Centrum Janki on ESG Path for the Environment and Community
Sustainable development and concern for the natural environment are important for both consumers and entrepreneurs. Benefitting from its unique position in this area, the real estate industry may have a positive impact on society, and it can also increase the value of the environment through its environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives. A perfect example of the implementation of such activities is those carried out by the Janki Centre which boasts not only its wide commercial offer but also its active commitment to actions taken for the community and the environment.
Polish consumers are gradually changing their shopping habits towards responsible consumption trends. More and more people are making efforts to take care of the natural environment by paying attention to limited water consumption, using public transport, bicycles or scooters instead of cars, and choosing eco-friendly products. Sustainable development is also one of the key organisational goals of enterprises. In 2022, as many as 70 percent of real estate companies paid more attention to ESG strategies. The most important strategic goals included the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (74 percent), the improvement of people’s health and well-being (58 percent), and smaller consumption or the avoidance of waste of resources (56 percent)[1]. For many years, these initiatives have also been implemented by the Janki Centre, which is one of the most recognisable family shopping centres in Masovia.
Marta Grabska, Asset Manager, Cromwell Property Group, said: “As we are conscious market participants, it is clear to us that a shopping centre which operates in line with pro-environmental criteria and implements effective energy management provides not only economic and environmental benefits but also the ones related to the brand and its image. This is one of the reasons why we have been implementing ESG strategies for years, taking care of our client’s satisfaction and the natural environment.”
Environmental protection and sustainable development
Several measures have been taken at the Janki Centre in recent years to improve the cost optimisation of its electricity consumption. The actions were the result of an energy audit conducted in the building, which indicated the key directions for the following years. By its recommendations, all the lighting systems in the centre were replaced with energy-saving LEDs to be managed in separate zones, and a schedule for the lightning operation was introduced (DALI system). The cooling and heating devices in the shopping centre are under constant optimisation to reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions.
Additionally, the place is operated with the use of a building management system to control and monitor its most critical technical infrastructure effectively from one place. Numerous travelators are equipped with start/stop systems and the centre is also equipped with advanced devices to recover warm air (recuperation) and to save water. In the bathrooms some sanitary devices were installed to minimise water consumption. Additionally, the shopping centre has been recently equipped with a water leak detection system, so the manager is immediately informed about any anomalies in water consumption.
The above-mentioned initiatives implemented by Cromwell Property Group Poland are only the start of the long-term investment plan aimed at the reduction of CO2 emissions to a minimum level. One of the important aspects was the introduction of an obligation for tenants and customers to segregate waste using different bins for paper, glass, metals and plastics. The Janki Centre offers also some EV charging stations, so its customers can charge their cars while shopping. This is all the more important because the number of Poles interested in purchasing an electric car has increased from 12 percent to 42.4 percent over the last six years.[2]
The results of the changes already implemented are a water consumption reduction in the building by 12 percent and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent[3]. The best confirmation that the Janki Centre meets rigorous standards of sustainable construction and environmental management are its BREEAM and GRESB certificates.
Community First
However, the Janki Centre goes one step further – it aims to provide knowledge and generate green attitudes. Last fall the Space for Climate was opened in the centre, where you can find some interactive boards, charging bicycles allowing you to charge mobile devices with your muscle power, a smart bin using artificial intelligence to sort waste and a bottle dispenser. Ecology and nature are also the main themes of the educational play zones which were opened in the Janki Centre last year. The multi-sensory Jankowa Polana room and the indoor playground make references to the macro world of plants and animals to teach and support the development of the youngest, while stimulating their curiosity at the same time. This green offer is enriched with free workshops intended to encourage the shopping centre’s customers – parents and children – to adopt an ecological lifestyle and protect the natural environment. However, the workshop offer goes far beyond the topics related only to environmental education; the customers can participate also in sensory, artistic, chemical, culinary and dog therapy workshops which are highly popular. Those educational classes and pro-social activities are part of the shopping centre’s engagement in the life of the local community.
Anna Paziewska, Director of the Janki Shopping Centre, Apsys Polska SA, commented: “We are perfectly aware that at the Janki Centre our success depends on the satisfaction of our customers and the local community. Thus, we have introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of those who visit our centre. Cosy rooms for parents with children, equipped with comfortable armchairs and changing tables, as well as the special zone for small kids in the restaurant area with high chairs and a microwave are just subtle but important gestures towards parents who can take care of their kids with more peace in mind. We are also making some efforts to satisfy other diverse needs of our customers, which is why we have introduced quiet hours for people with high sensitivity to external stimuli, and we also offer free rental of noise-cancelling headphones, a stroller or a wheelchair. The special layout of the centre makes it easier for parents with small children and people with disabilities to move around. There are no escalators, and the numerous travelators between the parking lot and the shopping arcades guarantee free access for all the customers. The parking lots offer a large number of wide parking spaces, intended for parents who need to fasten their babies in their seats easily or unfold their strollers. For those who want to come on a bike, the centre offers some special parking spaces and self-service bicycle repair stations equipped with all the necessary tools.”
The ESG strategies of the Janki Centre and its manager are not limited only to social and ecological areas. Apsys Polska also takes active steps in the area of general management in its places, including an anti-corruption policy and annual employee satisfaction surveys. Its support for working women and promotion of an inclusive culture express the company’s concern for diversity and equality also in the workplace.
[1] CBRE, Zwiększenie wartości dzięki ESG (Adding value with ESG), April 2023.
[2] https://swiatoze.pl/samochody-elektryczne-w-polsce-staja-sie-coraz-bardziej-popularne/
[3] Results achieved by the Janki Centre in 2022 compared to 2019.
