In March, KLM real estate entered the market in the Czech Republic, opening the first green ecological business center, Klokan, in Humpolec. The company is set to open another project in Lipník nad Bečvou in April. The benefits of green buildings are becoming a reality in the retail park segment, improving the quality of the environment for tenants and residents alike.
The first green business center, Klokan, was opened by KLM in the Slovak city of Zvolen in the fall of 2022. The investment in green measures amounted to over 38 million Czech crowns (1.5 million euros), making it the highest known amount invested in such initiatives in the Czech Republic or Slovakia at the time.
OC Klokan in Zvolen covers an area of 5 hectares, with 13,000 square meters of leasable space and 430 parking spaces. „We started with green landscaping from the beginning of the construction of the 21st-century shopping center, recycling approximately one hundred thousand tons of material from an old construction waste dump for landscaping and building foundations,“ said Rastislav Čačko, Chairman of the Board of KLM real estate. This trend continued in the construction of other retail parks in Slovakia, with a total of eight opened to date. The latest in Slovakia is OC Klokan in Bytča, and in the Czech Republic, it is in Humpolec.
Green retail parks like Klokan utilize measures such as green roofs, which help retain rainwater and reduce indoor temperatures by up to 3°C and roof temperatures by up to 40°C. Green roofs and walls also help reduce dust and CO2 emissions from traffic, as well as act as a prevention measure against heavy rainfall. Other green measures are also implemented in the shopping centers.
„We tailor individual investments in green measures to specific locations to create not only a shopping zone but also to correspond with the place and improve the quality of life for residents. In Zvolen, for example, we have a project of an oak alley, which will also serve as an educational center for the Technical University. In another OC Klokan in Croatian Grob, we are also involved in building a cycle path and a sports area,“ said Rastislav Čačko. While green business centers Klokan share the same philosophy, each city may have different appearances and use the most effective green measures for that specific location and center.
KLM real estate, led by Rastislav Čačko, has taken steps to ensure that the first green business center, Klokan, in Humpolec, not only features a green roof but also includes other measures to improve the environment and quality of life. These measures include water retention solutions like retention paving on parking lots, heating through heat pumps, and directing rainwater from roofs to nearby ponds.
„We also applied a special dendrological method to save mature trees during construction, saving almost all mature trees. We follow global trends and also communicate with civic associations that bring inspiring solutions. We need to slow down the warming of the planet and address water retention issues. We want to set an example, make investments with such added value. By law, we don’t have to do it, but we do it willingly,“ added Čačko from KLM real estate. In addition to OC Klokan Lipník nad Bečvou, the company is now preparing to open three more green business centers in Úpice, Uničov, and Bystřice pod Hostýnem.
KLOKAN Humpolec:
– Location: Humpolec
– Area of ecological OC: 1.1 hectares
– Leasable area: 4,500 square meters
– Total investment: 215 million CZK
– Green solutions: 8 million CZK
– Jobs created: 50
– Parking spaces: 115
– Construction start: 4/23
– Construction end: 3/24
– Builder: HSF
KLOKAN Lipník nad Bečvou:
– Location: Lipník nad Bečvou
– Area of ecological OC: 1 hectare
– Leasable area: 3,700 square meters
– Total investment: 155 million CZK
– Green solutions: 4 million CZK
– Jobs created: 40
– Parking spaces: 53
– Construction start: 4/23
– Construction end: 3/24
– Builder: HSF
KLOKAN Zvolen:
– Location: Zvolen – Západ
– Area of ecological OC: 5 hectares
– Leasable area: 13,500 square meters
– Total investment: 24,000,000 EUR
– Green solutions: 1,500,000 EUR
– Jobs created: 200
– Parking spaces: 430
– Construction start: October 2021
– Construction end: November 2022
– Builder: Keraming
KLM real estate, a development company established in 2004, focuses primarily on retail and logistics development, as well as investments in tourism and residential sectors. The company was formed by the merger of several companies owned by three partners – Rastislav Čačko, Vladimír Buček, and Michal Kozáček. Their commitment to green initiatives and sustainable development sets them apart in the industry, showcasing a dedication to creating environmentally friendly and community-focused spaces.