Globe Trade Centre (GTC)

Zoltan Fekete

The company used GRI Standards, the method recommended as the international standard for sustainability reporting. GTC also took into account the guidelines of the European Public Real Estate Association and the recommendations of the European Commission and the Task Force on Climate-related Disclosures regarding climate reporting. GTC could also count on the support of CSRinfo, one of the most renowned consulting companies in the field of responsible business. The high standards of ESG reporting practices were assessed in the EPRA Sustainability Best Practices Recommendations Awards. GTC debuted in the competition in 2021 and received a silver level of compliance (between 70-85%) with EPRA Sustainability Best Practices Recommendations. The jury highly valued the D&I, health and safety practices, as well as the comprehensive energy- and water-saving solutions implemented in all – existing and planned - GTC buildings.

LEED Platinum–2 office buildings
LEED Gold–12 office buildings, 2 shopping malls
LEED Silver–1 office building, 1 shopping mall;
BREEAM IN USE Excellent–13 office buildings, 2 shopping malls,
BREEAM Very Good–2 office buildings,
BREEAM IN USE Very Good-1 office building,
DGNB–2 office buildings

Reducing GHG emissions and supporting tenants’ environmental policies are the basis of GTC’s ESG Policy. GTC implements environmental protection activities by pursuing the UN SDG (6,7,11,12,13), developing green buildings and mitigating climate change. Currently, all GTC office buildings in Poland and Romania are powered by renewable energy sources, due to that the Group reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 62% in Romania and by 44% in Poland. Water consumption was 301,815 m3, 7% less than in 2020, there was also a reduction in waste by 7% (10% LfL). Total energy consumption in GTC’s buildings and HQ is 789,444 GJ (219,290 MWh), which is 14% more comparing to 2020. Total electricity consumption (LfL) in GTC’s and HQ is 128,464 MWh which is almost on the same level as in 2020 (0.1% less). The annual CO2 emissions per sq. m of building area was 132 kg CO2e/sq. m compared to 145 kg CO2e/sq. m in 2020. Heat pumps installed in matrix A&B buildings are used for heating and cooling water, and then returning 311,952 m3 in 2021 of groundwater back to the underground. GTC operates in a closed loop system, striving to ensure that 100% its investments are with appropriate green certificates. In 2021, the Group renewed certificates for 18 buildings. At the beginning of 2022, GTC obtained and renewed certificates for further 12 buildings. 6 completed buildings with a total area of 91,500 sq. m are currently under certification. In Q1 2022, 88% of GTC portfolio has green certificated.

GTC wants to be a good employer, a reliable and trusted partner who engages in local problems and responds to challenges consistent with ESG approach and UN Sustainable Development Goals (5,7,8,9,10, 11,17). For employees, GTC applies a fair and transparent approach to management, described in the work regulations and diversity policy. The company provides stable employment conditions with workplace ambience based on mutual trust and respect, health and safety at work, growth through training and participation in industry events, as well as encouraging employees to engage in CSR activities. For tenants, GTC takes care of immediate needs, builds loyalty and raises tenants’ awareness of environmental and social issues. For society, the company invests responsibly, revitalizes post-industrial areas, provides high-quality buildings, considering the principles of sustainable development, such as accessibility, safety or environmental protection. GTC’s economic impact, in 2021 was EUR 113,000,000. . In 2021, community involvement and/or development programs were implemented in 28 GTC properties under operational control of the Group. In total, GTC supported 15 NGOs and 37 social organizations of other types.

The GTC Group applies the principles of corporate governance in line with the Best Practices of WSE Listed Companies (“Best Practices”). GTC takes into account issues such as diversity, equal pay, social commitment, including ESG factors in the business strategy and disclosure of information in accordance with the recommendations of Best Practices. This includes running a business considering interests of all stakeholders, protecting the assets and developing the property portfolio in line with sustainable development principles, equal treatment and promotion of diversity in the workplace, occupational health and safety, confidentiality, protecting legal information, ensuring compliance of activities with the law and social coexistence standards, fair competition, zero tolerance for any form of corruption, bribery, or improper influence. In 2021, the Group implemented a whistleblowing policy, which regulates the rules for reporting possible abuse and misconduct in business. In 2021, GTC introduced the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, supplementing its Code of Conduct. In 2021, 99% of GTC employees went through anti-corruption and antitrust training, no legal proceedings (pending or final) concerning violations of the principles of free competition or monopolistic practices were noted, no cases of non-compliance of Group’s activities were identified.