Opening HQ of TNT: most sustainable office building in Europe
By: Cees van der Spek
Today TNT Express inaugurates its corporate head office in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, in the presence of Dutch Finance State Secretary Frans Weekers.
Developed by a consortium formed of Triodos Bank and OVG Real Estate, the building confirms TNT Express’ ambition to strengthen its European leadership from the Netherlands, a traditional haven for logistics firms. Designed by architects Paul de Ruiter and Odette Ex, the building sets a standard for environmental design, construction and operation. It is the first office building in the Netherlands to comply with upcoming EU regulations on energy neutral buildings. It is also one of the few energy positive buildings in the country, meaning it produces more renewable energy than it uses.
Energy positive
The head office building of TNT Express, just 15 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, was designed with the most sustainable technologies in light, ventilation, and recycled materials to minimize energy consumption. The surplus heat in the summer and the surplus cold in the winter are stored in water-bearing layers in the ground and are being reused in the opposite seasons. The minimum of energy that is needed, is produced on site by a combined heat and power plant, running on second generation bio fuels (BioCHP). The extra heat produced by BioCHP on site, is used to supply surrounding buildings, turning the TNT Express Head Office into an energy positive building. The building is certified ‘Platinum’, the highest environmental rating under the LEED New Construction designation (v2.2.).
TNT Express in the Netherlands
“The opening marks another step in the evolution of TNT Express, a Dutch-based and Dutch-listed international express transportation company. It is the culmination of several years of work to improve the sustainability of our activities. Close to our European transport hubs and to some of our major customers, this building provides a central, practical environment for all our employees to work in. The new building is the axis from where we can connect Europe", says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of TNT Express.
Groundbreaking cooperation
Integral design of all functionalities was essential to create this unique building. To achieve this, OVG Real Estate (Dutch leading green developer) and Triodos Bank (awarded most sustainable bank in the world, Financial Times 2009) attracted front runners in sustainability. The developers used special contracts such as ‘Design Build Finance and Maintenance’ contracts. This created the possibility to find new ways to balance people, planet and profit. The design utilizes light and connectivity as leading design strategies. A transparent glass atrium and façade design permits maximum sunlight saving and views to the outdoors, while blocking unwanted heat.
“We are proud that we accepted the challenge by our client TNT Express to deliver the most sustainable office in Europe”, says Coen van Oostrom, CEO of OVG Real Estate.
Peter Blom, CEO of Triodos Bank states: “We believe this building is a true blueprint that can inspire others”.
Download the book TNT Centre: blueprint for a sustainable building.
