Sustainability Report

The project Sidera significantly reduces embodied carbon through the extensive use of highly recyclable materials (glass, aluminum, steel), the incorporation of XLAM timber (a carbon sink), and the selection of locally sourced oak. These choices are linked to circular economy principles and a focus on low-impact materials:

• Highly Recyclable and Low-Impact Materials: The building was constructed using materials specifically chosen for their high recyclability and low impact, including:

  • Glass: Infinitely recyclable with no quality loss.

  • Aluminum: High recycling rate and energy efficiency during reprocessing.

  • Steel: Durable and easily recoverable thanks to established recycling technologies.

  • Concrete: With aggregates that can be reused in new constructions.

• Cross-Laminated Timber (XLAM): Part of the roof structure was built using XLAM, a renewable structural material that acts as a carbon sink, storing CO₂ during its life cycle.

• Locally Sourced Materials: Interior flooring is largely made of solid Italian oak, selected to reduce transportation emissions and support regional supply chains.

• Circular Economy Principles: These material choices reflect a design approach rooted in circular economy principles and bioclimatic construction, prioritizing natural, renewable, and easily disassemblable materials.

The building meets Energy Class A4 (the highest EU standard), is fully electric, a photovoltaic system offering "nearly complete daytime energy coverage." While it still relies on 600,000 kWh from the grid, its significant on-site energy generation and the sequestration of 52,000 kg of CO₂ annually by plants (totaling 871,000 kg over its life cycle) indicate its operational emissions are effectively offset, achieving "Carbon Neutral" status in practice. The project employs comprehensive strategies to achieve very low operational emissions:

• Energy Class A4: The building achieved energy class A4, the highest according to EU standards, signifying exceptional energy performance.

• Fully Electric: The building is fully electric, with no connection to gas networks, eliminating direct fossil fuel combustion on site.

• Photovoltaic System: Powered by a photovoltaic system installed on the roofs of nearby warehouses, simultaneously built warehouses, providing nearly complete daytime energy coverage.

• Building Management System (BMS): Centrally controls heating, lighting, ventilation, and security systems, improving energy efficiency, comfort, and reducing operational costs.

• Neuro-Architectural Principles: Guided the design to optimize working spaces, calibrating and controlling light, air, sound, and visuals through architectural components.

• Natural Light Regulation: The glass skin regulates natural light, and fixtures follow circadian rhythms.

• Ventilation: Ensures clean air.

• Green Views: Accessible from all spaces, promoting psychological well-being.

• Sound Insulation: Contributes to a positive indoor environment and employee productivity.

The project's strategies related to service and maintenance emissions include:

• Durable Materials: Selection of glass, aluminum, steel, and concrete for their durability, implying longer lifespans and reduced need for frequent replacement or intensive maintenance. Solid Italian oak flooring also emphasizes long-term durability and can be refinished.

• BMS for Optimization: A centralized BMS system controls building systems that optimize performance and reduce wear and tear, leading to less frequent maintenance.

• Reduced Contextual Impact: The planting of 300 trees and 22,000 plants around the building aims to neutralize the context, causing a reduction in external environmental factors (like dust or pollutants) that necessitate more frequent facade cleaning or air filter maintenance.