Building and renovation
Sustainable construction, sustainable management
The UvA is committed to sustainable construction and sustainable building management. Sustainability is being more firmly anchored in the University’s housing policy and is also one of the cornerstones of its accommodation plan.
All higher education institutions in the Netherlands, the UvA included, have signed the second set of Long-Term Agreements (Meerjarenafspraken, or MJA 2) on energy efficiency with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Towards the end of 2008, the MJA 2 was succeeded by the MJA 3. Under these agreements, the UvA has committed itself to the following targets:
- 30% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 relative to 2005, breaking down to 2% annually;
- 40% CO2 reduction in 2025;
- formulation of a strategic vision (roadmap) for 2030, to outline steps towards a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 relative to 2005.
Construction and energy
Extensive construction work is scheduled for the years ahead. The UvA has planned a total of 220,000 m² (gross floor area) in new building and renovation projects up to the year 2020, approximately half relating to its existing buildings stock. A number of buildings will be sold off. All decisions on new building and renovation projects are guided by the objective of maximum sustainability in construction and use.
The UvA defines sustainable construction as follows: 'Development and management of the built environment with due respect for people and the environment. Energy efficient construction is a key facet of sustainable building. Other considerations include a healthy indoor environment, choice of materials, judicious use of raw materials to prevent depletion and responsible water use. A further key concern alongside environmental impacts is the health and wellbeing of people in, at and around the built environment.’
As such, the UvA takes a long-term view when planning building projects. Optimum efficiency in square metreage contributes to minimising both CO2 emissions and environmental impacts. Renovation or reuse of existing buildings has priority over new construction. Not only is intensive use of existing buildings more sustainable, but the sheer size of old landmark buildings, which makes it relatively easier to adapt them to new uses, tends to make them more sustainable than new buildings.
Decisions regarding construction versus renovation moreover always take account of future use, based on the ‘cradle-to-cradle’ philosophy. Wherever possible, buildings are designed to be adaptable to various uses without the need for drastic renovation. Construction and renovation projects employ sustainable technologies in order to save on energy, materials and costs. This also includes conformance to the criteria laid down in the BREEAM standard rating for green buildings. Sustainability standards also extend to the purchase of materials. Last but not least, building energy management systems are designed to be as user friendly as possible.
Clusters
City centre
The UvA’s city centre premises are mainly large landmark buildings. Renovation is preferable from a sustainability standpoint as this means the life of these buildings is extended. A drawback is the limited freedom for employing diverging architectural measures.
The UvA is installing a geothermal heat pump (GHP) to which at least the University Library will be connected. Depending on the results of a cost-benefit analysis, other UvA buildings in the city centre may also be connected to this GHP. Technical feasibility will also play a part in this decision in view of the space needed for pipes. Premises in the city centre, and particularly the large landmark buildings, require additional measures to achieve the UvA’s sustainability targets. Such measures in any case include intensive and flexible building use combined with energy-saving systems and lighting facilities.
Roeterseiland
The Roeterseiland Complex (REC) is a compact environment intended to accommodate a large number of students and staff. Quality of life in the buildings is a point of particular focus, as are factors such as water, greenery and light. The area is to be characterised by ‘urban agriculture’ in courtyards, living roofs and passages and atriums that also act as thermal buffers. Further research will establish the feasibility of individual features. Students are also being asked to contribute their ideas.
Renovations at REC buildings A, B and C will incorporate sustainability measures with a return on investment of ten years, and will include occupancy sensors, daylight switches, discharge regulators and extra insulation. Additional efforts are focusing on multifunctionality and the need to work around existing structures as much as possible.
Renovations at REC buildings A, B and C will incorporate sustainability measures with a return on investment of ten years, and will include occupancy sensors, daylight switches, discharge regulators and extra insulation. Additional efforts are focusing on multifunctionality and the need to work around existing structures as much as possible.
The existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system is to be renovated and reduced. Once installed, the new GHP will be connected to the CHP to channel residual heat from the CHP to the GHP source.
Members of the student council have completed a project to make one of the computer rooms fully CO2 neutral. Installation of energy efficient lighting and a green IT strategy have achieved substantial energy savings, whilst solar panels and small wind turbines simultaneously generate energy.
Science Park Amsterdam
The development of Science Park Amsterdam is in full swing. UvA projects (new buildings and renovation of existing buildings for the Faculty of Science and new buildings for the University Sports Centre) are currently in the execution phase and so far are meeting all targets. Structural features include living roofs, concrete core activation, occupancy sensors and connection to the GHP. Science Park is also well equipped for sustainable energy use from sources such as wind and solar power and geothermal heat. The UvA is currently preparing a joint sustainability plan in partnership with the City of Amsterdam and the NWO.