Bouwinvest takes a step forward in sustainable operational management of its real estate with Cofely

“TES systems fit beautifully into Bouwinvest’s goal to operate buildings sustainably. Many investors are wrestling with the question of whether a TES system is part of the property,” explains Bas Jochims, Head Asset Management.

To ensure more sustainable operational management of its real estate, Bouwinvest has transferred the management of its total portfolio of thermal energy storage systems to the technical services provider Cofely.
Bouwinvest considers TES systems to be part of real estate operations. The agreement has been concluded for a period of ten years. This covers five TES systems for the WTC in The Hague, three locations in the Eenhoorngebied district in Amsterdam with homes, offices and a hotel, and a shopping centre with homes in Zwolle.

“TES systems fit beautifully into Bouwinvest’s goal to operate buildings sustainably. Many investors are wrestling with the question of whether a TES system is part of the property,” explains Bas Jochims, Head Asset Management. “Bouwinvest sees these systems as an integral part of real estate operations. But they have to be optimally managed by a professional party with a good track record, as this is not our core business”.

“Of all the TES systems in the Netherlands,” says Guido Frenken, CEO of Cofely Energy Solutions, “70 percent are not working properly. They can be made far more sustainable and energy efficient. By managing these TES systems, Cofely is relieving Bouwinvest of the responsibility and optimising its systems. Tenants will notice the benefits on their energy bills and in the comfort of the building”. Cofely expects a considerable improvement in the systems’ performance and is also assuming the operating risk from Bouwinvest.

The takeover of the TES systems is Bouwinvest’s first step together with Cofely toward more sustainable operations. The two parties are also planning to improve energy performance within these buildings. Initial investigations have been carried out for the WTC The Hague (Prinsenhofgebouw). Taking not only the TES systems but also the energy performance and comfort in the interior environment of the building into consideration, it might be possible to operate a building even more sustainably.