A sustainable building

Ground Source Heat Pump 

We heat and cool the building using a ground source heat pump. A closed hydraulic system draws heat from the earth using a heat pump in winter and uses the lower ground temperature for cooling in summer.  

Concrete Core Activation 

We also use concrete core activation. This is an advanced type of floor heating, where the entire mass of the concrete structure is used to buffer heat and cold. The tower building has a large volume of concrete, which keeps the building upright, but also partly regulates the interior temperature. Because of the heat and cold capacity of the concrete, the building never really gets cold. The concrete radiates heat or cold and acts as a heating element in winter and a cooling element in summer. 

Insulation means ventilation 

We use a number of separate air handling units. The amount of fresh air brought in is matched to the demand on each floor so we can fine-tune the supply accurately. The ceilings have CO2 meters in order to drive the fine-tuning. The concentration of CO2 is used to determine the flow of fresh air per level. If there are many people on a floor (or in a room), the CO2 detector measures an increase in CO2 and the ventilator will be triggered to supply more fresh air. If there is no one on that floor, for instance at night, the ventilator stops working altogether. This means we can reduce the use of the ventilators and increase comfort.

Smart thermostat 

We use dynamic simulation technology in the Provincial Government Building. An extremely detailed model ‘simulates’ the comfort level and energy use over a complete year. The climate conditions inside the building can be predicted, both for an extremely cold or an extremely warm period in the year. The simulation takes account of the exterior temperature, wind and data about usage levels in the building. Using the simulation, the design parameters can be selected in order to ensure comfortable working conditions for everyone. 

Triangular windows 

The shape of the windows leads to a reduction in energy use. The façade has just 40% glass, in order to prevent heating by the sun. By placing the triangular windows on their point, there is nonetheless a great deal of light available everywhere in the rooms. The high positioning of the windows - up to the ceiling - further contributes to the abundance of light.

LED lighting 

We use extremely low-energy LED lighting to light the rooms in the building. 

Solar Panels 

The roof of the Provincial Government Building features 134 solar panels to produce energy, enough for a total output of 32 kWp.