Sustainability

DUO-Tax Authorities Office, Groningen

Sustainable building was an important fundamental principle for the combined new build of the Dutch ‘Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs’ (Institute for the Implementation of Education) and the Tax Authorities Office. The measures are aimed at energy conservation in particular.

The horizontally finned façade concept keeps out sun (and heat) in the summer, saving on energy for cooling. In winter it works exactly the other way around. The sun is low in the sky, allowing the sunlight to enter the building below the fins, thus saving on energy for heating.

Installations have been smartly integrated in the floor structure to make the floors less high and there are fewer floors than the number anticipated in the urban development plan. This means there is less office space to be heated.

Concrete core activation restricts energy consumption. Furthermore, it contributes to a pleasant climate and a healthy building.

Long-term subsoil energy storage provides for the varying demand for heating and cooling in a sustainable manner.

As the positions of elevators, installations, stairwells and the façade concept have been thought through; the office building may even be used for a different function in the future, for instance living accommodation.