A blueprint for sustainable office buildings
About FedEx International Centre
Our office was originally developed for TNT Express, as a blueprint for sustainable (zero-emission) office buildings that also provide an enjoyable working environment for employees. Opened in May 2011, it is one of the greenest offices in Europe.
Sustainable
The building produces more energy than it uses, and any surplus heat is shared with the neighbouring offices. The sustainable central energy generation system features a Long Term Energy Storage system (LTES system), a Biofuel Combined Heat and Power Plant (BIOCHP) and solar panels. Materials used within the building are mostly from natural and recycled sources.
The office is located within walking distance of Hoofddorp train and bus stations, making it easy for both employees and visitors to arrive via public transport.
Photo by Oliver Schuh
Open and transparent design
The open workspace promotes interaction between employees. To further enhance a transparent atmosphere, many meeting rooms have glass walls. The full height atrium allows daylight to reach all work spaces, and employees can open windows to allow natural ventilation. An open central staircase invites employees and visitors to move about the building on foot, instead of taking the elevators, which are intentionally hidden from view.
For more details, please see the expandable boxes below.
Videos
Construction process (1,4 min.)
Artist impression of interior (1,1 min.)
Visits
Please note that it is not possible to request guided tours of the building.
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Sustainable features
Design
- Atrium: inviting central staircase discourages use of elevators
- Daylight throughout the building
- Flexible work floor layout makes building suitable for multi-tenant occupancy
- Indoor climate: a healthy, fresh and light workplace for every employee
- Natural ventilation: employees can open windows
Technology
- 100% energy generated on-site
- Biofuel Combined Heat and Power (Bio CHP) from biological waste
- Building design 60% more energy efficient than ordained in the Bouwbesluit
(Dutch Buildings Decree)
- Electrical charging points for cars and minibuses
- Energy-efficient equipment and lighting
- Energy generating revolving entrance door
- Green roof with solar panels
- Heat recovery from ventilation air
- Innovative sun blinds optimise daylight access to building
- Thermal Energy Storage (TES) with heat pump
- Recyclable materials used in furnishings and supplies
- Reduced use of fossil fuels
- Water-saving sanitary appliances, saving >30% in water consumption -
Interior
Almost all materials used were extracted and produced within 800 km of Hoofddorp.
Photo by Oliver Schuh
Furniture
Made from wood or recycled materials (e.g. PET-bottles) or can be easily dismantled to recycle individual components.Walls
Specially developed system walls, composed of
- OSB Zero Board: FSC-wood, low-emissions (urea formaldehyde-free)
- Flax: acoustic insulation inside the walls
- Wood wool cement: just wood, water and magnesite
- Felt: wall finish made from recycled carpets
OSB board
Flax
Wood wool cement
Felt
Floors
Natural linoleum, or carpets from recycled threads and backing.
Fixed without glue, using TacTiles
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Certification
- Energy Label A+++
- GreenCalc+ label A, 1005 points (one of the highest in the Netherlands)
- LEED Platinum New Construction v2.2 certification
- Zero CO2 emissions
GreenCalc+
is a tool to chart the sustainability of a building or area, assessed on use of materials, water consumption and energy consumption. Buildings scoring above 750 points achieve the highest possible energy label category: A+++.
LEED
('Leadership in Energy efficient and Environmentally friendly Design') is an evaluation and certification system for sustainable construction, set up by the US Green Building Council. LEED has become the primary standard in the US and is used worldwide. In ascending order, a building can score Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
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Project partners
Architect: Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter
Interior architect: Ex Interiors
Developer: OVG Real Estate
Financed by: Triodos Bank
For more detailed information on this project, please contact
Corporate Communication
