DHL Supply Chain, a division of logistics and shipping giant Deutsche Post DHL Group, announced today the development of a 400,000 sqm carbon neutral warehouse portfolio, aimed at supporting customer growth needs and sustainability demands in key European markets.

The portfolio consists of the 14 units, constructed across 10 development sites in major logistics markets in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Poland.

Hendrik Venter, CEO DHL Supply Chain EMEA, said:

“The development of 400,000 sqm of carbon neutral warehouses is an important strategic step as we aim to meet our customers’ growing demand for more sustainable warehouse space in strategic markets. All assets we develop are underpinned by excellent fundamentals; be it sustainability, digitalization, location, demographics or tenure.”

DHL also announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement for the sale of the first half of the portfolio with Allianz Real Estate, including five facilities covering over 200,000 square meters. The warehouses will represent one of Allianz Real Estate’s largest single logistics sector acquisitions, and DHL Supply Chain will occupy at least 85% of the facilities.

DHL stated that all of the buildings will meet key sustainability criteria such as BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, comply with EU taxonomy and undergo a Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) assessment.

Joe Mikes, Global Head of Real Estate Solutions at DHL Supply Chain, said:

“We are very proud to be able to offer our clients effective growth opportunities, with warehouses that are not only located in core markets and fulfill our clients’ needs, but also meet the highest ESG and sustainability criteria. This enables us and our customers to create business opportunities that are compatible with our Sustainability Roadmap, which aims to make every aspect of the supply chain more sustainable which of course also includes our real estate.”

DHL unveiled its Sustainability Roadmap last year, which included plans to invest €7 billion over ten years in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions, with a focus on alternative aviation fuels, the expansion of the zero-emission e-vehicle fleet and climate-neutral buildings.