Working towards sustainable goals makes our environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework crucial for creating long-term value for our investors and society.

Climate change is intensifying, and no country is left untouched. The UN states that 90% of disasters are categorised as weather- and climate-related. By 2050, 70% of the world’s population will be living in an urban environment. Conventional agriculture cannot cope with the increasing strain on traditional farming systems.

Coupled with that strain, our food consumption habits are also not sustainable. 67% of total energy consumption by [US] children comes from eating ultra-processed foods. Striking is that less than 25% of children receive “food education” at school, influencing the consumption habits of future generations.

Greenman OPEN is partnering with Potager Farm to implement urban vertical farms into OPEN’s retail centres. Vertical farms can produce environmentally friendly and sustainable crops. By growing produce in a closed and controlled environment, the need for pesticides is removed. There is also a 75% reduction in fertiliser usage, a 95% reduction in water usage, less preparation required for sale and increased shelf life, minimising any food waste. Ultimately vertical farms can produce fresher, tastier, healthier, and more sustainable produce.

The Potager Farm team are based in Berlin and are currently progressing on the implementation of their first vertical farm. The farm will be in a truly urban location, on the 1^st floor of OPEN’s retail centre in Biesdorf, Berlin. Besides the grocers and the consumers, the farm will shorten supply chains and minimise food miles.

With Potager Farm, Greenman OPEN commits to reducing the environmental impact of their portfolio as well as encouraging local school and child education initiatives about the importance of healthy eating and sustainable food production.