Property Oy Hakkilan Lokki, commonly known as HUB logistics’ Vantaa Hakkila logistics center, has achieved LEED EB Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in the field of building sustainability and environmental friendliness.
The LEED environmental rating system is an international voluntary environmental certification that evaluates sustainable development in the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings. Its strengths include providing uniform criteria and comparability globally. The certification system is used in over 130 countries.
The certification assesses aspects such as the building’s energy efficiency, water usage, waste efficiency, indoor conditions, as well as commuting and comfort for workers. The certificate is based on an evaluation by an independent third party of the building’s and maintenance’s environmental characteristics and is internationally comparable.
During the certification process, the building’s environmental performance and impacts were evaluated. The building scored high marks in areas such as energy efficiency, commuting, and indoor air quality. During the certification process, an energy audit was also conducted to identify energy efficiency improvement measures.
The certification process was initiated by the property owner Ilmarinen, and the application process began in early 2023. According to Annika Valpola, Ilmarinen’s Account Manager, the certificate demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development. The property was designed and built with consideration for sustainability, and operations are continuously being improved in line with the principles of sustainable development.
The LEED certification is a sign of commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly construction. It requires meeting strict criteria for energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, material efficiency, indoor air quality, and environmentally friendly practices. It’s great to see Property Oy Hakkilan Lokki receive recognition for their work, says Ilmarinen’s Account Manager Annika Valpola.
Green values included in the planning of the logistics center
Green values were strongly present in the planning of the logistics center. Solar panels were planned for the logistics center’s roof at an early stage of planning. The project was implemented in 2018, when a total of 560 solar panels were installed on the roof, capable of producing an average of 17 percent of the logistics center’s annual energy needs.
According to Tuomas Soininen, HUB logistics’ Procurement Manager, energy efficiency was given special attention from the start. LED lighting was designed for the production facilities, and the lights are controlled by motion sensors, ensuring that the lights operate as needed. Regular energy audits were conducted immediately after the logistics center’s commissioning to find even better solutions to improve energy efficiency. For example, adjusting the operating times of the ventilation system reduced unnecessary energy consumption during the premises’ off-peak hours. Changes in the ventilation system settings reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create cost savings.
The possibility of using geothermal energy was also considered in the planning of the logistics center. Because the logistics center’s plot is located in a groundwater area, it was not allowed to excavate the building’s foundations below the level defined by the authorities. For the same reason, geothermal energy could not be utilized, so the building is heated with district heating. Currently, the district heating used is carbon dioxide-free.
The LEED certification for the Vantaa logistics center is a significant milestone in HUB logistics’ sustainability efforts. It demonstrates that we have taken concrete steps towards more environmentally friendly operations and are constantly striving to reduce our environmental impact. This achievement reflects our commitment to the principles of sustainable development and strengthens our position as a responsible player in the logistics industry, summarizes Tuomas Soininen.
>>Read more about HUB’s sustainability work
What is a LEED certificate?
LEED certification is the most widely used tool globally for assessing the ecological footprint of buildings and for developing the sustainability of building design, construction, and operation. The rating considers factors such as location, energy efficiency, water usage, material efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and user comfort.
The LEED certification application is reviewed and the certification is issued by the Green Building Certification Inc., a subsidiary of the U.S. Green Building Council.
For more information, visit: https://www.usgbc.org/leed
