Since January 2025, owners and managers of office buildings have been subject to significant regulatory changes, marking only the beginning of a broader transformation. In line with amendments to the Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels, as well as applicable EU directives, commercial properties are required to be equipped with electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Industry experts emphasize that these new obligations are not only a regulatory challenge but also a major opportunity for the modernization of the real estate sector.
EU Directive 2018/844 and the amended Polish Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels (2018) are now essential reference points for all owners of non-residential buildings. Under the current regulations, every new development with more than 10 parking spaces must be equipped with at least one charging point, as well as the necessary infrastructure enabling future installations—i.e. cable conduits for at least 20% of parking spaces. For existing buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, the requirement to provide at least one charging point and the appropriate cabling infrastructure has already been in force since 1 January 2025. Importantly, the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive adopted in April 2024 – which is expected to be implemented in Poland by May 2026—introduces even stricter requirements. For office buildings undergoing major renovation, charging points will be required for at least 50% of parking spaces.
Although the scope of the new regulations is extensive, the legislator has also introduced important exemptions aimed at limiting excessive investment burdens for certain entities. In particular, obligations related to the installation of charging infrastructure do not apply to buildings owned by small and medium-sized enterprises.
For existing properties undergoing renovation or redevelopment, the requirements apply only where the value of works exceeds 25% of the total building value (excluding land). Moreover, the obligation to install charging points may be waived if the cost of implementation exceeds 7% of the total renovation budget. A similar approach has been adopted in the upcoming revision of EU regulations, which is expected to enter into force by May 2026 at the latest, where the cost threshold is increased to 10%.
Office building managers are already taking action!
While the intentions of legislators are clear, implementation in practice raises a number of questions. How can compliance with the requirements be verified in existing buildings? Who should bear the costs- the landlord or the tenants? And ultimately, how can investments be planned so that they do not become a barrier to development?
“This is a classic example of systemic transformation. We are facing new climate targets, the growing popularity of electric vehicles, and regulations designed to create the necessary infrastructure. However, a gap is emerging between the letter of the law and the day-to-day reality of commercial real estate operations. This gap must be addressed through expertise, investment, and technology.” – comments Michał Chodkowski, Head of Property Management at Adgar Poland.
As one of the leaders in Warsaw’s commercial real estate market, Adgar Poland began adapting its properties to the new regulations well ahead of their entry into force. The company is implementing its own electromobility strategy, which includes not only the installation of EV charging points but also the management of the entire system through advanced digital tools.
A key role in this system is played by GREEMS, a proprietary application designed and implemented by Adgar Poland. The platform enables remote management of charging infrastructure, integration with parking and payment systems, and detailed reporting of energy consumption. The system also supports convenient corporate fleet settlement, optimization of electricity usage, and flexible pricing for vehicle charging services. Importantly, all functionalities operate in the cloud, without the need for local server installation.
Supporting electromobility is part of Adgar Poland’s business strategy.
“Investing in electromobility is for us more than just meeting a regulatory requirement. It is part of our strategy to strengthen our market position and improve the quality of life and work of our tenants. Installing EV charging stations is one aspect of this, but we also take into account users of smaller electric vehicles. Our bicycle storage facilities are equipped with power outlets that allow e-scooters and – e-bikes to be charged. As a result, every user of our buildings has a real choice of sustainable transport options—whether they travel by car, bicycle, or scooter” – says Jerzy Ryfka, Technical Solution Manager at Adgar Poland.
New standards and future outlook
Experts agree that access to EV charging points in the workplace is set to become a new standard – comparable to high-speed internet or air conditioning. For property managers such as Adgar Poland, which approach their investments with a long-term, decades-focused perspective, early adaptation to regulatory requirements is not only a matter of pragmatic risk management, but also a way to build a competitive advantage.
As Jerzy Ryfka highlights, the company plans to further expand its vehicle charging infrastructure across all its locations, as well as organize an expert panel bringing together industry representatives, regulators, and technology partners. The aim of this initiative will be to jointly develop best practices for implementing electromobility regulations within the commercial real estate sector.
