Sustainability Report

Sustainability is a key premise of the project, therefore all design decisions were made to achieve exemplary performance standards that exceed LEED v4 Gold certification. The integration of passive and active energy strategies into the architecture is a central component of the project’s identity.

Espace citoyen des Confluents depends primarily on hydroelectricity, an energy source with a low-carbon footprint. Additional strategies that help to minimise energy consumption include:

• A highly insulated building envelope to reduce heating and cooling requirements.
• Optimised sunshades and roofs to reduce excessive sunlight in summer months. 
• The considered positioning of glazing, combined with passive shading techniques, to ensure abundant natural light while effectively blocking direct sunlight in summer months.
• An efficient aerothermal system to provide heating and cooling.
• Radiant flooring in the hall and library to ensure even heat distribution.
• A displacement ventilation system to distribute air at low velocity, enhancing thermal comfort.

Construction techniques include:

• A reduction in thermal bridges.
• An optimised south-facing facade, with roof overhangs and reflective shelves to maximise natural light and reduce energy consumption. 
• The use of vertical elements on the facade to block the sun’s lower angles — this also creates a play of depth and texture.
• The integration of surface water management into the architecture through the use of gutters, emphasising the importance of water flows in the design of the site.
• The use of white roofing and green roofing to reduce heat islands.

Following construction, any post-consumer materials, for instance gypsum, cardboard, plastic, and bricks, were recycled or reused.

Espace citoyen des Confluents is located on a brownfield site which was redeveloped as part of the project. This redevelopment aims to restore nature by creating wetlands, which will encourage biodiversity. The site’s retention basins also manage run-off.