© Copyright NREP 2019 All rights reserved.
For the past two years, Logicenters has invested heavily in its project development department, more than doubling the number of employees. Under the leadership of the company’s Head of Development, Eva Sterner, the department will expand further and scale up initiatives in both area efficiency and environmental work. However, Eva Sterner would also like to attract more women to a male-dominated industry.
With a PhD under her belt and a background as Technical Director Due Diligence at WSP and Managing Director at Watts, Eva began working at Logicenters seven years ago. According to Eva, it is the growth journey, a steady flow of interesting projects, and above all, her colleagues who have been significant reasons behind her becoming a long-term presence at Logicenters. In recent years, both Logicenters and her own department have grown significantly. According to her, this is both because the organisation is flexible and has great ambitions, but also because Logicenters is comprised of people who are driven to do things in new and innovative ways.
Eva Sterner is currently head of Logicenters’ project development department, which has expanded from two to eight people since 2017, with further recruitments planned. Central to this future development is the continued ability to attract talent, with Eva particularly wishing to encourage more women and girls to apply to the logistics industry. An industry which has until now been male dominated.
“I am proud to work for a company with such great ambitions and which allows all its employees to grow. As I personally had no female role models in the logistics industry, I would like to be a role model for girls wanting to work at smart logistics properties. For this to be possible, female employees must be both encouraged and promoted. I believe that Logicenters does this every day, which is something I see as both modern and important,” says Eva Sterner, Head of Development at Logicenters.
The project development department has a great responsibility regarding procurement, contact with tenants, property development and the contractual parts of the works contract. The department is constantly striving to find newer, smarter ways to develop modern properties, where 30-metre high-bay warehouses and energy audits exemplify innovative initiatives from Logicenters. With regard to energy efficiency, Eva plays an important role in Logicenters’ work to reduce its carbon footprint. Something which she finds customers are appreciating more and more.
“I am finding that there is increasing focus on the environment within the industry, something which I am very pleased about. We often coach our customers on issues regarding reduced energy consumption, not least by conducting energy audits, and we are finding that we are being listened to. It is my ambition to continue to drive this development forwards in order that we can offer even smarter and more energy-efficient logistics properties with as low a carbon footprint as possible. Being able to lead this development in an organisation where both colleagues and management support my ambitions is something of which I am very proud and something that makes Logicenters an attractive workplace and company,” concludes Eva Sterner.
Logicenters has now received the European Real Estate Brand Book 2019, containing the results of the competition Real Estate Brand Award that was decided earlier this year. The competition ranks more than 1,600 brands within the European real estate industry. In the category “Real Estate Developers Logistics”, the award for the strongest brand among developers of logistics properties goes to Logicenters in first place. Logicenters is also placed on the top ten list for all logistics developers in Europe.
The Real Estate Brand Awards was arranged for the tenth year in succession this year. The participating brands compete in various industry-specific categories, with one category consisting of Nordic region brands. Among the Nordic brands in the segment “Real Estate Developers Logistics”, Logicenters is ranked as the strongest brand among developers of logistics properties and has now received the European Real Estate Brand Book 2019 with the result. Logicenters is also placed on the top ten list for all logistics developers in Europe.
The European Real Estate Institute is hosting the Real Estate Brand Awards. Factors that, according to the institute, lie behind Logicenters’ high ranking include the special character of the company, the quality of its implementation and its precision with regard to adherence to deadlines. The value of all of the factors that companies are ranked by is then totalled to a weighted index, the Brand Value. Logicenters achieved a Brand Value score of as high as 88.42, with 100 being the highest value, ahead of the no. 2 company, which scored 86.73.
“We are very proud to have won this award, which is an acknowledgement that all our hard and careful work has been noticed in international circles. It does not, however, mean that we can rest on our laurels, on the contrary, we must now increase our efforts to offer our clients even smarter and more user-friendly logistics solutions. We would also like to thank the European Real Estate Brand Institute for the prestigious award,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Logicenters.
The survey is largest of its type and is made up of a survey, in which more than 91,000 industry experts are asked about the more than 1,600 participating real estate brands.
For additional information regarding Real Estate Brand Awards:
https://www.reb.institute/en/rankings2019/nordics/developers-logistics/
Working in collaboration with ÅF-Infrastructure, Logicenters conducted an energy audit of 13 of Logicenters’ properties. The energy audit shows that the logistics facilities can save up to 30 percent of their total energy consumption. Moreover,
most of the actions appear to involve relatively small investments.
