Geothermal energy – sustainable climate concept for logistics properties

When building logistics properties, the focus is increasingly on the issue of sustainability. How can the building be constructed and subsequently used as energy self-sufficiently and resource-efficiently as possible? A climate concept based on geothermal energy is a suitable solution for an environmentally conscious and sustainable energy supply.

The term geothermal energy (or, more colloquially, geothermal heat) refers to the heat stored in the accessible part of the earth’s crust. It can be used for heating, cooling or power generation and is therefore a valuable resource. In contrast to other emission-free types of energy generation, geothermal energy offers the great advantage that it is independent of external weather influences – while photovoltaic or wind power plants require the right weather conditions, geothermal energy provides a constant supply of energy.

In Germany, geothermal energy usually refers to near-surface geothermal energy, which can be reached by drilling to a depth of 400 meters. Although the temperatures there are below the 20 degree mark, this is sufficient in conjunction with a heat pump circuit to heat properties. For this purpose, geothermal probes are installed at depth to transfer heat. They extract heat from the ground (heating) or transfer heat to it (cooling).

Of course, there are certain conditions attached to the potential use of geothermal energy: The construction site must not be located in a water conservation area, and there must also be sufficient space for the deep boreholes – small areas are therefore not suitable for this. In addition, state-of-the-art insulation methods are required to ensure that external temperature fluctuations do not impede air conditioning.

The Hasenkamp Group, which has been operating sustainable art warehouses since 2008 and has invested around 100 million euros in them, shows how this can be put into practice. Another emission-free art warehouse is currently being built in Frechen – the four “big siblings” are located in Munich, Vienna, Brussels and Amsterdam. The energy required for the building’s air conditioning is sourced from the earth: 42 boreholes at depths of up to 80 meters ensure that the necessary geothermal energy is supplied in Frechen. The electricity used to power the building also comes from renewable sources, including the photovoltaic system on the roof of the building. The highlight: even the “museum-like” conditions of 20 degrees Celsius at around 55 percent humidity, which are required for storing art, can be easily maintained. State-of-the-art insulation methods to protect against external temperature fluctuations round off the concept.

If you would like to find out about other ways to conserve resources when building and using logistics real estate, BUILDINX is the right place for you to go. As the first business platform covering the entire value chain of innovative logistics and industrial real estate, it brings together the right contacts and thus supports cooperation between all partners involved in the planning, construction, brokerage and use of a logistics property.

Author: Franziska Steffes