Arrow Point Bolton: A Step Towards Sustainable Logistics

Net zero logistics development completes in Bolton

Arrow Capital Partners and VolkerFitzpatrick have completed a 327,750 square foot logistics development in Horwich, Bolton. The project achieved net zero construction status through Planet Mark certification, marking a notable example of carbon reduction in UK industrial building.

The development comprises two units. The smaller measures 107,500 square feet, while the larger spans 220,250 square feet. Both buildings target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings. Consequently, they represent high environmental performance standards for industrial property.

Arrow Capital Partners acquired the site in 2020 as part of a €3 billion Strategic Industrial Real Estate joint venture with Cerberus Capital Management. The location sits adjacent to Junction 6 of the M61, offering direct access to the M60, M6, and M62 motorways. Furthermore, Manchester Airport and the Port of Liverpool are both within easy reach.

Foundation redesign cuts concrete use by 760 cubic metres

The project saved 180 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions through engineering changes during construction. VolkerFitzpatrick redesigned the foundations, reducing concrete requirements by 760 cubic metres compared to the original specification.

Instead of importing aggregate, the contractor crushed and reused concrete from the former Essity facility that previously occupied the site. This approach kept material on site and eliminated the emissions associated with quarrying, processing, and transporting new aggregate.

Planning permission was granted in January 2025 for the two units. Initial timelines anticipated completion in late 2025. However, the buildings were finished in early 2026 and became available for immediate occupation.

The development includes 82 HGV trailer spaces and 32 dock levellers. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is installed throughout the site. Moreover, the buildings feature 4.5 MVA total power capacity with rooftop photovoltaic panels.

Embodied carbon reduction addresses construction emissions

Construction accounts for a substantial portion of carbon emissions in the built environment. Embodied carbon, which comes from manufacturing and transporting building materials, represents a particular challenge for large industrial developments.

Traditional logistics buildings require significant quantities of concrete for foundations and floor slabs. Each cubic metre of concrete carries a substantial carbon footprint from cement production. Therefore, reducing concrete volume delivers direct carbon savings.

The Arrow Point Bolton project demonstrates that material efficiency does not compromise building performance. The redesigned foundations meet the same structural requirements while using less material. This approach challenges the assumption that carbon reduction requires trade-offs in functionality.

Reusing demolished concrete as aggregate serves a dual purpose. It avoids landfill disposal costs and eliminates the need for virgin materials. Many industrial redevelopment sites contain existing hard surfaces that can be repurposed rather than exported.

Planet Mark certification provides independent verification of net zero construction claims. The certification process requires detailed carbon accounting across the construction phase. As a result, it offers assurance to occupiers and investors seeking verified environmental credentials.

What net zero construction means for UK businesses

Occupiers increasingly face pressure to reduce their supply chain emissions. Scope 3 emissions, which include the buildings a business operates from, often represent the largest portion of a company’s carbon footprint. Consequently, choosing low-carbon facilities helps businesses meet their reduction targets.

Public sector procurement now includes carbon reduction requirements through PPN 06/21. Suppliers bidding for government contracts must demonstrate carbon management capabilities. Additionally, they need to publish reduction plans and report their emissions. Operating from certified low-carbon buildings supports compliance with these requirements.

Private sector supply chains are adopting similar standards. Large retailers and manufacturers ask their logistics providers to report building-related emissions. Furthermore, some require evidence of energy efficiency and renewable power generation. Buildings with EPC A ratings and solar panels meet these expectations without additional investment from occupiers.

The financial case for sustainable logistics space is strengthening. Energy costs remain volatile, making on-site generation valuable for operational budgets. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure future-proofs facilities against the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. Meanwhile, BREEAM Outstanding certification can improve asset valuations and reduce insurance premiums.

Location remains critical for logistics efficiency. Arrow Point Bolton offers access to major motorway networks and two million people within 30 minutes’ drive time. However, adding environmental performance to strategic location creates a more competitive proposition for occupiers balancing cost, service, and sustainability.

Construction sector shifts toward carbon measurement

The construction industry is adopting more rigorous carbon accounting. Several factors drive this change, including regulatory pressure, investor requirements, and client demand. Planet Mark and similar certifications provide standardized frameworks for measuring and verifying reductions.

Developers now calculate embodied carbon alongside operational energy use. This broader perspective reveals opportunities that traditional cost optimization might miss. For example, spending more on design to reduce concrete volume can deliver carbon savings that outweigh the additional design fees.

Material selection carries long-term implications. Concrete production is emissions-intensive, but alternatives face their own challenges around cost, availability, and structural performance. Therefore, reducing volume through better engineering often proves more practical than material substitution.

