The energy transition presents significant challenges for logistics and industrial real estate. “The era of subsidies is largely behind us. Sustainability must now be driven by strong business cases.”
Next Level, a leading logistics real estate developer based in Eindhoven, recognized this early on and has been working closely with Ecorus to integrate sustainable energy solutions into their properties. A recent milestone in this collaboration is Building 5, a 36,000 m² facility at the Urban Logistics Campus A-12 in Bleiswijk, which has successfully reached financial close.
Preparing for the future
At Next Level, sustainability is at the core of real estate development. “We don’t just build for the first tenant. We think ahead to future users and how a building can be utilized over time”, explains René Geujen, Director Plan Development at Next Level. “Energy supply plays a crucial role in that. Logistics real estate must be future-proof, especially as cities impose increasingly strict emission regulations.”
Challenges in logistics real estate
One of the biggest challenges in the sector is the scarcity of development space, which demands a smart, flexible approach to building design while maximizing rooftop solar energy potential. “Our buildings must be not only functional and modular but also contribute to the energy transition. That’s why we work with Ecorus to optimize our rooftops for solar energy production.”
Building 5: from complexity to a sustainable solution
Reaching financial close for Building 5 was no easy task. “Installing solar panels on a roof sounds simple, but in reality, it’s far more complex. You need to align with insurers, investors, tenants, and grid operators. Everyone has their own interests, and they all need to come together”, says René.
Ecorus played a crucial role in this process. “They took the lead in solving legal and technical challenges. Their expertise in financing, grid congestion, and stakeholder management ensured all parties aligned and the business case was secured.”
Willem Boekhoven, head of development at Ecorus, adds: “What made this project particularly challenging was that financial feasibility could not rely on subsidies. Instead, we established a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Fastned, securing a stable energy price. This was a key factor to have the comfort for our investors and for ASN Bank to provide financing.”
Many parties involved
At the same time, careful coordination was required between the main contractor Wijnen Bouw Someren, tenants HB-RTS and D-Group Logistics, the grid operator, the bank, and energy supplier Scholt. It took 1.5 years to reach financial close.
The result is a 4.5 MWp solar installation, generating enough electricity to power approximately 1,800 to 2,000 households. The generated energy will be sold to Fastned, supporting the shift to electric mobility. “This is the future – leveraging solar energy to enable sustainable transportation”, says Willem.
The financial close was reached in December 2024, and the project is scheduled for completion by the end of May 2025.
A long-term partnership with a sustainable future
The collaboration between Next Level and Ecorus extends far beyond Building 5. Several new projects are already in development, including Building 2-9. For Ecorus, Next Level is the ideal partner. “They think ahead and take sustainability seriously. That makes it possible to successfully realize large-scale solar energy projects”, says Willem. Over the years, this collaboration has evolved from individual projects into a strategic partnership. “We used to work together on a case-by-case basis, but we have now built a long-term relationship where we look for the best solutions together.”
Lessons for the sector
The success of Next Level and Ecorus offers valuable insights for other real estate developers and companies looking to become more sustainable. René emphasizes the importance of stakeholder management and a long-term vision. “Sustainable energy projects require patience and collaboration. You have to be willing to navigate complex processes, but in the end, it delivers enormous benefits – for both the environment and the business.”
Willem sees major opportunities for the sector as well. “The era of subsidies is behind us. Sustainability must now be backed by solid business cases. By leveraging solar energy and innovative storage and DC charging technologies, companies can not only become more sustainable but also build a stable and profitable energy strategy.”
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