WDP and DHL Take Major Step in Decarbonising Bornem Logistics Campus — With R290 Heat Pump Technology

WDP and DHL Supply Chain are taking an important next step in the decarbonisation of warehouse operations at the Bornem logistics campus.

The site, with a rental area of around 120,000 m², will transition from gas-based heating to an electrified system using R290 (propane) heat pump technology, supported by on-site renewable electricity. R290 (propane) is a natural refrigerant with an extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3, compared to alternatives. This means far less climate impact if refrigerant leaks occur. Combined with high energy efficiency, R290 makes this upgrade a sustainable and future-ready choice.

This upgrade follows an extensive system study, during which a wide range of heating technologies was evaluated — both for DHL Bornem and as strategic knowledge for future WDP sites.

All required permits have now been obtained and all contractors have been appointed, allowing the project to move into full execution.

Green retrofit in action: decarbonising campus heating with electric R290 technology 

WDP and DHL will replace all gas-based heating equipment with a central R290 heat pump installation, using warm-water air heaters for heat distribution across the site. R290 contributes to reducing the climate impact associated with refrigerant leakage and supports long-term operational efficiency.

The transition to electrically powered heating will significantly reduce heating-related CO₂ emissions compared to conventional gas-heated logistics buildings. 

Key characteristics of the R290-based system include:

• Low GWP refrigerant (GWP 3 vs. R32’s GWP 675)
• High system efficiency, supporting lower heating-related operational costs over time
• Compliant with applicable EU regulations, including the F-gas framework
• Reduced climate impact associated with refrigerant leakage

Smarter buildings, stronger future

To maximise the performance of the new heating system and support long-term flexibility, the Bornem campus will integrate several enabling upgrades:

• Thermographic scan and blower-door test to optimise airtightness and reduce heat loss
• Advanced Building Management System (BMS) to intelligently control heating and integrate with other technical systems
• Extension of the solar installation to support additional electricity demand from the heat pumps
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to optimise self-consumption and lower heating-related electricity costs
• A future-ready electrical backbone, prepared for EV charging, automation and potential integration of nearby residual heat

These measures represent a significant upgrade to the site’s energy and building systems — designed to reduce heating-related emissions, improve operational efficiency and support future technology integration.

A new standard in sustainable logistics operations

“Switching to R290 heat pumps is a game-changer. The low GWP of R290 makes it a strong alternative to conventional refrigerants, and this project supports both operational efficiency and long-term resilience for the site.”
— Frank van Cauwenberge, Group Head of Property Management WDP

“At DHL Supply Chain, we are committed to driving the transition toward carbon-neutral logistics. Upgrading an operational campus like Bornem with electrified heating is a significant step in reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. Together with WDP, we’re proving that sustainability is not only for new builds — existing sites can lead the way too.” 
— Albert van Vugt, Facility Manager Benelux, DHL Supply Chain Benelux 

The transformation will enable:

• A reduction of heating-related CO₂ emissions
• A phase-out of gas-based heating equipment
• Improved energy efficiency, supporting lower operational heating costs over time
• A future-proof infrastructure ready to integrate additional low-carbon technologies 

WDP and DHL continue to strengthen their long-term approach to low-carbon logistics operations, combining building upgrades, clean heating, and renewable electricity to support climate-aligned warehouse functionality.