Sustainability Report

UN City in Copenhagen, designed by 3XN, has several key features contribute to its energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact:

• Intelligent Facade: The building's facade is constructed with three-meter-long modules incorporating perforated shutters. These shutters are designed to provide effective solar shading, minimizing heat gain and reducing the need for cooling, all while preserving outward views. Employees have computerized control over these shades, allowing for personalized comfort and energy management.
• Reflective Roof: The entire roof surface is coated with a white, recyclable membrane derived from plant-based materials. This reflective surface plays a crucial role in reducing solar warming of the building, thereby lowering the cooling load and energy consumption.
• Energy Efficiency: Through the implementation of various innovative and sustainable initiatives, UN City achieves remarkable energy efficiency, consuming 55 percent less energy compared to similarly sized office buildings. Its annual energy consumption is notably low, at less than 50 kWh per square meter.
• Healthy Work Environment: Beyond energy-saving measures, UN City prioritizes the well-being of its occupants through a comprehensive health policy that includes green recreational areas and the integration of numerous sustainable design elements.

UN City demonstrates a strong commitment to minimizing operational carbon emissions through several key strategies:

• Renewable Energy Generation: The 1,400 square meters of solar panels on the roof generate electricity on-site, directly offsetting the building's reliance on grid-supplied power and its associated carbon footprint.
• Seawater Cooling: Utilizing cold seawater for cooling minimizes the electricity demand for air conditioning, a significant energy consumer in typical office buildings, thus reducing operational emissions.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Reusing captured rainwater for toilet flushing reduces the energy and resources associated with supplying and treating potable water.
• Water Efficiency: To further optimize water usage, innovative aerators have been installed in the taps in kitchens, toilets, and showers throughout UN City. These low-flow taps significantly reduce the volume of water used during handwashing, dishwashing, and showering, contributing to overall water conservation.

Several design elements contribute to lower service and maintenance emissions:

• Passive Design: Maximizing natural light and potentially incorporating natural ventilation strategies reduces the reliance on energy-intensive artificial lighting and HVAC systems, thus lowering maintenance needs and associated emissions.
• Efficient Systems: The use of seawater cooling and rainwater harvesting, while primarily focused on operational efficiency, can also lead to lower maintenance requirements compared to conventional systems.
• Accessible Design: A well-designed building with integrated systems often allows for easier access for maintenance and repairs, reducing the time and resources needed for upkeep.
• Recyclable Materials: The use of a recyclable roof membrane indicates a consideration for the end-of-life management of building components, reducing future disposal emissions.