ARGAN Introduces AutOnom® Warehouses That Cool Themselves in Summer

ARGAN, a French real estate company specializing in the development and rental of premium warehouses, has introduced a new generation of logistics buildings that generate their own energy, cool themselves in summer, and provide year-round comfort. This innovation, known as AutOnom®, marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to sustainability and employee well-being.

AutOnom® combines solar power generation, electricity storage, and high-performance electric heat pumps to meet the heating and lighting needs of its occupants using renewable energy produced on-site. The system has proven particularly effective in managing extreme heat, as demonstrated by a recent trial at the Bain-de-Bretagne (35) facility operated by BSL, part of the DIMOTRANS Group.

The system works by using reversible air-to-water electric heat pumps. In winter, the heat pumps capture heat from the outside air to warm water, providing heating. In summer, the process is reversed, using the same heat pumps to cool the warehouse via unit heaters. This approach not only reduces reliance on carbon-intensive gas-fired boilers but also ensures a comfortable working environment for employees.

ARGAN’s Director of Development and Asset Management, Stéphane Cassagne, emphasized the importance of thermal comfort in logistics buildings.

As of June 30, 2026, ARGAN managed a portfolio of 3.9 million square meters, with close to 110 warehouses located in the continental area of France. The portfolio was appraised at a total of €4.3 billion (excluding duties) and generated a yearly rental income of €224 million. ARGAN is committed to sustainability and has a strong ESG policy, as evidenced by its ratings from third-party agencies such as GRESB (rated: 83/100), Sustainalytics (low extra-financial risk), Ethifinance (gold medal), and Ecovadis (silver medal, top 15% amongst rated companies).

The company’s financial calendar for 2026 includes the publication of the third-quarter financial results on October 1 and the general assembly for the WDP merger project on November 20. For 2027, the financial calendar includes the publication of the fourth-quarter financial results on January 4, the annual results on January 21, and the general assembly on March 25.

ARGAN continues to lead the market in France with its unique customer-centric approach, developing premium and pre-let AutOnom®-labelled warehouses for blue-chip companies. The company’s commitment to sustainability and employee well-being through innovative solutions like AutOnom® positions it as a leader in the industry.