Last winter, Logicenters commissioned ÅF-Infrastructure to initiate a project to help Logicenters’ tenants improve energy efficiency and to reduce their environmental impact. In total, 13 of Logicenters’ logistics facilities have undergone an energy review with the results showing great potential for saving. By streamlining energy consumption in the properties, it is possible to reduce energy costs by one third. In total, this means savings of SEK 500,000 annually – for each property.
“Our energy review shows that a great deal of energy is being wasted. The result indicates that there is greater potential for savings than we believed, especially considering that the properties which were inspected are modern facilities. The cooperation with ÅF is an important step for Logicenters in our efforts to improve the energy efficiency of our properties and to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Logicenters.
Energy-efficient actions in the 13 facilities can reduce CO2 emissions by a total of more than 1 000 tonnes per year. For the properties which underwent the energy review, the proposed measures to save 30 percent would mean a repayment term of 7.5 years.
When introducing minor measures, which essentially do not involve any monetary investments, the savings potential is still 6 percent.
“Energy efficiency may seem expensive, but we want to use this project to demonstrate that it does not have to cost a fortune to lower costs. It may mean training the staff in the efficient handling of machines or introducing timed lighting on the premises. Certain investments have a longer repayment period than others, but in the long run, both the bank account and the environment benefit from introducing smart, energy-efficient measures,” says Björn Rinde, energy consultant at ÅF-Infrastructure.
The work is now continuing to carry out energy audits at more facilities in Logicenters’ property portfolio. In total, it is estimated that the properties could reduce their CO2 emissions by as much as 6 400 tonnes a year through the introduction of more energy-efficient measures.
List of tips for how to improve energy efficiency at logistics properties:
Logicenters is expanding at a greater rate than ever before. With a total of nine logistics facilities under development, the company is strengthening its position in the Nordic market significantly. The total area currently being developed by Logicenters amounts to a total of 227,000 m2, with several LOIs also having been signed.
Logicenters is a leading developer and owner of modern logistics facilities in the Nordic region. In August 2018, the total holding of logistics space amounted to 1.6 million m2. This figure continues to rise and Logicenters currently has nine ongoing development projects totalling 227,000 m2. Of these, six are in Sweden, two in Denmark and one in Finland. In addition, LOIs have been signed for an additional 210,000 m2, including a 110,000 m2 facility for Axfood in Bålsta, Sweden.
“I am incredibly proud of Logicenters’ success. It is thanks to a strong team and a unique operational flexibility that we have been able to grow at the pace we have. This current expansion is enabling us to increase our presence in important logistics hubs and a natural consequence of this is that we need further reinforcement of the team. We are now looking for project developers for several of our development projects,”says Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head at Logicenters.
A sustainable focus
Sustainability is one facet of today’s Logicenters development projects. Energy-efficient solutions and solar panels on roofs are examples of recurring specifications in the construction of new properties. According to Logicenters’ Head of Development, Eva Sterner, the sustainability strategy is an important success factor.
“Reducing our carbon footprint to the greatest possible extent is of the utmost priority to us. Our sustainability strategy integrated in the logistics portfolio enables us to help our customers reach their climate goals, something that we know is appreciated. The great interest in our facilities is a confirmation that we maintain a high standard of development and we will continue to work to meet the functional and sustainable logistics needs of tomorrow,” says Eva Sterner, Head of Development at Logicenters.
2019 will be a year of expansion for Logicenters. Three key positions are now being added in order to support the growth of the organisation. Simon Campbell, Richard Drougge and Victoria Ödmark will be taking on these new positions at Logicenters.
Logicenters is growing in terms of both real estate holdings as well as organisationally. In the coming years, the company will continue to strengthen its position as a leading developer and owner of modern logistics facilities in the Nordic region. In order to support growth and meet the needs of tomorrow, Logicenters is strengthening its workforce with the addition of three new recruits within property development, finance and business development.
“We have recruited three people to Logicenters, all of whom will have a significant role to play. They all possess skills that we need, and I am delighted that they have chosen to join us. By offering new perspectives and experiences, our latest recruits will help us to continue growing and to maintain our competitiveness in the market,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head at Logicenters.
Simon Campbell is joining the Project Development team as Project Manager. In his role, he will manage new construction projects, with key client focus. His recruitment became necessary due to Logicenters’ many ongoing and planned development projects. Campbell has 12 years of experience from managing production services within Skanska, most recently as project manager.
Richard Drougge has been recruited as Fund Controller with a focus on financing issues, investor reporting and transactions. This recruitment is another step for Logicenters to support growth and meet investors’ reporting requirements. Drougge has many years of experience in the industry, with his most recent role being project leader for property transactions at PwC.
