GPEP GmbH is intensifying its ESG strategy through targeted measures in energy management and charging infrastructure. In collaboration with Westbridge Advisory, an energy tender was conducted for the entire real estate portfolio supplied by the landlord. This initiative is expected to enable tenants to save over EUR 3 million in utility costs over a three-year period. In parallel, a framework agreement was concluded with Stark Energy GmbH, based in Walldorf, for the implementation of fast-charging infrastructure.
The approved measures aim to increase the long-term attractiveness of the locations and strengthen existing tenancy agreements. Marc Neis, Head of Asset Management and Authorised Signatory at GPEP GmbH, emphasises that effective property management is not limited to acquisition and leasing, but is largely manifested in the details of ongoing operations. He explains that both an energy tender of this magnitude and the cross-location rollout of DC charging infrastructure can only be economically viable by bundling them across the portfolio.
The tender conducted secures conditions for the supply period from 2027 to 2029 that will allow for significant savings compared to the previous level. Despite interim increases in wholesale prices, savings of approximately 40 per cent for electricity and around 36 per cent for natural gas are projected. This reduction in utility costs helps to relieve the burden on tenants and thus increases the value of the tenancy agreements. The three-year price fix also provides planning and budget certainty until the end of 2029. Electricity will be sourced as green electricity across the entire portfolio.
Christian Hasiewicz, Director Sales at Westbridge Advisory, highlights the relevance of strategically managed energy procurement for portfolios of this size to limit price risks and ensure calculability. He emphasises that GPEP's decision to opt for green electricity across the portfolio demonstrates that sustainable electricity procurement and cost efficiency are not mutually exclusive goals.
The framework agreement with Stark Energy GmbH provides for the establishment of fast-charging infrastructure at retail locations managed for three institutional special funds. Up to 125 charging locations will be created, comprising fast-charging solutions in the range of approximately 50 to 200 kW. Stark Energy will undertake the planning, financing, construction, and long-term operation of the charging stations. Tenants of the portfolio will incur no investment, operating, or electricity costs.
Thomas Staudinger, Managing Director of Stark Energy GmbH, explains that food retail locations are particularly suitable for fast-charging infrastructure due to the dwell time during shopping and their often convenient traffic accessibility. He confirms that the charging points will be operated exclusively with green electricity and that Stark Energy will remain the permanent contact partner for GPEP as the Charge Point Operator. The first locations are expected to commence operation within the next twelve months, depending on the grid connection situation, with the rollout gradually beginning at high-frequency retail locations.
These measures are an integral part of GPEP's comprehensive sustainability strategy. This also includes the continuous modernisation of building technology, the expansion of photovoltaic systems, and the use of green lease agreements that enable systematic collection of consumption data. On this basis, GPEP continuously works to improve the energy efficiency of its locations.
