A framework for assessing the quality and functionality of logistics buildings

Logistics real estate has been experiencing a recent rebirth also driven by industries such as e-commerce and retailing, searching for warehouses and cross-docking facilities compliant with their logistics needs. In order to identify the top class logistics buildings, the need has emerged for measuring both the quality (e.g. architectural and equipment features) and functionality (e.g. compliancy with logistics requirements) of warehouses. Literature reports examples of assessment models related to industrial buildings from a sustainability perspective (e.g. LEED, BREEAM certifications), but the measurement of their functionality and quality has been scarcely addressed so far. The present paper aims to fill this gap by developing an original model to assess logistics buildings, by identifying, structuring and rating the most relevant features of a warehouse. The proposed model assesses the degree of functionality and quality level of two types of logistics buildings: warehouses and cross-dock platforms. A three-phase methodology was adopted. First, a literature review on logistics real estate was performed to list significant warehouse features. Second, both structured interviews with experts and a Delphi method were used to adjust the list, and to evaluate the importance of each feature. As a result, a model was developed, structured into four sections, each divided into sub-sections. Each sub-section presents multiple-choice questions with response items. The significance of each section/item is described by the weights defined by experts, and the overall rating determines the quality level of the logistics building under assessment. Finally, the rating model was validated by pilot tests on a panel of existing warehouses and cross-dock platforms.