Victoria Ödmark has been appointed as Business and Asset Manager. She will primarily focus on the development of Logicenters’ business and will be responsible for managing key accounts. Ödmark has worked in NREP for the past two years, most recently with responsibility for the expansion of Pelican Self Storage. Prior to this, she worked for five years as a transaction consultant at the consulting firms Newsec and Savills.
Working with ÅF-Infrastucture, Logicenters has launched an initiative to help customers and partners become more energy smart. A recently completed pilot project demonstrates that it is not only the environment which benefits from the industry improving its energy efficiency.
On behalf of Logicenters, ÅF-Infrastructure has initiated a project to help companies improve energy efficiency and to reduce their climate impact. A thorough mapping of potential actions in energy use was carried out for one of Logicenters’ partners. The result shows that there is both money and energy to be saved, in addition to lowering CO2 emissions.
The focus of the work has been on optimising operations and the facility as well as removing costs that do not generate a value. For example, by optimising lighting and ventilation, a company can lower its energy use without investing significant capital.
“The project also includes work aimed at educating the company’s employees. It is important to raise awareness and change people’s attitudes and approach towards energy use. We also ensure that machinery and equipment are only used whenreally necessary”, says Björn Rinde, energy consultant at ÅF-Infrastructure.
The results showed that there is great potential for savings. By undertaking simple energy-related actions, operational costs in the pilot project could be reduced by as much as 13 percent with an additional positive effect on indoor climate. In this case, the cost of work carried out would pay for itself in just six months. Logicenters believes that there will be an increasing demand for energy effective solutions. The goal is to be able to offer all partners a similar approach in the long term.
“We have a responsibility as a company to take part and contribute to a better environment. By offering our customers a cost- and energyefficient alternative, I feel that we are becoming an even more attractive partner. No major investments are required to streamline a business’s energy efficiency and the potential for saving money is great”, says Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head of Logicenters.
Logicenters, the largest owner and developer of modern logistics properties in
the Nordic region, introduces their first solar PV project starting construction during spring 2019. The project involves installing five solar PV systems on five logistics properties in Denmark, and will be Logicenters largest environmental investment to date.
This spring, Logicenters will undertake a large solar PV project in Denmark. Logicenters won the Danish Energy Agency’s tender to install rooftop solar panels on five logistics facilities across Denmark. The project is Logicenters’ largest environmental investment to date and the first one in solar energy. The solar panels are estimated to produce 5.9 GWh of green energy per year resulting in an annual CO2 emission saving of 3 400 tons.
”We are very happy with the opportunity to strengthen the renewable profile of our properties. We are turning the roof areas of our properties into an economic resource and at the same time, this enables us to supply our tenants with green energy,” comments Johan Hallgren Madsen, responsible for Energy Performance at NREP/Logicenters.
The installation of the solar PV systems begins in spring 2019 and is planned to be completed approximately two months later. The solar panels will be installed on properties that are located in Greve, Horsens, Høje Taastrup, Ishøj and Aarhus. In the foreseeable future, Logicenters hopes to carry out installations of rooftop solar PV systems on several of their facilities in the Nordic region.
“Green energy will be essential in the future for modern logistics, and this project enables us to help our customers reach their sustainability goals and to supply them with green power. Modern logistics is undergoing rapid green transition and electrification. Logicenters is keen to provide the infrastructure supporting our customers in their transition,” comments Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head of Logicenters.
“Logicenters has an ambition to create sustainable real estate products and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The energy agenda in real estate is eminent and using Logicenters’ properties to produce renewable energy is a great way for us to strengthen our response to the threat of climate change,” comments Elisabeth Hermann Frederiksen, Head of Sustainability at NREP/Logicenters.
With high ambitions for the coming years, Logicenters has strengthened its position in the Nordic region with two important new recruits. In Sweden, Carl Johan Enegren has joined as a Business Analyst and in Denmark, Mads Fjeldhoff has strengthened the team as a Transaction Associate.
Logicenters is a leading provider of modern logistics properties in the Nordics with a presence in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Investments continue to be made in the organisation, with the company strengthening its position by welcoming two new recruits, one in Sweden and one in Denmark.
Carl Johan Enegren has been recruited as Business Analyst at Logicenters’ Swedish office. He has a background in real estate and has previously worked as a property valuer at JLL. With expertise in analysis and strategy, Carl Johan will now work on preparing for future investments, business plans and developing marketing materials. He will support the entire business process from initial customer dialogue and market analysis to closed investment. In parallel with this, he will also work with business development and Logicenters’ proactive work to stay one of the leading providers of modern logistics facilities in the Nordic region.
