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SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES
The ambitions for the new office building's sustainability aspects were very high. On an annual basis, the building functions as an EnergyPLUS office and has a sustainable design. In this document, 'energy usage' or 'energy consumption' refers to both building-related (heating, ventilation, etc.) and non-building-related (lighting, PCs, etc.) energy usage. All sustainable energy production was achieved within the project's plan limits. The adjoining production halls were not taken into consideration here.

STRUCTURE
The first structural measures that were taken in order to achieve these ambitions include high thermal insulation values in combination with an airtight construction.

DAYLIGHTING
The design includes large and high window openings, which allow daylight to reach deep into the building. Three skylights in the roof provide sufficient daylight at the centre of the building. This results in a lower energy demand.

ENERGY
The energy production is completely sustainable. No fossils fuels are used and all energy is generated on site via geothermal and solar energy. The heat and ventilation systems are demand driven. This means that no more energy is used than is needed.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
In designing the office building, a lot of attention was paid to applying sustainable materials. This applies to the main bearing construction and wall materials, but also to the finishing materials used in the building's interior. The choice to use sustainable materials played an important part in receiving the BREEAM ‘outstanding’ score.

Additionally - to the extent that this was possible - the use of construction materials is based on the 'Cradle to Cradle' principle. This implies that they consist of raw materials that are not harmful to the environment, and are recyclable at the end of their life.

The solid wooden bearing construction proved to be the decisive factor in terms of sustainability performance. Wood stores CO2 and also retains it once it has been converted into NUR-HOLZ panels. The production is an energy-low process. The wood was cut in the Black Forest in Germany and did not need to be transported over a long distance.

NUR-HOLZ is 100% recyclable, both in the biological and technological cycle. By using NUR-HOLZ it is possible to achieve a truly sustainable construction. The systems scores high values in terms of energy savings, CO2 reduction, raw material usage, recyclability, lifespan and health.
Wood stores heat slowly and gradually emits it again; this results in an even indoor temperature. Because of its natural look, people tend to feel more comfortable when wood is used in the construction. Wood breathes and creates a natural moisture balance in the building.

To limit any potential damage to ecosystems as a result of the new development, an ecological survey was conducted on and around the construction location. The aim is to minimise the negative impact of the construction activities, and to compensate them where necessary. To this end, a various ecological measures were taken. These include bat boxes, bird nest boxes and insect hotels that are integrated into the external wall of the building, the construction of a natural pool and selecting various plant varieties.