Poland’s largest business centre with a new ESG report

The Sustainable Development Report is a description of the approach and summary of the implemented practices in the field of social relations management, corporate governance and environmental policy in the largest enterprises in the country.
Its publication is related to the transparency of activities, as well as the desire to inspire the business community to raise the standards of conducting business activities.

 

The Tonsa Group, which owns Olivia Centre, has presented its ESG report for the third time.
The document contains an exhaustive catalogue of the group’s activities for the implementation of social, business and environmental goals, understood as sustainable development, respect for the highest standards in the field of ecology, relations with stakeholders and the public and business environment.
The current report is based on an impact materiality survey conducted on more than 250 representatives of Tonsa Group stakeholders.
The study allowed us to verify mutual influences and update the data presented in the report in relation to previous years.

 

Despite the fact that office space constitutes the vast majority of Olivia’s space, the center has been developing its service, educational, health, entertainment, sports and cultural functions for many years.
By providing functions that are important to residents and employees, it strives to have a positive impact on the environment and its coherence with the concept of sustainable, 15-minute cities. Every year, more and more green areas appear in its area and a number of publicly available cultural, educational and entertainment events are carried out.
These events expand the activities of the facilities to include afternoon and evening hours, supporting the development of mix-used functions and implementing functions important for the district and city in which Olivia Centre operates.

 

– Supporting stable, sustainable and inclusive economic growth We have created space for the activities of 100 companies, employing 15 thousand.
people, and another 150 business entities are developing their activities in the O4 Coworking
says Maciej Grabski, Managing Director of the Tonsa Group.
– N your activity has a positive impact on economic growth; not only directly, but also indirectly – by influencing the development of many entities related to us.
In doing so, we primarily support local suppliers.
Many of them are our regular business partners, which is a proof of trust and stability in many projects implemented in Olivia.

Sustainability has been identified as an integral part of the Tonsa Group’s long-term strategy.
Olivia also joined the global community striving to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the largest global initiative bringing together sustainable business – the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

 

The priorities adopted by Olivia included: implementation of tasks and impact for sustainable economic growth, creation of sustainable cities and communities, striving for climate neutrality, circular economy, protection of water resources and energy saving.
Olivia also supports the development of new technologies and ecology.
A number of solutions have been developed to support the use of zero-emission means of transport for work, such as changing rooms, showers, scooter charging areas and lockers for their storage, covered parking spaces, and the use of Olivia’s amenities is possible thanks to a smartphone application.
Olivia is also involved in global campaigns promoting ecology and sustainable transport, such as the International Earth Day, World Bicycle Day, World Car Free Day and the World Day for the Protection of the Baltic Sea, taking place as part of the World Water Day, announced by the UN.

 

The buildings have also been equipped with systems to increase the level of safety, health care and pollution monitoring.
It was the first in the world to equip air handling units with air ionizers that purify the air in buildings from fungi, viruses and allergens.
Thanks to the solutions used to monitor and analyse actual data on resource consumption and based on the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol A Corporate Reporting Standard, the carbon footprint of buildings is analysed.
In addition, all buildings are periodically subjected to detailed, individual analyses of compliance with the Paris Agreement and the global pathway to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
For this purpose, the CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) tool adapted to best practices in the field of sustainable development is used.
Olivia’s activities are also based on the recommendations of the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and cyclical climate risk analyses, allowing for the implementation of actions adequate to the current situation.

 

– Olivia’s activity is constantly subject to multi-criteria assessment by international organizations, leading to obtaining numerous certifications of facilities.
They confirm the compliance of the group’s operations with the highest standards, and often allow Olivia to be at the top of the rankings, as exemplified by obtaining the maximum rating as the first business center in the world in all analyzed areas of WELL HSR certification and maintaining such a high level of care for health, well-being and safety every year.
– notes Konrad Danecki, Deputy Director of Investor Supervision in Olivia.

