The quiet revolution in Małopolska

Developers across the region are increasingly favouring heat pumps and photovoltaic systems over traditional gas boilers in warehouse construction. This shift marks a growing commitment to renewable energy solutions, with investors recognising the dual benefits of environmental responsibility and long-term cost efficiency.

The warehouse sector in Małopolska is undergoing a significant energy transition. Just a few years ago, centres heated using ambient energy were a rarity. Today, however, they are emerging as a viable alternative to conventional gas boilers. Heat pumps, supported by photovoltaic systems and energy management technologies, are increasingly setting the standard in modern logistics parks.

Although the Małopolska region — with approximately 1.19 mln sqm of modern warehouse stock — does not match the overall scale of Mazovia (7.19 mln sqm) or Silesia (6.15 mln sqm), developers operating in and around Kraków are increasingly integrating “no-gas-ready” solutions into their projects. In Poland, pioneers in this field include 7R, Panattoni, CTP, and MDC².

Heat pumps come to industrial buildings

Nonetheless, technical constraints must be taken into account. Heat pumps for large-scale warehouses require substantial grid connection capacity, a well-designed heat distribution system, and robust building insulation. In Małopolska, some older parks may require infrastructure upgrades to accommodate such systems. Developers who plan these adaptations at the design stage can significantly reduce costs.

According to current data from industrial developers, over 40 pct of planned warehouse and production projects in the Kraków region could be delivered with heat pumps as the primary heating source. This figure may increase in the coming quarters or years, depending on tenant demand. For companies leasing space in modern logistics parks, this shift offers not only reduced heating costs but also access to more environmentally friendly solutions — a growing asset in customer and investor relations.

It is worth considering how the buildings in which businesses operate are heated. Heat pumps, which until recently were regarded as a solution primarily for Build-to-Suit (BTS) projects, are now increasingly being planned as standard in new warehouse and production locations. This shift is driven not only by ESG policy requirements but also by economic rationale. With rising carbon emissions and gas prices, renewable energy can deliver tangible savings — up to 50 pct on heating costs. Naturally, actual savings depend on several factors, including insulation quality, heating system type, and installation efficiency. By choosing facilities equipped with heat pumps, tenants can substantially lower operating costs and reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices.

Carbon dioxide emission costs and gas prices are on the rise, while energy from renewable sources is delivering tangible savings — in some cases, up to 50 pct on heating expenses. Naturally, the actual level of savings depends on several factors, including the quality of insulation, the type of heating system, and the efficiency of the installation itself.

By choosing centres equipped with heat pumps, tenants can significantly reduce their operational costs and shield themselves from the volatility of fossil fuel prices.

In practice, it can be expected that over the next few years, the majority of new Class A warehouses in the Kraków metropolitan area will be offered in a “no-gas” configuration, with heat pumps and photovoltaic systems included as standard.

Małopolska to take the lead

All signs point to Małopolska having the potential to become a leader in the green transformation of the warehouse sector — particularly in percentage terms, given the market’s size and growth. However, final investment decisions often hinge on the preferences of future occupiers. Their active engagement in selecting sustainable solutions will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the market.