WALTER’s Innovation Arc Receives LEED Platinum Certification
The Innovation Arch in the Augsburg Innovation Park has been awarded LEED platinum. This means that the office building developed by WALTER Beteiligungen und Immobilien AG (WALTER) has achieved the highest level of the internationally recognised certification system for sustainable buildings. With the evaluation result achieved, the innovation sheet is the best-rated LEED-certified building in Bavaria and one of the five best-rated buildings in Germany.
“From the very beginning, we wanted to set new standards with the Innovation Arch – architecturally, technically and especially in terms of sustainability. The LEED Platinum award confirms that we have succeeded in consistently translating this claim into the building,” says Jürgen Kolper, CEO of WALTER. “We are particularly pleased that the result of the Innovation Arch is not only at the top in Bavaria, but also belongs to the top group in a nationwide comparison.”
Holistic assessment of building quality
LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”. The certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council takes a holistic view of buildings. Among other things, the evaluation takes into account energy and water consumption, the materials used, the quality of the interior, the mobility concept and the sustainable development of the site. Platinum is the highest level of certification achievable.
“A certificate is not an end in itself for us,” explains Kolper. “Its value lies in the fact that an independent system checks the quality of the building on the basis of clear criteria. The award thus confirms not only individual technical measures, but also the interplay of architecture, building technology, materials and use.”
Resource-saving energy and building concept
A central component of the sustainability concept is the heating and cooling supply. The temperature of the office and meeting rooms is provided by a ventilation system that supplies pre-tempered fresh air. Heating and cooling sails create additional thermal comfort. The building uses the natural energy of groundwater for cooling; the heat supply is provided by district heating. Photovoltaic modules on the green roof contribute to the supply of the building technology.
The completely green roof supports rainwater retention, has a positive effect on the microclimate and creates habitat for plants and insects. At the same time, the surrounding landscape is continued in terms of design via the arch-shaped building.
Façade that is unique in the world
The façade also makes a significant contribution to the sustainability balance. For the first time in the world, a façade solution made of 100 percent recycled end-of-life aluminium was used in the innovation sheet. A total of around 85 tons of the material were used. Compared to conventional European aluminum, this saves around 527 tons of CO₂, according to the manufacturer’s calculations.
The façade thus combines the high architectural standards of the building designed by Hadi Teherani Architects with a consistent circular concept. The Innovation Arch was designed as a landmark at the southern entrance to the Augsburg Innovation Park and covers around 15,000 square meters of gross floor area on six floors.
Quality of work and sustainable mobility
In addition to energy and materials, the building concept also takes into account the quality of the working environment. The office space can be flexibly designed as individual offices, team areas or open work landscapes. Openable windows, sun and glare protection, terraces on each floor and communicative outdoor areas complement the technical equipment.
The mobility concept includes 222 car parking spaces in the underground car park, including 70 e-charging stations. In addition, there are 223 bicycle parking spaces with private access as well as showers and changing rooms. Redundant fiber-optic connections from different providers create the basis for a high-performance digital infrastructure.
“Sustainable office buildings must combine ecological quality with the needs of their users,” emphasizes Kolper. “The Innovation Arch is not only intended to offer companies a representative location, but also to create good conditions for concentrated work, cooperation and a high quality of stay in the long term.”
The innovation sheet continues to offer flexibly plannable office space for rent. Interested companies can get an impression of different workplace and usage concepts in the model office.
Further information on the Innovation Sheet and the available office space can be found at www.innovationsbogen.de