 

The certification, awarded by the International Well Building Institute in New York, is issued based on criteria created by 600 government officials, scientists, business leaders, medical professionals, architects, designers, construction scientists and real estate specialists, as well as standards in construction.
Its main goal is to verify the user-friendliness of the facilities, care for their well-being based on the latest technological solutions, but also takes into account the so-called
“soft criteria”, such as improving the quality of life and work, promoting healthy practices and initiatives to build an active and cooperative community of residents, supporting diversity and counteracting social exclusion.

 

Caring for the well-being of residents is not only about standards, systems and technical solutions, but also about responding to the needs of the local community and Olivia’s residents.
To this end, surveys are regularly carried out to measure satisfaction and gain inspiration to implement further improvements.
Based on them, Olivia Garden was created – an exotic garden where residents can work, relax and meet during and outside working hours.
The answer to their inquiry was also the opening of a grocery store and numerous events, including concerts, meetings, workshops and integration events.
In the survey, as many as 63% of residents confirmed their participation in the initiatives that are carried out in Olivia.
An important factor integrating the residents are the numerous clubs for developing passions, which offer joint bicycle trips, photography and filming courses, plant care courses, or sports clubs: football, volleyball, running, or the very popular sailing club, which organized as many as 57 cruises in 2023.
The Olivia Choir, which brings together employees of several companies, has a special status, which has not only added splendor to events in the center, but has already released its first album and started commercial concerts in several regions of the country.
In total, the number of all initiatives integrating the Olivia Centre community reached 673 events.

 

Cooperation with the local community is carried out m.in.
through the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget: a project to co-finance initiatives submitted by the residents of the Tri-City, which are implemented in Oliwa – the district where this largest business centre in Poland is located.
This year, its 5th edition is already being implemented, and each year funding is granted to activities such as renovations of public infrastructure, educational workshops and rehabilitation classes for children, youth and people with mobility limitations or special needs.

 

– By managing a space of 15 thousand.
Every year, we face not only the scale of challenges, but also the need to create new, attractive and original initiatives
emphasizes Bogusław Wieczorek, the representative of the management board of Olivia Centre. – Everything we do, we prepare with a strategy defined by the board.
It is based on the highest international standards, because this is what our residents require of us.
Years of experience show us that this is the only way to meet the expectations of the largest global companies.
We are glad that thanks to this, our activities are also conducive to the development of the entire agglomeration, generating new jobs, tax revenues and a number of social initiatives carried out for the benefit of the Tri-City community by our residents.
Such positive conclusions allow us to think with equal determination about the coming years and the projects we are preparing.

 

Full report

Join Active Charities!

 

Did you know that our Resident, the Energa Group, has been organising
the Active Charities
campaign since 2014? And everyone can join it! So far, the participants of the program have covered over 4 million kilometers, thanks to which the Energa Foundation has donated aid worth PLN 2,330,000 to those in need!

 

How can you get involved?

 

Just walk, run, ride your bike, scooter, rollerblades… Your activity Monitor via any app of your choice, e.g. Strava. Inform the Energa Group about it every month, and every kilometre you travel will be added to the common kilometre pool. You have plenty of time, because the action lasts until December 31. We have 250,000 km to go. If we manage to exceed the assumed mileage limit, the Energa Foundation will donate funds to children in need, seniors and animal shelters.

 

Every active charity who goes out, leaves, runs 100 km and donates them to the common pool will be able to recommend the Beneficiary to the Organizers. If you have any questions, please write to:
rowery@energa.pl

 

How do I register for
Active Charities
?

 

That’s how:

 

Have you joined the Olivia Centre Club in Strava? Pass on your kilometers!

