing payback periods for energy-saving investments. However, corporate focus on ESG encourages action by moving discussions on sustainability to the C-suite, where action can be catalyzed.

Our panel of experts examined and demystified a selection of legal complexities associated with on-site renewables for warehousing and logistics properties. They noted that although cross-border real estate portfolios face coordination challenges, and lack of awareness of local legal quirks can lead to hesitation and hinder action, it is possible to take a holistic approach.  Our speakers focused on the following:

  1. Claire Dietz-Polte (Berlin): Practical insights on setting up and implementing PV projects with developers.
  2. Florian Thamm (Frankfurt) and Benedek Kovacs (Budapest): Considerations for landlords and tenants in new developments and existing leasehold premises, including insurance.
  3. Paul Goedvolk and Fedor Tanke (Amsterdam): Funder concerns when adding solar/renewables to existing schemes, and how to address these.

The webinar recording is available here.


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