Sustainability Report

Sustainability framework and design methodology

• When developing iXcampus, the design team was guided by a strong commitment to sustainability. This commitment was shaped by the client’s ambition to lean towards passive building standards, as well as by SAME Studio’s intrinsic mission as a Société à Mission. SAME’s purpose — “Œuvrer ensemble pour une architecture sensible, vers un héritage durable” (Working together for sensitive architecture, towards a lasting legacy) — underpins every decision. This philosophy is built on three pillars: using bio-based, geo-sourced, or reused materials; integrating elements crafted by local artisans; and reflecting deeply on how spaces are used to ensure long-term relevance and adaptability.
• To address the unique challenges of each project, SAME employs a narrative-driven methodology called the Storyboard. This approach enables the team to explore all constraints and opportunities for sustainable architecture, while preserving the identity of the site and the project’s stakeholders. The storyboard unfolds across five chapters, each representing a different scale and phase of the design process: Ancrer (Anchoring) to understand the project’s context; Conceptualiser (Conceptualising) to identify the core ideas; Façonner (Shaping) to develop design hypotheses; Réaliser (Building) to implement the architectural vision; and Transmettre (Conveying) to ensure a lasting legacy for future generations.
• In addition to this internal framework, the project aligns with formal sustainability benchmarks, including the Living Building Challenge, BBCA Certification, and performance standards equivalent to France’s RE2020 energy regulation.

Embodied carbon overview

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA, ACV in French) was conducted for iXcampus by AIA Environnement. All of the following data relates to the design phases, with final results pending.

• The Design School (Building F) has undergone a Life Cycle Assessment using the E+C- methodology, as well as an evaluation for the BBCA (Low-Carbon Building) label, version 3.1. The embodied carbon assessment focuses on the global warming potential (GWP) of the construction materials and processes over the building’s life cycle.
• Total embodied carbon (Eges PCE) for construction products and equipment is 773 kgCO2/m²SDP (kg of CO2 per square metre of usable floor area). This value is 14 percent below the threshold for the C1 level of the E+C- certification, demonstrating a notable reduction compared to standard benchmarks.
• The overall life cycle emissions (Eges projet), which include construction, energy use, water, and construction site impacts, total 1,298 kgCO2/m²SDP. This represents a 15 percent reduction compared to the C1 threshold of 1,530 kgCO2/m²SDP, indicating a strong performance in reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
• Embodied carbon is distributed across building components, including infrastructure (157 kgCO2/m²SDP), superstructure (108 kgCO2/m²SDP), facades (77 kgCO2/m²SDP), and partitions and interior finishes (102 kgCO2/m²SDP), along with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• The use of low-carbon concrete (227 kgCO2/m³) and timber elements, including CLT floors from Stora Enso and glulam beams from sustainably managed French forests, contributes to reducing embodied carbon. The project also incorporates biogenic carbon storage, with a calculated storage of -28 kgCO2/m²SDP.
• As part of SAME’s internal process, the team estimated the weight of each material used in the building, later confirmed during construction using ID Matériau data sheets provided by the contractors. The assessment categorises materials based on distance-to-weight ratio, origin, lifespan, and end-of-life potential, with findings synthesised by material type and for the building as a whole.
• Two materials stand out in the construction of the Design School. The first is the massive stone used for the facade, sourced from the Noyant quarry in the Aisne region and installed by Granits & Matériaux. The second is the timber frame facade, sourced from Savoie by Charm'Ossature and installed by Bouygues Construction Privée, the project’s general contractor.

Operational emissions overview

• The operational energy performance of the Design School has been evaluated under the E+C- and BBCA frameworks, as well as the French thermal regulation (RT2012).
• Primary energy consumption (Bilan BEPOS) is 83.4 kWhEP/m².an, meeting the E1 level of the E+C- certification. Heating demand is controlled, with a maximum consumption target of 22 kWh/m²SREF.an, aligning with the objective of achieving RT-10 percent (10 percent better than the RT2012 reference building).
• Summer comfort is addressed through the Degree Hours (DH) indicator, which remains below the RE2020 threshold of 750 DH.
• The building envelope and systems contribute to operational performance. External walls (timber frame facade) achieve a U-value of 0.176 W/m².K, with windows at Uw 1.4 W/m².K and a solar factor of 0.33. External solar shading is provided on south, east, and west facades.
• Air permeability is targeted at Q4 ≤ 0.8 m³/h.m². Ventilation and heating systems include adiabatic cooling in air handling units with 80.6 percent heat recovery efficiency and low-specific fan power (SFP ≤ 0.68 W/(m³/h)). Radiant ceilings and destratification fans are used to regulate internal conditions.
• Lighting is provided by LED systems with motion sensors and dimming controls, limiting energy use to 5 W/m² in offices and classrooms.
• Building F is achieving E+C- certification at E1C1 level and BBCA Standard level.

Service / maintenance emissions overview

• The structural design of iXcampus is based on SAME’s principle of ‘l’ancrage agile’ (agile anchoring), which balances stability and flexibility. The building’s envelope and structure are designed for a lifespan of 100 years, while the modular, grid-based facades are designed for a lifespan of 50 years.
• Material lifespan is documented through Fiches de Déclaration Environnementale et Sanitaire (Environmental and Health Product Declarations).
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are included within the life cycle assessment. Ventilation and heating systems incorporate adiabatic cooling and heat recovery, while lighting systems use LED fixtures with motion sensors and dimming controls.
• The use of durable materials, including massive stone and timber construction, supports long-term performance.