 

If you have already been inspired by Olivia and AZS UG and you take care of your health and physical condition with us, you can also donate your kilometers to the Active Charity campaign. Join the Olivia Centre club in Strava And just like that, when you want, with whomever you want, take on running and cycling challenges to stay in shape. You can choose the easy route and the slightly more difficult route. You can compete and break records. You may not compete at all. As you prefer, as you like! Oh, and the cross-country trails were set by none other than the multiple medalist of the Polish Academic Cross Country Running and Athletics Championships, the winner of the Westerplatte Gdańsk 2022 run and the winner of the independence run in Warsaw 2023 Szymon Gumkowski!

 

How to join the Olivia Centre Club in Strava?

 

  1. Download the app from
    the AppStore
    or download it from
    GooglePlay
  2. Install it.
  3. Create and activate an account in the Strava app (if you don’t already have one there).
  4. In the apkand GROUPS—CLUBS tab, find Olivia Centre and join our team.
  5. Enjoy the cycling and running trails and have fun!

Suggestions for cyclists

 

Especially for cyclists, we have developed two routes that are also segments in the Strava app. A segment is a defined section of road or trail where you can compete against the clock in cycling, running, etc. Each rider can check their time in the segment at any time and compare it with the results of other club members.

 

Segments

Olivia Reja | Strava Ride Segment in Sopot, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland (9 km)

  • scoreboard available in the Strava app – just enter a given segment and filter the Leaderboards by Olivia Centre club

Olivia SSP | Strava Ride Segment in Gdansk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland (25 km)

  • leaderboard available in the Strava application – just enter a given segment and filter the Leaderboards by Olivia Centre club.

 

Routes & Navigation

Olivia Reja Trail (9 km)

  • you can enable navigation directly in the Strava app (click use route and start)
  • or download the .gpx file and use it in your navigation device/application

Olivia TPK Route (25 km)

  • you can enable navigation directly in the Strava app (click use route and start)
  • or download the .gpx file and use it in your navigation device/application

 

Suggestions for runners

 

Great news! Our sports initiative has been joined by the Academic Sports Association University of Gdansk. The running routes were set for us by none other than the multiple medalist of the Academic Polish Championships in Cross-Country Running and Athletics, the winner of the Westerplatte Gdańsk 2022 run and the winner of the independence run in Warsaw 2023… Szymon Gumkowski. Every Saturday you will be able to train with Szymon!

 

Routes & Navigation

Olivia Relax (5 km)

  • you can enable navigation directly in the Strava app (click use route and start)
  • or download the .gpx file and use it in your navigation device/application

Olivia Medium (10 km)

  • you can enable navigation directly in the Strava app (click use route and start)
  • or download the .gpx file and use it in your navigation device/application

Olivia Power (14.3 km)

  • you can enable navigation directly in the Strava app (click use route and start)
  • or download the .gpx file and use it in your navigation device/application

 

Don’t forget to log your activity in Strava! And pass the info on!

 

Choose a route that passes through one of our segments and record your activity in Strava.

Important! In order for your score to be presented in the club list, the visibility of the saved activity must be set to EVERYONE [Activity – Edit Activity – Visibility (Who can View) – Everyone]

 

 

Let’s do it!

Olivia Centre has published its first ESG report

If the real estate market, following the example of the youth “word of the year”, were to create its ranking of the hottest topics of 2021, then Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance, or ESG, would be a concept that would be at the forefront. Despite the fact that it is mentioned in all cases during every industry conference and in numerous publications related to the real estate market, only 33% of market representatives prepare reports defining their good practices in the field of environmental and social policy management, and only 11% of companies make them available to a wide audience. Olivia Centre has just been included in this small group, as it has published its first summary of initiatives in line with the ESG policy.

 

Olivia Centre is the largest business centre in northern Poland and one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. It consists of 9 buildings located in the heart of the Tri-City agglomeration. In recent months, Olivia has been developing projects focusing on four key areas, which allowed for the effective implementation of the assumed development strategy. These areas are: sustainability and environment, communication and stakeholder outreach, community focus, and safety. The report prepared by us fits perfectly into the long-standing policy of the entire Tonsa Group (the owner of Olivia Centre), based not only on maximizing returns, but also on focusing on social benefits and care for the natural environment.

