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A green shopping centre - is it possible?
Modern shopping, entertainment, relaxation ... and on top of that, concern for the environment? Shopping centres are a symbol of consumption, but today they are increasingly trying to combine customer convenience with environmental responsibility. Posnania is an example of a place that focuses on innovative solutions, resource conservation and education.
Modern shopping, entertainment, relaxation ... and on top of that, concern for the environment? Shopping centres are a symbol of consumption, but today they are increasingly trying to combine customer convenience with environmental responsibility. Posnania is an example of a place that focuses on innovative solutions, resource conservation and education.
Of course, a large retail facility will always have its impact on the environment - energy consumption, CO₂ emissions or waste generation are difficult to eliminate completely. However, Posnania shows that these can be reduced and concrete steps can be taken to make retail more sustainable.
As APSYS Polska we currently manage more than 700,000 sqm. GLA (Gross Leasable Area - commercial building space - ed.) in 16 retail facilities. As part of our proprietary 'Think Green' programme, we are changing the image of the industry as socially committed and environmentally sustainable. And we are doing this through very concrete environmental protection and environmental education measures.
Agnieszka Juszkis, Marketing Director Posnania
Energy and water saving - the key to sustainable management
The operation of a shopping centre requires large amounts of energy and water - this is a fact. But Posnania is actively implementing solutions to help reduce these needs. Thanks to a leak detection system and the re-use of rainwater in the toilets, the consumption of these resources is reduced. Modern bathroom fittings also help. At the same time, further solutions are constantly being sought to further reduce water consumption.
The same is true for energy, which such vast facilities will always need in significant amounts to function. Thanks to modern LED lighting, motion and twilight sensors and a smart energy management system, Posnania has reduced its energy consumption by as much as 43% since 2017. This is a major step towards sustainable management.
Environmental education and social action - small steps, big effect
Education is one of the pillars of our 'Think Green' programme. Posnania is involved in a number of pro-environmental campaigns to demonstrate good practice, reinforce commitment and consolidate positive habits in caring for the environment.
Agnieszka Juszkis, Marketing Director Posnania
An example of such an action is the 'Second Life of Your Clothes' campaign, which in 2022 resulted in the collection of more than 13 tonnes of textiles. Each kilogram of clothing was converted into one zloty and the funds collected went to the Polish Association for Nature Protection "Salamandra". This is a great initiative in response to the global challenge of overproduction of clothing and fast fashion.
A similar effect is achieved by the cyclical 'Plastic for a Plant' campaign organised together with partners, during which plastic waste can be exchanged for seasonal seedlings. This is not only a great motivation for customers, but also a way to draw attention to the problem of excessive plastic consumption. In addition, Posnania organises environmental workshops for children, helping to shape habits from an early age.
EKO Vestibule and recyclables - small changes in daily habits
Waste segregation and recycling are key aspects of caring for the environment. Customer habits and the amount of waste generated are still quite a challenge for shopping centres. Posnania has an EKO Przedsionek - a special educational space where you can learn how to segregate waste correctly and use recycling machines.
Tenants also act green
As part of our 'Think Green' programme, we also involve our partners in valuable environmental practices. We support our contractors and service providers in their pursuit of sustainability so that together we can create ever better places.
Agnieszka Juszkis, Marketing Director Posnania
Posnania's tenants are keen to engage in environmentally friendly activities. In many shops, unwanted clothes can be left for recycling, and well-known brands encourage customers to reduce waste through a packaging return system or the use of their own reusable cups. These types of activities show that change can happen on many levels - both in the management of a large facility and in the everyday decisions of consumers.
Sustainable transport - an alternative to the car
Shopping centres attract a large number of customers, which is associated with increased traffic and exhaust emissions. This is why Posnania is committed to sustainable transport, offering covered bicycle parking, repair stations, chargers for electric bicycles and scooters, and even a changing room equipped with hair and clothes dryers, dedicated to cyclists.
Green shopping centre - a challenge but also a necessity
Can a shopping centre be environmentally friendly? Posnania shows that introducing green solutions is possible and necessary. Although no large shopping centre will completely eliminate its impact on the environment, responsible energy management, environmental education and encouraging customers to adopt pro-ecological habits are steps in the right direction. Joint action - by the centre, tenants and customers alike - can ensure that shopping and ecology increasingly go hand in hand.
