At a time when decarbonization is no longer a marketing gimmick, but rather an imperative, the building sector is gradually getting in tune. As a reminder, Luxembourg is required to reduce its CO emissions by 55%2 by 2030 (compared to 2005 values). For the energy transition alone, 945 million euros will have to be invested by the end of the decade to allow the sector to be on track, according to Statec. This budget will not be too much given that the construction industry, which represented 20.1% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, was one of the poor performers at the time when the Grand Duchy adopted its National Plan for energy and climate (PNEC).
If renovation work is therefore expected to increase, new building projects must already follow specifications integrating the latest innovations in thermal insulation, materials, energy expenditure, etc. New office buildings do not are not to be outdone, and compete in ingenuity in order to be as energy-efficient as possible, with the help of labels of all kinds to certify their contribution to the collective effort.
The Emerald building, erected in Munsbach, is a convincing example. At the beginning of June, the structure, exceptional for its characteristics, was inaugurated in the Syrdall business park, to the east of the Findel airport area. In a press release, its occupant, the Advanzia bank, was pleased to invest in “the first zero-carbon office building in Luxembourg and throughout the Benelux”.
“The inauguration of this building (…) marks an important step in Luxembourg’s transition towards an environmentally friendly future,” says Nishant Fafalia, CEO of Advanzia Bank. “This project is the result of exemplary collaboration, demonstrating the ingenuity and commitment of everyone involved. We are proud to contribute to a greener vision of Luxembourg.”
100% renewable electricity
Advanzia is the tenant of the building, owned by the Andando group (via its subsidiary Andando Real Estate), which acquired the land in 2021 and entrusted the Luxembourg office Architecture and Environment with the task of designing and developing a building that minimizes its carbon footprint and for this labeled “Zero Carbon”, based on the criteria of the International Future Living Institute (IFLI). The first global certification in this area, the “Zero Carbon” standard aims to “highlight energy-efficient buildings, designed and operated in such a way as to take full account of their carbon impact”.
While respecting the standards of BREEAM (Excellent level) and DGNB (Gold level) certifications, the 8,757 m2 of the site were equipped with a highly efficient heating, air conditioning and ventilation mechanism, photovoltaic installations, rainwater harvesting systems, solar protection, light control and centralized control. Thus, the electricity consumed is entirely produced from renewable energies.
The building with four levels above ground (as many below ground) is also based on a hybrid wood-concrete structure, which is reminiscent of the choice made for Wooden, the head office of the insurer Baloise inaugurated in 2023 in Leudelange.
In terms of workspaces, the Advanzia Bank HQ (208 employees) is equipped with noise reduction measures, ergonomic furniture and customizable lighting, fashionable parameters such as the visit to the Emerald building (homonym but not related to that of Munsbach) recently inaugurated at the Cloche d’Or showed us. “Integrated natural design elements, such as greenery and materials like wood, promote a sense of tranquility and reduce stress levels,” explains the online bank.
Work on the new building began in 2022 and will be completed this year.