 

 

Ecology

– We are aware of the responsibility resting on our shoulders towards the region, the country and the ecological planet from the perspective of a sector that has a significant impact on shaping trends and good practices on the market. – says Agata Kwapisiewicz, ESG Officer at Olivia Centre. “We know that the process of building new properties and maintaining them for many years is of great importance for the climate. This importance has been highlighted, among others, in the report “Responsible investments. ESG in the real estate market” by ThinkCo from 2021, according to which the construction sector is responsible for about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions globally and consumes about 40% of energy. That is why putting people and the environment at the centre of thinking about real estate is our most important task.

For this reason, among others, 2021 was announced in Olivia as the Year of Ecology, during which numerous ecological initiatives were launched. Each decision was based on care for sustainable development, a positive assessment of the impact of the company’s operations on the natural environment, and a focus on minimizing the carbon footprint. For example, all of Olivia’s office buildings meet the strict requirements set by the building certification systems BREEAM and WELL. In addition, each of the actions taken is intended to contribute to the achievement of the ambitious objective of by the end of 2025, 50% of the electricity consumed in Olivia Centre came from renewable sources. The Tonsa Group’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is also related to its focus on cooperation with local business partners, who are the as many as 99% of Olivia’s co-operators. The analysis of the activities carried out so far has also made it possible to change the policy in the field of waste treatment. As a result, the amount of metal and plastic waste was reduced by as much as 26%, and residual waste by 24%. On the other hand, the amount of glass sent for recycling increased by 16%. As the first office center in Poland, we implemented Tork PaperCircle – an innovative service for recycling used paper towels. This type of waste management has an important dimension. Thanks to its implementation, the reduction of CO2 consumption generated in connection with paper production reaches 40%. Now exactly 100% of the towels are recycled and can be reused.

 

Stakeholders

Olivia has been implementing a number of projects for years, thanks to which it can be considered a leader in the field of involvement in the local community. The solutions we implement are analyzed at the planning stage in terms of the expectations and needs of various stakeholder groups. They are based on social participation and are often carried out with the participation of the inhabitants of Gdańsk, including the Oliwa district.

 

“We also try to talk about the district in an interesting, non-standard way, promoting Oliwa and bringing its history closer. In a series of original films entitled “Oliwa As You Don’t Know It” we showed extraordinary places in Oliwa and extraordinary people who create the atmosphere and history of this place. – says Bogusław Wieczorek, Plenipotentiary of the Management Board of Olivia Centre. – With a view to the dynamic development of the district, we co-financed local initiatives as part of the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget. As part of the project, we financed the Christmas Festival in Oliwa, the Oliwa Recreation Station, physical activities for people affected by Parkinson’s disease and many other important initiatives.

We cooperate with numerous organizations to stimulate entrepreneurship and optimal development of modern cities. Among them are the Employers of Pomerania, the City of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk University of Technology. Among the joint initiatives, it is worth mentioning, for example, the scientific project CRUNCH. Olivia Centre is implementing it (under the aegis of the Gdańsk University of Technology) in an international consortium. The presentation of the project took place at the Venice Biennale.

 

In Olivia, there is a group called Obywatelk, which implements a number of local social initiatives. As part of it, a collection of computers and laptops for children from Pomeranian schools was organized to ensure the possibility of remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and to counteract the digital exclusion of children who previously did not have computers. Together with Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk, the members of the Social Activist group took care of the elderly by providing them with m.in. food and Easter packages. Throughout the pandemic, Olivia financed and delivered protective clothing and lunches to employees of two hospitals in Gdansk. Olivia’s community is an active, integrated group that is not only a market differentiator of the Gdańsk facility, but is often recognized by residents as an important factor influencing the satisfaction and sense of fulfillment of their employees.

