The Project is a Category B project in accordance with IFC’s Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2012). Based on information reviewed by IFC, the proposed project will have limited adverse E&S impacts that are few, site specific, largely reversible and readily addressed through existing mitigation measures and good international industry practices (GIIP).

Key E&S risks and impacts associated with the Project include design and construction of buildings in accordance with national construction codes and good international industrial practices, particularly related to seismic resistance and life and fire safety; and effective implementation of the environmental, occupational health and safety management plans, including construction.                                                   

PS 1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

The company identifies and manages E&S risks and impacts associated with its operations through established an E&S Management System adequate to meet national E&S requirements and regulatory permits and aligned with IFC Performance Standard 1, as disclosed in the ESRS under the existing investment.

WDP considers ESG risks as integral part of the risk management, that is addressed at the company’s Enterprise Risk Management Policy.

In line with an ESMS procedure prior to any land purchase a comprehensive due diligence is conducted by qualified professionals, including investigation of potential soil / groundwater contamination. In accordance with the Romanian regulations WDP’s property development projects are typically not eligible for the full-scale environmental and impact assessment (EIA). The company prepares an environmental impact declaration, which considers environmental impacts and risks covering construction and operations activities of future tenants and permitting requirements.

For the new developments the Company has a building standard, which includes E&S requirements to construction materials, utilities, design to comply with green certification requirements (EDGE in Romania).

WDP has developed environmental, health and safety (EHS) guideline for its contractors and Environmental and social management programs (ESMPs) are required for each construction project.

PS 2 – Labor and Working Conditions

WDP Romania has 23 employees - 8 female (35%) and 15 male (65%). WDP has the group-wide HR Department common for all subsidiaries and it is a group-shared function. HR Policies and procedures are aligned with IFC PS2 requirements. Remuneration is linked to individual short-term performance targets, at least one of which must be an ESG target. The Company conducts satisfaction survey for employees and takes care of work and life balance, job expectations, personal development.  The Company has created a position of group-wide Health & Safety Manager to lead implementation of occupational health and safety plan https://issuu.com/wdp_warehouses/docs/wdp_corporate_hses_action_plan_2021?mode=window.

EPC contractors are legally obliged to have own EHS engineer. Additionally, WDP hires an independent EHS Advisor to supervise contractors, develop EHS corrective actions, where needed and report to WDP on EHS performance. Accommodation for workers is not provided at the construction sites.

No labour, occupational, health and safety related incidents, collective staff dismissals were reported by the Company. No incidents on non-discrimination or any other breach of Code of Ethical Conduct provisions were registered during the period of IFC investment.

WDP maintains grievance mechanism (#SpeakUp) for its employees and third-party workers to raise concerns and report incidents, a complaint form is available at the website. Please see more details disclosed under the existing project: https://disclosures.ifc.org/project-detail/ESRS/42730/wdp-romania

The Code of Conduct for suppliers specifies the Company’s values on human rights, non-discrimination and non-tolerance to child and forced labour, which is signed by the contractors and projects’ suppliers. WDP will further improve its supply chain risk management as part of its procurement process of battery energy storage systems and solar PV panels (ESAP #1).

 PS 3 – Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention

All new buildings are designed and constructed to comply with green certification requirements. WDP’s standard for new property is reviewed annually to include up-to-dated information on energy-efficient technologies, equipment and measures available on the market.

Typical resource efficiency measures include roof and wall isolation, LED lighting, highest energy-efficient heating, insulation, air conditioning, re-use of rainwater, use of green energy / energy monitoring system, reducing wastes.

Please see more details disclosed under the existing project’s ESRS.

PS4 - Community Health, Safety and Security

Romania is situated in an area of seismic activity and the national regulations cover seismic risks in respect of the design and execution of construction works. WDP adheres design and construction standards for seismic risks prevention during the new developments, which is confirmed by a construction permit issued by the state authorities.

WDP’s properties are equipped with life and fire safety alarm systems and passive and active equipment as per local national building code and sprinkler systems are installed in accordance with NFPA 13 “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” and FM Global standards. The company holds fire safety permits for each building as required by the national legislation. Fire safety measures include an automatic fire detection system and fire alarm, automatic sprinklers, where applicable, fire extinguishers, evacuation exits and emergency lighting. Evacuation drills for various scenarios (earthquake, fire, natural hazards) are performed regularly by Facility Managers with engagement of tenants.

Please see more details disclosed under the existing project’s ESRS.                                         

WDP provided mapping of external stakeholders, identified their interests and has developed external stakeholder engagement plan. All this information is disclosed at the website: https://www.wdp.eu/stakeholder-engagement.

Grievance mechanism for external stakeholders (#ShareYourThougths) is in place and available on the website (https://www.wdp.eu/stakeholder-engagement) and any compliant could be submitted online via corporate website. Generally, WDP’s logistic parks are located remotely from residential areas and WDP Romania reported having no complaints from local communities during construction / operation. WDP prepares and discloses an ESG report in accordance with the international or sectoral reporting standards such as GRI, EPRA and SBPR.                        

Contact Person: Mickaël Van den Hauwe

Company Name: WDP

Address: Blakebergen 15, 1861 Wolvertem

Email: mickael.vandenhauwe@wdp.eu

Phone:  +32 (0)473 93 74 91