Frasers Property Thailand Industrial Freehold & Leasehold REIT (FTREIT) is shaking up the industrial REIT sector in Thailand by becoming the first to design and develop factories and warehouses built to meet green building standards. Traditionally, REITs focus on acquiring existing properties with high occupancy rates for steady income generation. However, regulations allow for investment in new development (greenfield project) if the project value doesn't exceed 10% of the REIT's total asset value. FTREIT is capitalising on this opportunity, going beyond just greenfield project to encompass both new build and expansion of existing facilities (brownfield project).
Mr. Thanarat Boonyakosol, Managing Director of Frasers Property Industrial REIT Management (Thailand) Company Limited (FIRM), the REIT manager of FTREIT, said: "FIRM recognises the growing demand from leading companies seeking sustainable industrial space to expand their businesses. By incorporating green building practices into both new developments and existing property enhancements, FTREIT is aligning with Frasers Property's Group ESG goals of achieving net-zero carbon by 2050. The company is capitalising on business opportunities and adopting a customer-centric approach to enhance properties, while adhering to the highest green building standards."
Recently, the company delivered new buildings exceeding 5,100 sqm in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to clients in the electronics and aviation industries, both considered future industries (New S-Curve). These investments, comprising both greenfield and brownfield projects, are located in the EEC. The buildings are built-to-suit and built-to-function, designed to reflect the unique branding of clients and integrate seamlessly with their specific business operations. This strategic investment will enable FTREIT to grow robustly, generating rental income through long-term leases with high-potential clients.
Both projects are notable for their sustainable design and construction. This includes selecting construction materials with recycled content, using high-solar reflectance roofs to prevent heat gain, installing energy-saving LED lighting, applying low-VOC paints and coatings, incorporating water-saving fixtures that reduce water use by over 54%, and segregating construction waste for reuse and recycling, achieving a rate of over 75%, among other things. The buildings are currently undergoing certification for the TREES (Thai's Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability) standard by the Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI).
FTREIT's commitment to ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) principles extends beyond new developments. Their Asset Enhancement Initiative Plus (AEI Plus) program upgrades existing buildings for energy efficiency and environmental care, aligning with national and international sustainability standards. This initiative caters to the growing demand for green buildings within the industrial sector.
"FIRM specialises in providing industrial spaces that meet diverse demands to help clients grow their businesses steadily. The successful management of the trust and execution of greenfield and brownfield projects highlights FTREIT's leadership in industrial spaces, aligned with sustainability trends and ensuring asset growth and long-term benefits for the trust," concluded Mr. Thanarat.