 

A number of projects carried out in Olivia have their origin in the community of residents, which is part of the decision-making process regarding the solutions prepared in the centre. The most important result of this cooperation is the commissioning of Olivia Garden. It is an exotic garden with an area of 740 m2 and a height of 9 meters, with a mezzanine of more than 100m2. The garden was planted with 4,000 plants representing more than 150 species. In 2021 won an award in the CIJ Awards Poland competition, in the Best Interior/Exterior Design category, and in 2022 the European Property Award. The aim of the project was to create a space thanks to which you can relax, calm down and rebuild inner harmony, which is extremely pleasant among such a large number of delightful plants, reaching up to 11 meters. The space of Olivia Garden complemented the concept of a modern centre, open to employees and residents of the Tri-City, where the needs of stakeholders are treated as a priority.

 

Olivia is still being developed in the spirit of a multifunctional and friendly centre. In addition to office space, a number of services are available here, m.in. a medical center, a pharmacy, a hairdresser, a kindergarten, a primary school, a high school, 8 restaurants and cafes, an exotic garden, a bakery or a fitness club. At the top of the tallest building, Olivia Star, there is a public viewpoint loved by locals and tourists, restaurants run by Paco Perez – winner of 5 Michelin stars, and an event and conference center. This makes it a friendly and accessible place for the entire local and international community.

 

Safety

The report also includes a report on the steps taken to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the centre. The department responsible for ensuring the safety of the facility consists of 75% certified paramedics, and all of Olivia’s employees and associates have been trained in health and safety and first aid. The WELL Health & Safety Rating certificate, obtained in 2021 and confirmed a year later, confirmed that Olivia Centre is the safest place to work in the world, as Olivia met all certification criteria in 100% in all 25 categories analysed. No other business center in the world has climbed to this level of security. Such a result is a proof of the highest quality of services provided and solutions implemented. A unique solution implemented by us is air ionization. This process is used in the most prestigious facilities of the world, which includes m.in. The White House, Harvard University or the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

 

“We have been and are aware of the need to build and maintain our buildings sustainably. – emphasizes Maciej Grabski, investor of Olivia Centre. –We know that the irresponsible use of natural resources and energy is ethically, financially and ecologically costly. In the coming year, we intend to develop this area by focusing on the evolution of our goals and objectives in the field of sustainable development, which are commonly divided into three spheres – environment, society and corporate governance, which together form ESG. The ESG priority is to further structure and systematize our activities in terms of sustainable development, and the challenge for the next 5 years is to maintain the status of Olivia Centre as a safe, healthy and friendly work and leisure environment, regardless of the changes affecting the working lives of people around the world. All our activities are carried out in accordance with the law and in accordance with the current trends and directions in business, which we also set. We are an integral part of the Tri-City and make a significant contribution to the regional business and economy. Olivia attracts investments and provides jobs. But that’s not all. It also organizes numerous cultural, social, sports and other active leisure activities. The purpose of the report is to give stakeholders an overview of our impact on the local economy, environment and society.

Methodology

The report is based on the international GRI reporting standards and the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) guidelines for climate disclosures.

 

– Tonsa developed it despite the fact that it is not obliged to prepare a non-financial report, but taking into account the expectations of stakeholders and legislative changes, including the CSRD Directive, it has already decided to prepare a sustainability report. This decision is based on the desire to communicate openly with our stakeholders and to identify important aspects related to the environment. On the other hand, the use of objective standards and guidelines will allow them to be compared with the market. says Bogusław Wieczorek.

 

 

Let’s protect the Baltic Sea!

The Baltic Sea is not only an element of our identity. It is a good that we should take special care of. How do we do it? Not particularly… It’s a sensitive sea. Including. Because they are characterized by low salinity and difficult access to ocean waters. But it is not the geographical conditions of the Baltic Sea that cause him difficulties. The truth is that the biggest problem of the Baltic Sea is… man.

 

It is us who have contributed to the fact that the following are listed as the greatest threats to the Baltic Sea:

  • increasing area of dead zones,
  • lack of effectively managed marine protected areas;
  • ghost nets,
  • the negative consequences of unsustainable fisheries for marine nature.

