Sustainability Report

We made the calculation using OneclickLCA software, leveraging EPDs of products used and similar products where necessary. All building materials are included, and we considered the footprint of furniture as if bought new, though most is reused from our Rotterdam and The Hague offices, resulting in a lower actual footprint.

This project is a remarkable blend of renovation, transformation, and new construction. We added new areas and converted the entire top floor from a storage attic to a functional office space. Consequently, the project benchmark lies between new construction and renovation, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Transforming this building into a Paris Proof structure presents significant challenges. The building currently has very high energy consumption and holds the lowest energy label in the Netherlands. Additionally, as a listed building, it is subject to restrictions that limit the extent of modifications, making improvements difficult. 

One of the key adjustments we made is the installation of a large new insulated roof above the two inner gardens. This was necessary to accommodate the full program (atria) within the building and optimize its shape. Consequently, the building is better insulated by reducing the facade area. To further decrease energy consumption, we have insulated the floors and roofs, replaced single glazing with double glazing, and applied vacuum glass in certain parts of the building. 

These combined measures save energy and enable the use of modern heating and cooling technologies, such as heat pumps.

Integrating new installations into the existing building was quite a challenge. The building is over 100 years old, and much has changed since its construction, including installation requirements. For instance, the original building only had heating and lighting installations. Nowadays, ventilation and cooling are also essential for occupants' well-being – in this case our own colleagues. The additional installations required space, and finding room for technical infrastructure and equipment was a significant challenge.

Another important step we took was disconnecting the building from fossil fuels. The gas boilers have been replaced with heat and cold storage in the ground, combined with heat pumps, allowing the building to be disconnected from the gas network. This change saves a considerable amount of energy. We have also opted for a modern, low-temperature cooling and heating system. A new system will be installed to provide cooling through climate ceilings, which can also offer additional heating. These ceilings will integrate technical installations, such as fire detection and sprinkler systems.

Lastly, we generate extra electricity by adding PV panels. Due to the building's status as a listed building, there are limited options for positioning these panels. Therefore, they are primarily placed on the new roof, making it a crucial element in energy saving and generation. The electricity produced can be used directly for the building or for charging electric cars. 

It is crucial that we monitor the energy consumption during use. Numerous energy meters have been installed throughout the building to track sub-items such as heating, cooling, and lighting. Additionally, equipment is monitored separately. This enables us to intervene effectively by closely observing and analyzing the energy performance of installations, ensuring they operate optimally to meet our Paris Proof objectives.

By adding the canopy, approximately 30% of facades are transformed into interior-facing walls, significantly reducing maintenance requirements for these areas.

Given the building's status as a listed building, we have limited our interventions where possible. However, we have focused on extending the lifespan of existing elements, such as using modern, long-lasting paints and installing climate ceilings, which require less maintenance than fan coil units.

The fixed furniture is designed with Viroc, a more durable material than other building boards, ensuring longevity and reducing the need for replacements if damaged.