Figure 1: © SuReal: Outline advice on how to maximise the various BREEAM requirements for thermal comfort and daylight while minimising operating costs and emissions.

Banimmo wants to expand the new office complex within The Loop in Ghent in a sustainable manner. The concept consists of a common underground parking and 5 office buildings. 

 There is a strong focus on sustainability in the development of the business park. In this respect, a BREEAM Excellent is being prioritised. The sustainable character is expressed at both the area and building level by focusing on greenery around the site, geothermal drilling, space for social interaction, solar panels, etc. 

 The project also places great emphasis on the adaptability and flexibility of the building, as well as on the environmental impact of the materials used. An LCA (life cycle analysis) of different structures was carried out, but the impact of different finishing materials was also examined. 

 By focusing on sustainability from the very first sketch, the architecture can be designed to optimise thermal comfort, daylight comfort, visual comfort and acoustic comfort without compromising on architectural quality. For example, various façade solutions are calculated for both comfort and energy demand. 

Finally, much attention is paid to the outdoor space, the ecological landscaping and water management of the site. By means of a sunlight study, the exterior spaces are designed and given specific functions. An ecology study will then make it possible to determine the appropriate landscaping, coupled with water features that provide the necessary buffering to enhance the ecological value of the whole. 

 This approach is reflected in a BREEAM Excellent score for the entire site, where SuReal takes care of the entire certification process as well as the sustainability supervision and elaboration.