Today, the Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. It is a reservoir that undergoes enormous eutrophication, i.e. fertilization. The sea under great pressure from climate change; And finally, the sea, which, although not dying, needs our care and active action to remain as close as possible to the form we know.

 

In 2021, HELCOM (Helsinki Commission – Commission for the Protection of the Baltic Marine Environment) adopted an updated Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP).

It applies to m.in. biodiversity, eutrophication, hazardous substances, climate change, marine litter, shipping and fisheries. It contains about 200 specific actions to be taken to protect the Baltic Sea. All of them are to be implemented by 2030 at the latest.

 

The fate of the Baltic Sea also depends on us. Our day-to-day decisions (including holiday decisions) and our lifestyles have an impact on the fragile marine ecosystem. Let’s make our sea still as beautiful as you see it in the Olivia Star exhibition. What can we do to improve the condition of the Baltic Sea? Let’s be aware, responsible and more eco-friendly.

 

Let’s produce less waste:

  • let’s reduce the use of plastic (and preferably give it up); plastic is one of the most troublesome problems in the Baltic Sea (and beyond);
  • make informed purchasing decisions – buy only as much as you need;
  • segregate rubbish carefully;
  • Let’s try to give waste a second life.

 

Let’s reduce our daily water consumption:

  • do not turn on the water fully when it is not necessary;
  • turn off the water in moments (even short ones) when it is not being used;
  • take a shower instead of a bath;
  • use rainwater (e.g. for watering flowers);
  • Start the dishwasher only when it is full and use the “eco” programs.

 

Let’s take care of our ecosystem:

  • let’s check where our fish comes from and whether it is not threatened with extinction – some fish available in stores are protected and may come from illegal fishing;
  • pay attention to the composition of clothes and choose those that are made of natural fabrics;
  • let’s get involved in cleaning up forests, beaches, rivers and lakes;
  • Let’s plant trees.

 

Let’s reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere:

  • Instead of a car, we should more often choose a bike ride or public transport;
  • choose products with energy efficiency class A;
  • turn off unused electronic devices;
  • Let’s use heating and cooling rationally.

 

More:

baltyk.onet.pl

wwf.pl/morza-i-oceany

22 September – Car Free Day

September 22 is a special day that inspires you to experience the freedom offered by alternative, non-diesel means of transport. On this occasion, we would like to remind you about the extensive infrastructure for two-wheelers available in our center.

 

Olivia on two wheels

Do you have a bike? Very well! Don’t have one? No problem! In Olivia Centre you can use publicly available electric scooters and scooters, as well as bicycles as part of the tests of the Mevo 2.0 Metropolitan Bike System. In addition, the following are at your disposal:

  • several hundred bicycle racks – both inside and outside the garage halls,
  • two bicycle repair points,
  • lockers for cyclists,
  • shower cabins (if you need to refresh after the trip),
  • adapted scooter stands,
  • scooter lockers with a charging system for electric models.

Olivia Extras – benefits for you

Here we also mention the novelty in the MyOlivia application – Olivia Extras. Here you will find special offers, promotions and discounts that you can take advantage of. Currently, there are active discounts on bikes, clothing and accessories in the Wyspka Bicycle Shop.

Spin kilometers for Gdansk

On 1 September, the “Spin kilometres for Gdańsk” campaign was launched. It’s a great time to get on a bike ride together and support our city. This year, the organizers have prepared a lot of changes. This is another excuse to start commuting to work on a two-wheeler. Thanks to the campaign run by our city, you can win not only attractive prizes, but above all a better mood:) Read more!

 

Free travel on September 22

If you have an active Gdańsk Resident Card on 22 September, you will be able to use free public transport in Gdańsk. For car owners, free rides will also be available on PKP and SKM trains and public transport in Gdynia.

We warmly invite you to leave your car in the garage and discover the fun of micromobility!