Opportunity
Logistics service provider Rhenus Home Delivery needed a build-to-suit, energy-efficient logistics facility in northern Germany. The location had to be close to a motorway because Rhenus needed to deliver to end customers in the region. The plan was to handle the transport of furniture, household and electrical appliances, and other products from the new location.
Challenge
At the customer’s request, Prologis had to finish the new construction project in a short timeframe. The facility’s equipment and sustainability concept had to align precisely with Rhenus’ requirements. The customer has a high throughput of goods and depends on maximum flexibility. In addition, the well-being of its employees is important to the company, so this played a crucial role in development. As with all Prologis projects, the focus was to make the construction and operation as sustainable as possible.
Solution
Within just a few months, Prologis developed a logistics facility of 6,256 square meters in Hannover-Anderten. The site is close to the A7 motorway and almost 18,000 square meters. The facility has a ground-level access road and a special configuration for loading equipment: Heavy trucks weighing up to 40 tons and 7.5-ton trucks and delivery vans can be loaded and unloaded conveniently. With a total of 20 loading gates, the building is well above the industry standard. The result is a logistics facility ideally suited for end customer deliveries in northern Germany.
The building offers a pleasant working environment for employees: There is a modern lounge that provides a relaxing atmosphere during break times. LED lighting with sensor control save energy, and skylight domes provide natural light. There is also a connection option for an e-charging station where employees can charge e-bikes.
The modern equipment in the logistics facility is in line with the sustainability strategy of both companies and meets all the criteria for gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). Restrooms and green areas are supplied by a water cistern. In addition, Prologis installed a solar system to assist with the production of hot water and heating. The energy balance is expected to be 15% below the guidelines from the German Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), which means the facility has a low environmental impact while Rhenus also saves on operating costs. Prologis installed smart metering, and both companies can view energy consumption at any time to optimize usage.
Lessons Learned
The project for Rhenus in Hannover-Anderten demonstrates that Prologis can develop a modern facility in a short timeframe without compromising quality or sustainability. Thanks to the expertise of employees and strong partnerships with selected service providers, Prologis provided a facility that met the customer’s exacting requirements.
