Direct development for Levi Strauss & Co.Location: Dorsten, Germany
Client: Levi Strauss & Co
Architect: Quadrant 4
Developer: Delta Development Group, Netherlands
Contractor: Bremerbau AG
Tenants: Levi Strauss & Co
Sustainability certification: Cradle to Cradle principles incorporated into the design.
Wellness certification: In progress with WELL Platinum and LEED Platinum

SIZE
Total: 71,335 m²

Constructed between April 2022 and October 2023, in collaboration with Bremerbau and Delta Development Group, this distribution centre (DC) in Dorsten Germany was successfully handed over to Levi Strauss and Co in 2023.

ELREP acquired this 70,000m2 site in early 2022, a former mining field which will be revitalized and repurposed into a new, sustainable distribution center for Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co). The central location and excellent transport connections are particularly important for LS&Co’s aims for growth in the European market.

This DC will represent a significant milestone for LS&Co, as it will be the first of their facilities to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL health-safety certification. LEED provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, and certification serves as a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. WELL Building Standard measures a series of features to promote occupant wellbeing including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.

From the very outset this project has aligned with LS&Co’s commitment to environmental responsibility.  In partnership with the Delta Development Group and through working with architects Quadrant 4, the new LS&Co Distribution Centre will adhere to Cradle to Cradle principles. These principles are designed to minimize waste production, ensuring that resources are efficiently used, and that waste is reintegrated into a circular economy, where it contributes to another ecosystem.

This approach reflects ELREP’s dedication to prioritizing Cradle to Cradle practices as part of its innovative pathway to make the logistics and development industry more sustainable. By following these principles, LS&Co and its partners are taking significant steps towards reducing their environmental footprint and fostering a more sustainable future.

In addition to incorporating Cradle to Cradle principles into the design of the building, there has been a specific focus on sustainable amenities and features of the site. Materials such as sustainably sourced concrete, vegetated walls, rooftop solar panels, and green roof features, such as eco-friendly landscaping, will be integrated into the project.

The green roof features encompass a slender substrate layer made from lightweight, water-retaining materials, blended with a modest amount of organic matter. This design aims to foster the cultivation of robust, low-growing vegetation, including various Sedum varieties, grasses, herbs, or mosses, all requiring minimal maintenance for sustained growth.

Another aspect of green roofing is the Roof Garden, featuring a thicker layer of substrate made from nutrient-rich materials, providing space for a variety of plants, including larger shrubs, trees, and herbs. The purpose of the Roof Garden is to create a diverse and visually appealing environment that can serve as a usable area for recreational purposes, including additional seating options and pathways. Situated adjacent to the offices and staff restaurant, the rooftop garden not only offers employees unlimited access to lush green surroundings but also stands as a crucial feature in office design. Extensive research has demonstrated its direct and positive impact on staff well-being, making it an integral element for fostering a healthy and vibrant workplace environment.

Additionally, approximately 26,940m² of the roof area is covered by solar panels. Implemented by Sunrock, the installation consists of approximately 8,520 modules, with a performance of approximately 3,465.00 kWp. These features come together to support the sustainability focused design of the new distribution centre.

Moreover, the site will offer EV chargers for on-site parking, as well as advanced recycling facilities, ensuring that the Distribution Centre is constructed and operated with the intention of resource conservation and zero waste.  The building incorporates an advanced rainwater harvesting system designed to collect and store rainwater efficiently. This system channels rainwater into a cistern, and the stored water is then utilized for various purposes within the building such as toilet flushing and irrigating green spaces. By utilizing treated rainwater, this innovative system plays a crucial role in conserving precious drinking water, contributing to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

Want to discover more about this project click here