Daikin and Takenaka Europe have received the PLGBC Green Building Award 2025 in the Sustainable Industrial Building category for the design and construction of Daikin’s new residential heat pump factory in Ksawerów, central Poland. The award was presented during the 15th Green Building Summit held on October 9 in Warsaw, organized by the Polish Green Building Council (PLGBC).
The factory was recognized for its ecological design, which includes a building management system (BMS), rainwater retention infrastructure, and the use of electric heat pumps. The project’s primary design challenge was the east-facing glazed façade, which was engineered to allow passive solar control, reduce glare, and eliminate the need for shading systems.
The 320,000 m² site features a stormwater retention system with two underground tanks to manage drainage and prevent overloading of the local infrastructure. The building also uses a hybrid air/water cooling system designed for low-temperature conditions, along with heat recovery systems to improve energy efficiency.
According to Kentaro Fujimoto, Design Manager of Takenaka Europe, “The innovative climate-responsive façade solution exemplifies sustainable design and showcases Daikin’s energy-efficient products.”
Social responsibility and accessibility were key design principles. The office building's zigzag façade reduces solar heat gain while maintaining large glazed areas. The facility incorporates biophilic elements such as natural materials, plant integration, and green views to enhance employee well-being. Accessibility features include ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms for individuals with limited mobility.
The BMS enables detailed control over heating, ventilation, and lighting, supports gas safety monitoring, and helps reduce operating costs. Energy-efficient LED lighting with adjustable scenes and sound-absorbing materials further contribute to workplace comfort.
Water-saving features include landscaping that does not require permanent irrigation and a system that tracks and displays water consumption data for education and operational efficiency.
“Our new residential heat pump production site has been beautifully designed by Takenaka and has various state-of-the-art ecological building features,” said Yasuto Hiraoka, President of Daikin Manufacturing Poland.