Versum Runs on Sunlight — and in Tenants´ Favour

What if a business complex could earn money even when its people aren’t working?

That’s exactly what the innovative Versum stock-office hub in Riga does. On bright summer days, the rooftop solar park generates all the energy the centre needs. The building begins its “workday” hours before the first employee steps inside. A sleepy worker gets a boost from the coffee machine — Versum gets it straight from the sky.

First in Latvia, common in Europe

Across Europe, commercial buildings are expected to do far more than offer insulated walls and reliable elevators. Renewable energy, stable operating costs and sustainable design have become essentials. In countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, solar systems are already standard in modern logistics and industrial developments.

Riga is catching up — and Versum is leading. Located in a rapidly developing business district, Versum is the first stock-office complex in Latvia capable of achieving full energy independence during sunny summer weather. Smart engineering and a clear sustainability mindset make it future-proof: when the sun shines, operating costs approach zero. At other times, well-designed systems help keep expenses consistently low.

Estmak Capital, as the developer, intentionally avoided the simplest solutions. The goal was a centre that stays efficient, stable and cost-effective — not only today, but years from now.

A power plant right on the roof

Versum is powered by a rooftop solar park spanning 1,420 m² — more than three basketball courts.

With its 320 kW capacity, it would be enough to power around 50 households. A 610 kWh battery system (300 kW output) stores excess energy from sunny peaks so it can be used later.

These numbers translate into real advantages:

– more predictable electricity costs, even when the electricity market behaves like Latvian weather — sunshine in the morning, hail at noon;

– lower outage risks, thanks to on-site generation and storage;

– reduced operating costs, because less energy is purchased from the grid.

Let energy go into work, not to unnecessary tasks

Often, a quarter of the workday disappears into side tasks and problems that bring in no value. Information moves slowly and incompletely between departments. One room is too cold, another too hot or stuffy or dark. Employees aren’t happy. A delivery truck can’t get access. The warehouse is overflowing while office space sits half-empty.

Versum was designed to remove all of these inefficiencies.

Its stock-office concept places the office, showroom and warehouse under one roof, making operations faster and smoother. This is not just convenience — it is a genuine business advantage.

The three-in-one solution gives the tenant several everyday advantages:
– less logistics saves both money and nerves;
– it keeps employees together and creates a sense of community (more shared birthday celebrations!);
– a faster workflow: all departments are physically next to each other;
– rooms that adapt according to the company’s needs.

A happy employee is a productive employee, which is why Versum considers human needs at every step.

Large windows allow plenty of natural light into the rooms, boosting employees’ mood and ability to concentrate. Heat-recovery ventilation brings enough fresh air into the spaces. Between the buildings, there are pleasant green areas where you can calm your nerves. And of course, there are EV chargers and a bicycle parking area.

The same features make the tenant-entrepreneur happy as well. Smart ventilation, natural light and controlled heating keep total costs low. A comfortable environment makes employees more productive (and less grumpy on Mondays). There is parking in the yard, and clients can drive directly to the warehouse.

Versum has also been recognised with the international BREEAM “Good” certification. This is not just a green stamp, but an official confirmation that the building’s energy systems, indoor climate and environmental impact meet high standards.

Estmak Capital’s vision: sustainability that creates real value

For us, sustainability is not charity with a fancy name.

It is a future-proof strategy that turns developments into long-term, low-operating-cost, and secure business ecosystems that clearly benefit all parties.

The added value of the solar park — and other similar solutions — is significant:
– lower operating and maintenance costs over the years,
– a modern working environment that helps to find and keep talent,
– a better reputation, especially in the eyes of more aware younger consumers,
– an advantage in tenders where ESG is not just a requirement, but a deciding factor.

A new benchmark in Riga’s business landscape

Versum is not just a “green” centre with solar panels on the roof. It is truly the first business park in Riga that can fully power itself on sunny summer days. Here, the sun is not just one of the workers — it is the central part of the system.

By setting a new standard for local commercial real estate, Versum makes the entire Riga area more attractive. But it is also an important milestone in Estmak Capital’s long-term vision. We aim to develop projects where smart engineering and renewable energy work together, helping elevate the Baltics on the European real estate map.

There is no doubt that the business centres of the future will be even smarter and greener. At Estmak Capital, we are ready for that.

Stay up to date with our current and upcoming sustainable projects on our website.