Pursuant to the resolution, the following facilities will be exempted from the property tax: (1) newly constructed buildings or their parts; (2) high-standard office and conference facilities in newly constructed facilities; (3) land purchased after the effective date of the resolution, where investments have been commenced. The amount of modern useful space as required by the resolution to qualify for the exemption is 90 percent. Additional, more attractive terms of exemption have been proposed for buildings with LEED Gold and BREEAM Very Good certificates. The new regulation will remain effective until 31 December 2017.

 

This is how the city authorities want to support the growth of companies that already operate in Szczecin, to include modern services sector (BPO/IT/SSC) and to encourage entrepreneurs operating in Poland to move their operations to Szczecin Municipality. The measure is a part of the Floating Garden 2050 strategy.

 

Ecological certificates for buildings

 

The BREEAM system defines the best practices regarding sustainable design, construction and use of buildings and their effects on the environment. LEED certification is referred to over the building lifecycle. The system provides owners and managers of buildings with tools to identify and implement practicable and measurable solutions regarding high achievements in sustainable design, construction, use and maintenance of buildings.

 

At present, two office buildings in Szczecin have such certificates: Lastadia Office is the holder of BREEAM Certificate, and Brama Portowa has the LEED (Gold and Platinum) certificate. 

 

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