Incorporating sustainable practices into the construction and engineering sector has become a global priority, with the aim of reducing the ecological footprint of buildings. Deerns has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by achieving BREEAM certification. This certification demonstrates Deerns’ commitment to integrating innovative and environmentally-friendly solutions into its projects, thereby shaping the future of sustainable development.
Deerns and the Hekla Tower
The Tour Hekla, a 48-storey office building in the heart of the La Défense business district in Paris managed by Amundi Immobilier, has recently been awarded a number of prestigious certifications: BREEAM Excellent, HQE Exceptional, LEED Platinum and Well Building Standard Silver, as well as the effinergie+ and WiredScore® Platinum labels. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the tower is an impressive amalgam of triangular shapes and is surrounded by a vast 1.3 hectare park with a tree-lined promenade reminiscent of New York’s High Line.
Deerns played a key role in the creation of the Hekla Tower. Thanks to its expertise, the building’s façade is made up of 14 km of brise-soleil, contributing to thermal regulation and considerably reducing the need for air conditioning. This innovative approach guarantees the comfort of the 5,800 occupants, while achieving an impressive 48% reduction in energy consumption compared with regulatory requirements.
At a height of 220 metres, the Hekla Tower sets new standards for contemporary office space and sustainable development, with Deerns at the forefront of its eco-conscious design. Deerns’ substantial involvement underlines the firm’s commitment to making the Hekla Tower a beacon of sustainable excellence and innovation at La Défense.
BREEAM certification: a sustainability standard
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an internationally recognised benchmark certification that assesses the environmental impact of buildings. Created in 1990 by the BRE (Building Research Establishment), this method provides a framework for analysing and improving the environmental performance of buildings. It covers various aspects such as energy efficiency, water use, health and well-being, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management of the construction process. Achieving BREEAM certification is a mark of excellence in sustainability, encouraging industry players to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices.
Deerns’ commitment to sustainability and BREEAM
Deerns takes a forward-thinking approach to engineering, placing sustainability at the heart of its business. BREEAM certification is central to this approach, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to promoting environmentally friendly construction. By incorporating BREEAM criteria from the earliest stages of design, Deerns ensures that its projects achieve the highest standards of environmental performance. This involves working closely with clients, architects and builders to develop innovative solutions that meet the requirements of the certification while responding to the specific needs of each project. Deerns’ achievement of BREEAM certification reflects its leadership role in the movement towards a more sustainable construction industry.
Conclusion
Achieving BREEAM certification underlines Deerns’ focus on sustainability and innovation. By committing to designing buildings that not only meet today’s needs, but also anticipate future environmental challenges, Deerns is demonstrating its leadership and commitment to a more sustainable future. This certification is another step towards Deerns’ goal of transforming the construction industry into a model of sustainability and environmental excellence.
