Catena monitors the business environment and the trends that have an impact on logistics and logistics properties. Alongside continuous analyses of how cargo and goods move in Scandinavia and in-depth knowledge of logistics and trade, this affords us a role as a knowledge leader. These insights also develop the view of the property itself and how it will work in the future.


Sustainability is a fundamental component of our offering

Catena’s approach to sustainability has many facets. Taking responsibility over time means ensuring that the properties are equipped for future climate change. The right sustainable materials and a design that enables a property to deal with large volumes of water or high wind are almost a hygiene factor. The benefits of creating the conditions for biodiversity in connection with logistics facilities not only concern ensuring a rich flora and fauna. The initiatives are also insurance against damage in extreme weather.

When we build new facilities and renovate older ones, an important parameter is energy optimisation with solar cells or energy trees, for example, capable of absorbing renewable energy from the atmosphere. Energy supply and opportunities for storing energy are important when planning modern logistics properties. Another essential factor is opportunities for filling tanks or charging when fossil fuels are replaced by renewable ones. The development of transport operations is very advanced and, along with
the increasing digitisation of the transport sector, which benefits both sustainability and security, conditions are being created to offer smart solutions that make a major difference for carriers and tenants alike. 7

High quality also means creating attractive workplaces. The idea of a logistics property as a grey box is obsolete. To be competitive, it is necessary to have an environment both outside and inside the walls of the facility that allows people to develop and thrive.

Innovation for higher space efficiency

The need for different types of logistics location is growing. Although key logistics nodes will remain important, additional solutions close to urban centres will be in demand as tenants carry out the last mile of their deliveries in urban environments using more sustainable transport options such as bicycles or mini-vehicles.

Although Catena has an advantage over its competitors with its industry-leading network of logistics facilities and significant land reserves, the growing need for land in metropolitan regions requires further innovation. Older properties may change function completely or make room for new, better adapted facilities, and we are seeing a growing market for multi-tenant warehouses, shared by several logistics companies. Logistics properties may be built as high-rise buildings to an even greater extent and the
spaces can be used better. Roofs are mainly used for solar cell plants at present, but large roofs and façades may also be used for increased biodiversity, carbon capture or food production.

Collaboration and partnership are key ways forward

With extensive experience in all aspects of adapting logistics facilities to customer needs, we serve as an intermediary and facilitator for coordination between different areas of logistics expertise. This allows us to achieve the best solution for the customer.

Automation solutions are in use in many facilities, and as robot picking or automated transport operations within the property become more commonplace, we will be able to assist by means of our close partnerships and established relationships. There is a growing trend for tenants to require that the property be adapted from the outset – an optimised, fully-equipped facility with customer-friendly property management, all packaged in the lease. In our offering, agreements like this may also include financing broader technical or logistical solutions.