The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) has certified three more logistics properties belonging to the pfenning Group. Two of the projects, the multicube osthessen BA II in Mecklar and the multicube münsterland in Ladbergen, each received DGNB Platinum certification for new builds. The multicube osthessen BA II achieved an overall fulfilment rate of 83.6 per cent, while the multicube münsterland achieved 82.5 per cent. The freshcube osthessen near Bad Hersfeld was awarded Gold status with an overall fulfilment rate of 78.8 per cent.
The pfenning Group thus positions itself as a leading logistics service provider in terms of the number of DGNB Platinum certifications. These certificates are considered demanding standards due to extensive audits, measurements and evidence regarding building materials and supply chains. Torsten Radszuweit, Head of Central Purchasing and Real Estate at the pfenning Group, expressed satisfaction with the results achieved at the newer sites. He emphasised that the multicube concept demonstrates how future-proof logistics properties can be developed, combining economic viability, flexibility and sustainability without compromise.
The recently certified multicubes feature modern building technology and charging infrastructure for cars. pfenning operates the sites with certified green electricity and completely dispenses with fossil fuels. Through the self-production of solar power, the multicubes contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
The second construction phase (BA II) of the multicube osthessen is equipped with a full-surface photovoltaic system covering 35,000 square metres on the roof. This system produces approximately 2.7 million kWh annually and allows for savings of around 950 to 1,080 tonnes of CO2. The multicube münsterland combines a 12,000 square metre solar green roof with a 10,000 square metre photovoltaic system, saving approximately 800 to 915 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to drawing electricity from the grid. The freshcube osthessen generates 1 million kWh of climate-friendly electricity annually on a roof area of 12,000 square metres.
The multicubes are also designed to promote and protect biodiversity. Measures include nesting boxes for songbirds, bats and falcons, as well as loosely piled stone heaps in green areas as refuges for amphibians. In the riparian zones of the rainwater retention basins, deadwood areas provide habitats for rodents and insects. The outdoor facilities are insect-friendly lit and designed with extensive flower meadows instead of conventional green spaces to provide nourishment for bees and bumblebees.
The multicubes represent an independent property concept of the pfenning Group, integrating sustainable energy approaches, modern working environments and long-term site planning. Torsten Radszuweit explained that these properties combine economic, ecological and social aspects and enable the serving of various product and customer segments at one location. The modular hall design allows for flexible and efficient use of space, while ensuring individual customisation of processes.
In recent years, DGNB Platinum certificates have already been awarded to the multicube rheinhessen near Monsheim and another multicube osthessen near Bad Hersfeld. The first multicube rhein-neckar built by pfenning at the company headquarters in Heddesheim received the Logix Award in 2013, as well as the DGNB Platinum award with a rating of 1.21, making it one of the leading logistics buildings in Europe. The pfenning Group is currently working on the certification of its existing buildings.
