Catena monitors the external world and the trends that will have a long-term impact on the logistics and logistics properties of the future. Alongside continuous analyses of how goods and products move in Scandinavia and in-depth knowledge in logistics and trade, this affords us a leading role in terms of knowledge and customers with a continuously proactive partner. These insights also develop the view of the property itself and how it will work in the future.

Sustainability is a fundamental element 

Catena works with sustainability issues on many fronts. When we build new facilities and renovates older ones, an important parameter is energy optimisation with, solar cells or energy trees, for example, absorbing renewable energy from the atmosphere. Another focus involves using appropriate, sustainable materials and certifying buildings – which also encompasses sustainable workplaces so that working in logistics will remain attractive. Taking responsibility over time also means ensuring that the properties are equipped for future climate change.

One of the more significant changes in recent years is the environmental impact of transport as fossil fuels are switched to renewable ones. The development of transport vehicles not fuelled by diesel or petrol is well under way and optimal charging or refuelling opportunities will become a natural part of the construction process and delivery. Together with the increasing digitalisation of the transport sector, which benefits both sustainability and security, conditions are created to offer intelligent solutions, making a major difference for carriers and tenants alike.

Innovation to increase space efficiency

The need for different types of logistics positions is increasing in pace with continued growth in e-commerce with deliveries being measured in packages and articles rather than pallets. Although key logistics nodes will remain important, additional solutions close to urban centres will be demanded as tenants address the final mile of their deliveries in urban environments using more sustainable transport alternatives, such as bicycles or mini-vehicles.

Although Catena currently has an advantage over its competitors with its industry-leading network of logistics facilities and significant land reserves, increasing needs for locations close to urban centres and land in metropolitan regions require further innovation.

Multi-tenant warehouses, in which several logistics companies share space, will increase in number. Older properties can change function completely or make room for new, better adapted facilities. In urban centres, logistics properties may increasingly be built vertically, with space being used more optimally. Today, although we mainly use the roofs of our facilities for solar cell installations, large roofs and façade surfaces may also become crucial for increased biodiversity, food production or future carbon capture alternatives.

Cooperation and partnership key paths of progress

A key element in our project development work is being able to anticipate tenants’ needs. With extensive experience in all aspects of adapting logistics facilities to customer needs, we serve as a speaking partner and facilitator of partnerships between different areas of logistics expertise. In that way, we can achieve the optimum solution
for the customer.

Automation solutions will soon be found in many facilities and as robot picking or automated transports within the property becomes more commonplace, we will be able to assist, thanks to our close partnerships and established relationships. An increasing trend is for tenants to require that the property be adapted from the outset – an optimised and fully-equipped facility with customer-friendly property management, all packaged in the lease agreement. In our offering, agreements like this may also include financing of broader technical or logistical solutions.