Port Łódź shopping centre receives BREEAM In-Use certificate for excellence in sustainability

Port Łódź shopping centre, owned by Ingka Centres, has been awarded the prestigious BREEAM In-Use certificate, achieving an Excellent rating in both Facility Infrastructure - Asset Performance (70.1%) and Facility Management - Management Performance (76.6%). The centre earned a perfect score in the Land Use & Ecology subcategory, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Port Łódź incorporates numerous technological advancements to minimize its environmental footprint. Its intelligent ventilation system, equipped with variable volume controllers and air quality sensors, ensures optimal indoor comfort and energy efficiency. The extensive use of LED lighting throughout the centre, including tenant spaces, reduces electricity consumption by up to 50%.

The centre has implemented a comprehensive waste segregation system with 19 waste fractions, promoting responsible disposal and aiming for a 100% recycling rate by 2030. This initiative is part of Ingka Centres’ broader People & Planet Positive strategy, which focuses on sustainable development.

Water-saving measures are another highlight of Port Łódź’s sustainability efforts. The centre’s toilets feature low water consumption fittings and an automatic shut-off system to manage water use efficiently. More than half of the toilets recycle water from washbasins for flushing, with plans to achieve 100% water recovery by 2027.

Port Łódź excels in the Land Use & Ecology subcategory. It uses two deep wells to irrigate approximately 3 hectares of green space, ensuring precise water delivery through an automated system. The centre’s grounds support biodiversity with insect houses, birdhouses, feeders, and habitats for solitary bees. Native wildflowers are planted, and invasive species are removed, creating an attractive environment for pollinators.

“We are proud that Port Łódź has been awarded the BREEAM In-Use certificate, receiving high marks in the Asset Performance and Management Performance categories. Effective facility management, resource management, and cooperation with the local community, along with ensuring visitor comfort, require shared commitment and continuous action towards sustainable development. We are ready for more challenges in the future,” said Andrzej Cieślik, director of Port Łódź.

The centre actively engages with the local community, promoting sustainable lifestyles through events like electronic waste exchanges, clothing collections, and upcycling workshops. These initiatives support biodiversity, with customers building insect houses and sowing mini flower meadows to take home.

Port Łódź encourages healthy lifestyles and physical activity. Behind the building is the Sport Station, a free outdoor recreation area with 12 attractions, including sports fields, a cycling town, and a dog training area. The centre hosts picnics and sports competitions for local schools, and provides amenities like car charging stations, bicycle racks, protected bike parking, and repair stations.

The centre collaborates with local NGOs on various social projects, such as “Together on the Swing” and support for the local paediatric hospital. These efforts promote equality and integration, exemplified by the recently established Zone of Silence.

Port Łódź’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement has set a high standard for shopping centres across Europe, demonstrating how commercial spaces can thrive while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility.