More than “green” offices in the Europaboulevard development

The seven-storey office building is another milestone in the construction of the new Europaboulevard in the heart of Frankfurt. Above-average energy efficiency is achieved through a variety of energy-saving measures, including heat recovery from exhaust air, individual room temperature control and a sophisticated daylight system that renders artificial light redundant, even on overcast days. Efficient, flexible use of the available space and rooms, which can be adapted to changing requirements, also contributes to a superior user experience. NORD 1 has received DGNB “Silver” certification.

Measures to reduce CO₂ emissions

• Very good natural lighting
• Heating with individual room control
• Good local transport links
• Within walking distance of the main railway station
• Heat recovery
• Use of free cooling
  
  

Daylight: Architecture saves energy
The offices are flooded with natural light, even on overcast days, while the architectural design and solar shading prevent heat build-up. Motion sensors in the interior areas of the building ensure that lights are only switched on in rooms that are being used, e.g. in the toilets and kitchens.

Heat recovery
The ventilation system passes exhaust air through a heat exchanger to warm the incoming air, resulting in a considerable reduction in heat energy requirements. The use of heating/cooling ceilings, combined with the ability to open windows individually when needed to provide natural ventilation, are standard features one would expect in any sustainable building.

Cooling using outside air
Free cooling is used in the large server room. As long as the outside temperature is at least one degree below the required input temperature of the air conditioning system, the room is cooled exclusively by outside air. The air conditioning system only takes over when it becomes too warm outside to cool the water by natural means. Thus if the cooling temperature is 16°C and the outside temperature is lower than 15°C, no energy is required for air conditioning.

Building automation systems
The temperature can be controlled for each room individually. The various technical systems are connected and coordinated via the EIB system to enable the best possible use of energy at all times. The necessary warm water is also produced close to the areas where it is used, to prevent energy losses.

Use of grey water
Most of the building’s toilets use grey water that has been previously collected. Proximity sensors control the urinals so that only the amount of water actually required is used. Although the volume of water per flush is low, this technology results in a considerable overall saving of fresh water every year.

Public transport and accessibility
NORD 1 is located in the middle of the city and served directly by local transport. It is within walking distance of one of the largest railway stations in Europe, which in turn is linked to one of the world’s biggest airports by a regular shuttle service. This allows users to reach the building quickly, conveniently and energy-efficiently.

The building also features barrier-free design. In doing so, NORD 1 is anticipating the trend towards a rising number of older workers in the future. All employees are able to use the building without any problems.