On-site material reuse is becoming standard practice on redevelopment projects. Crushing existing concrete for reuse as aggregate requires mobile equipment but avoids transport emissions. This approach works particularly well on large sites where demolished material volume matches construction requirements.

Renewable energy integration is now designed into industrial developments from the outset. Rooftop solar panels on large logistics buildings can generate substantial power. The 4.5 MVA capacity at Arrow Point Bolton indicates significant generation potential. This power can serve building systems, electric vehicle charging, and potentially export to the grid.

Five key facts about the Bolton development

• The project saved 180 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through foundation redesign and material reuse, verified by Planet Mark certification for net zero construction.
• Redesigned foundations reduced concrete requirements by 760 cubic metres compared to original specifications, cutting both embodied carbon and material costs.
• Crushed concrete from the former Essity facility replaced imported aggregate, eliminating quarrying and transport emissions while avoiding landfill disposal.
• Both units target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings, with 4.5 MVA power capacity and rooftop photovoltaic panels installed across the development.
• The 327,750 square foot development sits adjacent to Junction 6 of the M61, providing direct access to the M60, M6, and M62 motorways serving the North West.

Implications for manufacturers and logistics operators

Businesses operating distribution networks need to consider building performance as part of their carbon reporting. The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting regulations require many companies to disclose their energy use and emissions. Buildings contribute significantly to these figures through heating, lighting, and refrigeration.

Choosing facilities with on-site renewable generation reduces purchased electricity. This cuts both emissions and exposure to energy price fluctuations. Additionally, buildings with superior thermal performance require less heating and cooling. Lower energy consumption translates directly to reduced operating costs and reported emissions.

Supply chain transparency is becoming a competitive requirement. Retailers and manufacturers ask logistics providers to report the carbon intensity of their warehousing and distribution. Operating from certified low-carbon buildings provides clear evidence of environmental performance. This data supports client reporting and tender responses.

The transition to electric vehicle fleets requires charging infrastructure. Installing this equipment retrospectively costs more than designing it into new developments. Facilities built with electric vehicle capability avoid future disruption and capital expenditure. The 82 HGV spaces at Arrow Point Bolton include provision for charging, anticipating the shift to electric heavy goods vehicles.

Location efficiency affects transport emissions as much as building performance. Sites with good motorway connections reduce journey times and fuel consumption. Proximity to ports and airports supports multimodal logistics. Therefore, sustainable logistics means considering both building credentials and strategic positioning.

Businesses expanding or relocating warehousing capacity should assess environmental performance alongside traditional factors like size, location, and cost. ESG compliance support helps companies evaluate facilities against their reporting requirements and reduction targets.

Planning for future industrial development

The Arrow Point Bolton project offers a reference point for what is achievable in sustainable logistics construction. Other developments can adopt similar approaches to foundation design, material reuse, and renewable energy integration. However, each site presents different opportunities depending on existing infrastructure and local conditions.

Material reuse works best on brownfield sites with substantial existing hard surfaces. Greenfield developments lack this advantage but may offer other opportunities such as ground conditions that require less foundation material. Site-specific engineering assessments identify the most effective carbon reduction measures.

Planning policy is evolving to require higher environmental standards. Local authorities increasingly expect new industrial developments to demonstrate energy efficiency, renewable power generation, and biodiversity enhancement. Consequently, meeting these expectations early in the design process avoids delays and additional costs later.

The BREEAM Outstanding standard sets a high benchmark for industrial buildings. Achieving this rating requires attention to energy, materials, water, ecology, and management practices. While demanding, the certification provides market differentiation and can improve letting prospects.

Tenant expectations are rising in parallel with regulatory requirements. Occupiers want buildings that support their own environmental commitments without requiring significant additional investment. Developers who deliver certified low-carbon facilities meet this demand and potentially achieve stronger rental values or faster letting periods.

The broader context includes the UK’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Industrial and logistics buildings must contribute to this target through both new construction standards and retrofitting existing stock. Projects like Arrow Point Bolton demonstrate that substantial carbon reductions are technically and commercially feasible in this sector.

Where to find detailed guidance and standards

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes policy updates and guidance on carbon reduction in the built environment. Their resources cover both regulatory requirements and voluntary initiatives.

BREEAM standards and technical guidance are available through the Building Research Establishment. The site includes detailed criteria for different building types and certification levels. It also provides case studies of certified developments.

Planet Mark offers certification frameworks for net zero construction and operational carbon reduction. Their website explains the verification process and lists certified projects across different sectors.

Businesses requiring support with carbon reporting and reduction planning can access structured programs that address both compliance and voluntary commitments. This includes Scope 3 emissions from buildings and infrastructure.

The UK Green Building Council provides research and policy briefings on sustainable construction. Their resources cover embodied carbon, net zero buildings, and circular economy approaches to materials and design.