DSV Horsens - Sustainable Logistics

WSP is advising on a project initiated by its client DSV, a global transport and logistics company. The goal is to establish a new, modern, future-proof and sustainable logistics centre with a view to creating green savings and increasing efficiency.

The project has a strong focus on sustainability and will be built on a 761,000 m² site in the village of Lund near Horsens. The new building will be certified DGNB Gold, while the logistics facilities will be certified DGNB Silver.

Location

Denmark

Client

DSV

Architect

ak83 arkitekter

Project Status

Ongoing

Role

Client consultant

Illustration: ak83 arkitekter

Europe's largest logistics centre

The new logistics centre will be built on a site near DSV's current facilities in Horsens. The new project will not only be Denmark's largest logistics centre, but also Europe's largest single-tenant facility. The main office building will measure approximately 20,000 m². The cross-dock terminal for goods redistribution will occupy an area of 51,000 m², alongside approximately 242,000- m² logistics facility.

To ensure the best possible outcome, there is a strong focus on dialogue with contractors and project stakeholders. Thanks to WSP’s large team of specialists, we are ensuring that the project is designed and executed correctly in accordance with applicable regulations, standards and specifications.

The logistics centre, one of Europe's largest, will also be one of its most sustainable. For this project, WSP is providing sustainability and DGNB certification consulting services. Showing consideration for neighbours and the surrounding area, the project has a strong focus on sustainability and resource/energy efficiency, forming a framework for the preferred solutions.

Domicil

20,000 m2

Total land area

761,000 m2

Main warehouse

195,000 m2

DGNB certification covering all aspects

Our construction sustainability experts are advising on DGNB to ensure that contractors adhere to this certification system and submit all relevant documentation. DGNB certification means that the project must meet a number of environmental, social, economic and technical criteria to ensure world-class results.

For this project, stormwater is managed on the ground, while rainwater is collected to reduce the area's water load and any potential damage. The compact layout design will reduce the overall area needed. Groundwater conditions will be monitored, while the noise-reducing design will help to allay neighbours’ concerns.

The project is being carried out with a high level of user involvement and a focus on well-being, healthy work environments and efficient property management. Full wheelchair access has been prioritized throughout the facility. To ensure good working conditions, workplaces are located on the upper floors to provide better light and views. The installation of speed bumps and the separation of heavy and light traffic are designed to prevent injuries. There will also be well-being facilities for drivers such as sleeping cabins.

State-of-the-art green energy

Given the across-the-board sustainability of this project, an ambitious, state-of-the-art energy solution is also being developed, including Power-to-X systems well-suited to the battery-powered buildings of the future.

"There is a massive investment in a flexible, multi-disciplinary energy solution, facilitating the creation of a locally owned electricity distribution network. This will be achieved by connecting the entire facility to the 60kV grid and combining various solutions, including 10kV charging capacity for the electric trucks. The result sets a new standard for this type of building," said Henrik Bjørn Christensen, Project Manager at WSP.

The buildings are planned to be powered by renewable electricity generated by the world’s biggest rooftop photovoltaic system, while cooling/heating needs will be met by the groundwater-based, energy-saving aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system. This system will use a closed-loop groundwater system to heat or cool the facilities, depending on the time of year and demand. Overall, the logistics facilities will produce approximately 5 times the power required.

Once the project vision has been achieved, the battery-powered facilities will not only reduce electricity consumption but will also stabilize the quality of power in the public grid. This will have a positive impact on electricity infrastructure elsewhere in the area.