Mads Fjeldhoff has been appointed Transaction Associate at Logicenters in Denmark. He will develop business opportunities and be involved in acquisition and lease negotiations. Mads has experience in the industry and has previously worked in market analysis and property valuation at Sadolin & Albæk (now Colliers). From there, he moved to the investment team at ATP Real Estates. While there, he was involved in a number of major transactions, including the acquisition of half of Danica’s shopping centre portfolio.
“I am incredibly proud to welcome Carl Johan and Mads to Logicenters. We need their expertise in order to fulfil our ambition of always remaining ahead of our competition, working proactively with tenants and developing Logicenters’ platform. These two recruits have already become two important assets in our team and they will definitely contribute new perspectives,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head at Logicenters.
Logicenters and its tenant Zalando have won the Logistics Establishment of the Year 2018 award at the largest transport and logistics fair in the Nordic region. The award is presented by Intelligent Logistik.
In autumn 2018, Logicenters completed the development of a 30,000 m2 logistics facility. The project, owned by Logicenters, has now been selected as a winner at the largest transportation and logistics fair in the Nordic region. Its optimal location in the municipality of Upplands-Bro, just outside Stockholm, the environmental certification according to Green Building and optimised floor space with mezzanines on three levels have enabled the logistics facility to meet the award criteria.
The award is presented by Intelligent Logistik and aims to highlight a facility which meets a real need, is innovative and a smart solution from the perspective of flow for users and customers in its choice of logistics location, is energy efficient and provides the lowest possible environmental impact and is a workplace that safeguards the well-being of its employees.
The jury’s motivation:
“Zalando’s facility in Brunna is a step in the logistics chain that has a clear starting point to improve service for its customers. The location in Upplands-Bro is ideal for serving customers in both the Nordic region and Stockholm region with fast delivery. The design of the warehouse with three levels is a new concept which we are likely to see more of in the future – especially in Stockholm where land is expensive and difficult to access. Both the aesthetics and the logistics solution of the warehouse are at the forefront of how e-commerce warehouses will be designed in the future. Both the facility and the solution are examples of excellent interaction between cargo owners, logistics operators and property partners.”
“It feels great that this project gets attention. The development took place during an extremely busy time, but thanks to outstanding cooperation with both Zalando and Ingram everything went according to plan. Due to the Logicenters creative team we also managed to support Zalando’s growth with a temporary facility during the period,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Commercial of Logicenters.
Jury for Logistics Establishment of the Year 2018
Tobias Jonasson, Mysigma
Linda Persson, Savills
Hilda Hultén, Intelligent Logistik
Gustaf Berencreutz, Intelligent Logistik
FREJA Transport & Logistics A/S has operated from the facility in Høje-Taastrup since 2004. A new lease has now been signed between Logicenters and FREJA to extend this cooperation for a further 15 years. Additionally, the property is currently awaiting new upgrades.
The lease has now been extended between property owner Logicenters and tenant FREJA. Since 2004, the transport and logistics company has operated from the property in Høje-Taastrup in Denmark. The new agreement means that FREJA will stay until 2033, an extension of 15 years. In addition, a part of the 15,929 m2 facility will be upgraded to handle pharmaceutical products, including fitted with a new heating and cooling system.
The facility is located at Litauen Allé 6 in Høje-Taastrups TransportCenter, 15 km from Copenhagen. FREJA Transport & Logistics A/S supplies and stores goods, such as pharmaceuticals, to customers who place high demands on transport as well as warehouse logistics. Furthermore, the facility it is one of FREJA’s international cross dock locations in Denmark.
“FREJA is a key customer for Logicenters, which makes us extremely proud to extend our cooperation. We strive to be a strategic partner to our tenants and understand the importance of offering flexible facilities with modern specifications. Hence, the scheduled upgrade of the property FREJA uses,” says Mikael Sahlin Olesen, Asset Manager at Logicenters.
“We’ve always been very happy and proud of this location, and since approximately 6,000 m2 logistics warehouse needs upgrading to handle pharmaceutical products, it makes sense to conclude this agreement with Logicenters. An owner we always have had a good and developing cooperation with, and in this 15 year agreement we have built in an exit clause that gives us the degrees of freedom we as a Group Concern in growth always seek and wants to cover,” says Ulrik Rasmussen, FREJA Denmark’s CEO.
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