Greening shopping centers in supply chains : Polish experiences with particular emphasis on multi-criteria certification

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main objective of this article is to identify the circumstances and current state of development of multi-criteria certification of shopping centers in Poland in the context of other solutions related to the greening of resources in the modern retail space market in view of contemporary regulatory challenges, customer expectations, and other stakeholders operating within green supply chains.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In order to achieve the main objective of the paper, secondary sources of information were mainly used. Literature on green buildings and green supply chain management was analysed. In addition, the study used reports on the development of the modern retail space market, mainly the shopping centre market in Poland, as well as data from consulting and real estate agencies. To achieve the objective, selected legal acts relating to the issue in question were also utilised. An in-depth analysis of numerous annual reports by the Polish Green Building Council on sustainable, certified buildings was also carried out.

FINDINGS: The results of the study indicate that the market for modern retail space in Poland is developing steadily and currently stands at approximately 15 million square metres. Various stakeholders are interested in green initiatives, including multi-criteria certification of buildings. These solutions are either introduced voluntarily or result from applicable legal regulations. Multi-criteria certification of retail facilities has been carried out in Poland for over a decade, with the share of certified facilities exceeding 50% for several years now, and BREEAM being the dominant certification scheme. Among the various retail formats, the certification of shopping centres and outlet centres, the larger ones with a GLA of over 40,000 sqm, dominates.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: An analysis of secondary sources has identified practical implications for the development of the shopping centre market in Poland in the context of the need to green resources. Attention was drawn to solutions and trends in the development of certified commercial facilities, while other environmentally friendly practices were also identified. This approach is important for various stakeholders in the market in question who are looking for solutions in connection with the emergence of environmental requirements within supply chains.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article attempts to identify ways of greening the resources of the shopping centre market in Poland, taking into account the solution of multi-criteria certification of buildings. The study, which reflects the specific nature of the market for the facilities in question, aims to enrich the literature on the subject with theoretical and practical aspects.