Saveit4aSong was lucky enough to be invited to Gland in Switzerland (30km from Geneva) for the opening of IUCN’s new headquarters on the 4th June 2010. The building adds a further 2000m2 (stationing up to 140 workspaces) to the original building.

What makes it special is the way its been built. Using local and recycled materials, (with 40% of the concrete being recycled and 75% FSC wood), plus highly efficient energy and water systems, this building is one of the most eco friendly offices in Europe. So strict, in fact, were the requirements set by the IUCN and their collaborators, that they aim to be the first office building in Europe to obtain LEED Platinum certification (The highest US standard) as well as the Swiss MINERGIE-ECO-P® standards for green construction and design and low energy consumption.

For us then, it was a great honor to be invited to the opening. There were in the end only a couple of hundred guests from around the world, including some of the most important scientists, government officials, environmentalists and IUCN supporters. As usual we were overwhelmed by the hospitality and generous welcome the IUCN gave us. For an organization of such stature there is no air of self-importance, simply a focus to work towards a common goal, and to help those with that goal.

They held their opening in the main reception hall, which links the two buildings. Standing under a beaming sun, which warmed the inside of this beautiful building, we heard speeches from IUCN director general Julia Marton-Lefèvre, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey, and Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard.

They spoke about the achievements made and what the building meant, not only to the IUCN, but also the surrounding area and architecture as a whole. As Julia Marton-Lefevre said, they are not only talking the talk, but walking it.

After the speeches guests were treated to a relaxed buffet and drinks reception held on the new outdoor 1,900m2 atrium.

The below video gives you a glimpse of the event.

Building the Eco-friendly office

In order to meet the buildings requirements, a world-class team of architects, (in this case agps.architecture) mechanical and structural engineers were assembled. Managed by Switzerland's leading Total Services Contractor, Karl Steiner, and with substantial financial and in-kind donations including CO2-reduced cement; standard, recycled, and insulating concrete; and associated technical services from Holcim Ltd and Holcim Switzerland, their objective was to minimize material and technology usage while maximizing the quality of the working environment and the building’s energy performance.

The buildings components are designed to serve multiple purposes, peripheral balconies, for example, acting as shading devices, individual outdoor spaces, and means of emergency egress. This significantly reduces fire protection requirements within the building, allowing all interior spaces to remain as open as necessary and thus promote social interaction where needed. Out of the 4,900m2 construction surface area, 4,100m2 is useable space.

Some of the ecological features include photovoltaic, geothermal cooling and heating, controlled ventilation and storm water management, as well as the use of CO2-reduced concrete, recycled products, and local materials. The goal is that 85% of their energy consumption will come from renewable sources.

Now open the building allows the IUCN to enhance its position as the worlds leading environmental network. It also houses other conservation organizations such as the Ramsar Convention, the MAVA Foundation and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Links

If you wish to read more about the building use the following link.

To read the IUCN's building fact sheet use this link.

To view photos from the day visit the IUCN flicker album