Good neighbors are always a plus

More noise, traffic, and pollution, along with a less attractive view from the window—these are the most common concerns of residents living near planned warehouse facilities. An experienced developer knows how to ensure that these concerns never materialize and how to build mutually beneficial relationships with local communities.

Sustainable development and the pursuit of its goals within a company—that is, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)—are today primarily associated with environmental and climate issues. However, in the real estate market, social and relational issues are sometimes even more pressing. Therefore, in order to grow steadily and responsibly, developers must pay attention to their overall impact on their surroundings: on society, the environment, and, more broadly, the economy.

It works both ways—we must consider how the surrounding environment will affect our operations and projects, as well as our tenants and investors, not only now but also in the years to come. This is another reason why caring for the interests of local residents and communities—in many ways—is so important to us.

Two-way street 

If the area surrounding a developer’s project lacks the access roads or public transportation stops that residents need, we do our best to help them. We build more than just durable structures—we build long-term relationships with our neighbors. Their problems are our problems, because we don’t operate in a vacuum; we are not a separate entity. When we start a project in a given area, we become a new participant in and beneficiary of the social life of that neighborhood.

Residents, in turn, benefit from the projects we undertake—they often find employment in the newly built offices and warehouses. They also benefit from the innovative solutions and infrastructure developed as part of these projects.

For those investors and tenants who request it, we also help identify and build positive relationships with neighbors. Such cooperation may include, for example, support for local schools or sports clubs, as well as the installation of solutions that reduce the facility’s environmental footprint and improve conditions in the surrounding area, such as sound barriers, anti-smog towers, or dust-suppressing surfaces.

A Look to the Future 

The days when warehouses were found only near major transportation hubs are long gone. These types of facilities are now emerging in new formats and locations, especially closer to cities and their centers. As a result, local communities and their needs are changing, and it is sometimes necessary to plan cooperation with them in a completely different way.

A warehouse developer in urban locations often does not so much create as revitalize the neighborhood—bringing workers and consumers back to the area—and this opens up more opportunities for collaboration with local residents and existing businesses. With such collaboration, urban locations—due to the often limited size and shape of the plot, as well as denser development, meaning a greater number of neighbors and higher expectations regarding ESG initiatives—also require greater flexibility and innovation. However, this does not necessarily mean greater costs or effort if the needs, concerns, and potential of local communities are taken into account as early as the investment planning stage—and that is exactly how we operate.