Square meters alone are not enough – clients want both quality and sustainability

The largest logistics real estate developer in the Baltic States, SIRIN Development, has noticed a growing trend: in today’s construction business, success depends not only on square meters – clients increasingly value quality and sustainability. These assurances are provided by the international BREEAM certification, under which more than one million buildings worldwide have already been certified, including logistics parks developed by SIRIN Development across the Baltics.

A standard as an investment

“International sustainability certification such as BREEAM is not just a formality – it is a responsible and complex process that requires significant time, knowledge, and investment. It pays off by benefiting our clients – certified buildings ensure lower operating costs, higher energy efficiency, and a more comfortable working environment. Ultimately, this allows businesses to operate more sustainably, economically, and reliably,” says Valdas Jalmokas, Sustainability Project Manager at SIRIN Development.

According to him, sustainability certification now begins in the earliest stages of project development. When designing the architectural concept, energy-saving solutions are already planned – LED lighting, efficient heating and ventilation systems, solar power installations, and optimized spatial layouts. Such integrated solutions can reduce operational costs by up to 30% and ensure long-term building efficiency.

Additional benefits come from smart building management systems that monitor a building’s microclimate, temperature, humidity, ventilation, water, and electricity consumption in real time. Based on this data, energy-saving plans and optimization recommendations are developed. SIRIN Development notes that clients are becoming increasingly demanding about efficiency, actively seeking energy-saving solutions and making rational, data-driven choices.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for companies that want to operate in a modern way. Currently, about 50% of warehouses in Lithuania were built over 20 years ago, and new companies – especially foreign-owned ones – do not want to operate in outdated conditions,” Jalmokas explains. Investors also find BREEAM-certified buildings appealing because they retain their value, making such investments profitable even from a 10–20-year perspective.

Sustainability as a selection criterion

“Today, sustainability is not just a value – it’s an important decision-making factor. International investors are increasingly evaluating companies based on their CO₂ footprint, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects, and the certification level of their buildings,” says Jalmokas. He warns that companies ignoring these factors risk losing their competitive advantage.

Besides BREEAM, SIRIN Development is also certified under ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) standards. The company plans to certify its Estonian and Latvian divisions separately this year.

“The business community increasingly understands that certification is not just a piece of paper to hang on the wall – it provides a real competitive edge,” says Jalmokas. He adds that the financial sector, including banks and other credit institutions, also views sustainable buildings more favorably. “Being ‘green’ is no longer a trend or an extra advantage – it’s becoming the new standard. In the future, financing for non-certified buildings may become more expensive, with more complex conditions or even additional taxes.”

Employees value the difference

“Certified buildings are not only about cost efficiency – sustainable solutions have the greatest impact on people who spend most of their day at work. Modern buildings today feature advanced air ventilation, filtration, and lighting systems that ensure optimal light throughout the day and maintain a comfortable indoor climate,” explains Jalmokas.

Furthermore, buildings with BREEAM certification balance work and relaxation spaces – green areas and rest zones are planned from the very start. More logistics parks are now incorporating gyms, tennis or padel courts, encouraging active leisure. Such amenities help employees reduce stress, prevent fatigue, and restore productivity more quickly.

“Modern sustainability standards also require parking spaces, EV charging stations, and bicycle storage near workplaces,” says Jalmokas. He adds that BREEAM certification emphasizes good public transport accessibility, allowing employees to commute conveniently while reducing their CO₂ footprint and daily travel costs.

By summarizing all the benefits that BREEAM certification brings, the result is clear – buildings become sustainable, comfortable, and supportive of a productive work environment. Ergonomically designed workspaces, naturally lit interiors, balanced microclimates, and green areas directly contribute to employee well-being and motivation. In turn, greater job satisfaction reduces staff turnover, enabling businesses to operate more stably, achieve their goals consistently, and strengthen their competitive position.