Planning hall construction correctly
More than ever, logistics properties are at the centre of strategic considerations for shippers, service providers and investors. The way in which logistics properties are planned, built and utilised, as well as their technological equipment, are of crucial importance. Other key aspects are the availability of space, sustainability and the intralogistics equipment of the buildings. Automation and robotics must be included in the planning right from the start.
The lack of available land in favourable infrastructural locations remains one of the industry’s most pressing problems. Greenfield developments – for example new buildings on previously undeveloped land – are still in demand, but are increasingly coming up against political and social resistance. Land consumption, particularly in suburban areas, is in conflict with climate protection targets and local resistance to further sealing.
Brownfield developments, for example the revitalisation of areas formerly used for industrial purposes, are therefore becoming increasingly important. They are considered more sustainable, but are often associated with higher planning and development costs. Contaminated sites, noise protection requirements and complicated ownership structures pose challenges for developers. Nevertheless, the willingness of investors and operators to tackle such projects is increasing – not least because they are easier to communicate politically.
Parallel to the pressure on space, the demand for sustainability in logistics properties is growing. Certifications such as DGNB, BREEAM or LEED are now standard for new buildings. Modern logistics centres rely on energy-efficient building envelopes, photovoltaic systems on the roofs, heat pumps and LED lighting with motion detectors. The use of resource-saving building materials and CO2-reduced concrete is also on the rise.
Characteristics logistics properties
Sustainability not only means energy efficiency, but also flexibility. Properties that can be easily adapted to new user requirements or types of use are considered future-proof and stable in value. Modular construction and well thought-out development concepts are key elements of long-term sustainable use. The trend is towards larger, more automated and better networked properties. Hall heights of up to 12 metres and more enable more efficient use of the available volume. Dock-to-stock times should be shortened and internal transport routes optimised. The integration of office and social areas is also becoming increasingly important – not only to optimise processes, but also to improve working conditions for employees.
Intralogistics and automation
Multifunctional utilisation concepts are gaining ground: Properties are being planned in such a way that they can cover both traditional storage and fulfilment for e-commerce or temperature-controlled logistics. Urban logistics hubs are increasingly emerging in metropolitan regions, focussing on the ‘last mile’ and designed to impress with their compact construction, emission-free delivery vehicles and fast handling processes.
A central aspect of modern logistics properties is intralogistics – for example internal storage and conveyor technology. More and more properties are already being designed for the use of automated systems in the planning phase. Conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated small parts warehouses (AS/RS) and shuttle systems ensure significantly higher process speeds and lower error rates.
The challenge lies in the early coordination between construction planners, technology suppliers and future users. This is because the interfaces between the property and technology must be precisely defined and implemented. If you don’t think about future intralogistics from the outset, you risk costly retrofitting and inefficient processes.
The logistics property of the future is digitally networked, adaptive and data-driven. This requires a high-performance IT infrastructure with high network stability and open interfaces. (rok)
Locations of the Future: Key Trends Driving Logistics Real Estate, Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., A1.236
