On May 21, Rhenus Home Delivery moved into the new logistics center in Hannover-Anderten, Germany: Prologis delivered the customized, energy-efficient logistics facility with an area of 6,256 square meters to the logistics service provider. The property is almost 18,000 square meters and is located close to the highway, an important prerequisite for Rhenus' strategy to supply end customers in northern Germany.
Focus on the Customer
At Rhenus’ request, Prologis finished the project as quickly as possible. From the new location, the company handles last-mile business for furniture and household appliances, among other things. “It was a top priority for us that the facility’s furnishings and sustainability concept correspond exactly to the client's wishes,” said Joachim Sellau, vice president project management at Prologis. “Together with Rhenus Home Delivery, we defined all the details—from design planning to building specifications.” Prologis offers Rhenus maximum flexibility with a ground-level access road and special configuration of the loading technology that allows heavy trucks up to 40 tons, 7.5-ton trucks and delivery vans to load and unload conveniently. The number of loading bays at the facility is exceeding the industry standard. Prologis responded to Rhenus’ requests by creating significantly more with a total of 20 loading bays, resulting in a true last-mile facility. This is a significant advantage as Rhenus Home Delivery has a high throughput of goods.
Rhenus values the well-being of its employees, which played a central role in the design of the building. A modern lounge provides a pleasant atmosphere for employees to enjoy, and there is an e-charging station for employees to charge e-bikes and cars. LED lighting with sensor control and roof light domes provides pleasant ambient light.
Ideal Location
With the Anderten district in the east of Hanover, Rhenus chose a site in a prime location with good connections—directly at the Hanover East freeway intersection, where the A2 and A7 freeways cross. “The location of the logistics facility is ideal for us to use the site as a transshipment point for products delivered within northern Germany,” said Ronny Sassen, managing director Rhenus Home Delivery. “Of course, our employees will also benefit. The site is very well connected to public transportation.” The Anderten-Misburg S-Bahn station is just 700 meters away. From there, employees can reach Hanover's main train station in just a few minutes, which is particularly advantageous for individuals with a longer commute.
Sustainable Operations
The logistics building’s modern features are in line with the sustainability strategy of both companies and meet all the criteria for a gold certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), a standard Prologis strives to reach in every development. Prologis supplies toilets and green areas via a water cistern and installed a solar system to support hot water and heating. “The facility is particularly impressive because of its excellent energy balance,” said Sellau. “It is expected to be 15% below the guidelines of the German Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV). So not only does the facility have a lower impact on the environment, the customer also saves on operating costs.” Additionally, Prologis has installed smart meters, enabling both Rhenus and Prologis to view and optimize energy consumption in real time.
Commitment to the Region …
The Prologis Germany team used the day of the official handover of the facility to thank the people of the Anderten district of Hanover for being such good neighbors. Part of every new construction project of Prologis is to support a local non-profit organization – the choice was made for the Freunde Andertens e.V. The association sees its purpose not only in the preservation of the local history of Anderten, but also in the promotion of a broad cultural program for the residents of the districts Anderten and Misburg. Ute Gremmel, 2nd chairwoman of the association, accepted the donation of 5,000 euros.
… and to Protecting the Rainforest
Prologis set a goal to reduce the lifetime carbon emissions of all new logistics facilities. At the start of the Hanover project, Prologis donated to the climate protection organization Cool Earth, thus protecting over 200,000 square meters of rainforest, the equivalent to 31 times the area of the logistics facility.
The rainforest is critical for the planet because its trees bind carbon, help produce clean water, and are important habitat for many different species of plants and animals. By collaborating with Cool Earth, Prologis protects the rainforest and supports the people who live there.
