9. Solar energy projects

The solar energy project launched by WDP in 2007 was continued in the first half of 2009. At the end of June, solar panels had been installed on the roofs of various warehouses, with a total peak capacity of 8 MWp. This represents an investment of EUR 32 million.

Subsequently, an additional solar energy project was started with a capacity of 2 MWp on the roof of the property in Willebroek – Victor Dumonlaan (see also above: ‘8. Post-balance-sheet events’). After its completion, WDP will have reached its target: the implementation of 10 MWp, which is equivalent to the annual consumption of 2,500 households. The total investment will then amount to EUR 40 million.

For WDP the installation of the solar panels is only the first step in a comprehensive corporate social responsibility and sustainable construction project. The closed-end property investment company aims to be a green leader in the semi-industrial property sector. For instance, WDP wants to continue the development on its sites of new, profitable sustainable projects in the field of electricity, heating, lighting, water consumption, isolation etc. This environmentally friendly policy of sustainable warehouses is aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions of the storage spaces within the portfolio, while simultaneously reducing lessees’ energy bills significantly.