Sustainability Report

Benchmarks and certifications

• One Helix achieved a BREEAM score of 92.49 percent, exceeding the threshold for BREEAM Outstanding. This represents a first for a fully fitted commercial laboratory building in Europe.
• The project also achieved an MPG (Milieuprestatie Gebouwen) score of less than 0.60. In the Netherlands, MPG assesses the life-cycle environmental impact of the materials and building systems used — a lower score indicates a lower environmental impact.

Embodied carbon overview

• Reducing embodied carbon to less than half that typically associated with a building of this type in the Netherlands was a major objective. 
• The decision to use a low-carbon hybrid structure of steel and concrete rather than a fully timber solution was informed by a comparison of performance, flexibility, and long-term suitability for the building’s programme. The hybrid approach enables larger floor spans and wider column spacing, supporting more adaptable layouts and future changes of use. Reduced floor thicknesses and beam depths also provide greater clear heights and increased flexibility for MEP integration.
• The hybrid structure also performed significantly better in relation to vibration control, a key requirement for the laboratory spaces.
• Within this strategy, XCarb® recycled and renewably produced low-carbon steel was specified for beams, columns, and reinforcement. New Horizon Urban Mining Concrete was used for the in-situ core walls and basement, with a C30/37 CEM III mix containing more than 30 percent recycled aggregates. Low-cement VBI hollow-core slabs without a cement-based pressure layer were specified for the prefabricated floor elements.
• The facade uses Saint-Gobain ORAÉ glass, processed and supplied by Vandaglas as TriplePerform LCG XTR70/33 ORAÉ insulating glass. The low-carbon triple-glazing system contains 65 percent recycled content, has a 40 percent lower CO2 footprint, and is produced using renewable electricity.
• The interior fit-out prioritises recycled and bio-based materials with low VOC emissions, including bio-based vinyl flooring and acoustic wall panels containing recycled content. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were obtained for building materials to provide data on resource use, carbon emissions, and waste generation.

• For the core and shell, One Helix achieved net-zero / energy-negative performance of −15.29 kWh/m²/year under BENG/NZEB calculations.
• The project-specific i-Mesh sun-shading screens are a central element of the facade. Developed with i-Mesh, the screens use a bespoke mineral fibre weave pattern rather than a standard off-the-shelf design. From the concept stage onwards, simulations assessed the performance of the static sun screens in reducing solar heat gain and glare to the office and laboratory floors while maintaining good daylight access and outward views.
• The selected fabric has a visual and air permeability of 33 percent, calibrated to balance reductions in solar heat load and cooling demand with the management of wind loads and forces. The mesh is finished with a dirt-repellent biopolymer/Teflon coating and was extensively tested for wear and ageing, as well as tearing, fluttering, and abrasion.
• TriplePerform LCG XTR70/33 ORAÉ insulating glass provides triple glazing contributing to the building’s thermal performance under BENG-2 requirements.
• A phase-shift climate ceiling provides energy-efficient radiant heating and cooling. Thermal energy storage in the ground supports heating and cooling, while highly efficient air-treatment systems incorporate heat exchangers and underground energy storage.
• Renewable energy generation is integrated through several photovoltaic applications. Solarix Black Suède black semi-matt glass PV panels are incorporated into the horizontal floor fins, while Solarix-M-636 light-grey semi-matt glass PV panels are used on the vertical facades. Standard high-output PV panels are installed on the roof alongside a blue-green roof providing water retention and vegetation.
• Deep terraces provide additional passive solar protection while contributing to occupant well-being.
• The green roof helps reduce urban heat and supports biodiversity.