Future-proof construction in practice: Fugro's new headquarters

At a time when sustainability is increasingly prominent on the agenda, it is essential for organisations to make construction future-proof. One inspiring example of how this can be put into practice comes from Fugro, a global Geo-data specialist.

Design Fugro headquarters with green surroundings

Project facts

Client
Fugro
Location
Nootdorp, the Netherlands
Date
2022 – 2025
Challenge
Translating the ambitious sustainability goals into practical implementation in the design of Fugro’s new headquarters
Solution
As the sustainability consultants, we have guided the project in achieving the BREEAM Outstanding Design Certificate.

Opposite the already existing Fugro TechCenter in Nootdorp, the new headquarters of Fugro is under construction. The design has achieved the latest version of the BREEAM Outstanding sustainability certificate: a prestigious recognition that has only been awarded seven times in the Netherlands under the most recent guideline. For this certificate, Fugro's BREEAM score was 93.44%, well above the minimum of 85%. The BREEAM efforts for this project also earned the BREEAM People's Choice Award 2024. These achievements highlight Fugro's focus on sustainable property development. The TechCenter opposite was awarded the highest LEED sustainability certification, Platinum, after being commissioned in 2014.

How do you achieve a sustainable and future-proof office? We talk to Michiel Dessens, Project Director of Fugro New Headquarters, and Isolda Strom, Sustainability Advisor at Royal HaskoningDHV, and take a closer look at the path taken and at how Fugro is a model for future-proof construction.

Sustainable corporate culture

Sustainability is the foundation of Fugro's culture, deeply embedded in its mission "together we create a safe and liveable world". This mission, together with objectives such as "we prepare for tomorrow" and "we do what’s right", inspires employees to continuously seek improvements and innovations for a safer and more sustainable future.

When it comes to solving global challenges such as the energy transition, climate adaptation and urbanisation, Geo-data is indispensable. Fugro is committed to sustainability in its own operations by replacing conventional research vessels with autonomous and remote-controlled unmanned vessels, so-called USVs, for example. This greatly reduces travel and operational CO2 emissions, among other things.

Michiel stresses that sustainability is a collective responsibility at Fugro. "Fugro is actively innovating and investing to reduce emissions from its operations to net zero by 2035. We also provide electric lease cars for our staff and promote a lease bicycle program. Sustainability was an obvious priority when building our new headquarters," he says.

Michiel DessensProject Director of Fugro New Headquarters

Isolda StromSustainability Advisor at Royal HaskoningDHV

Certification

Fugro's TechCenter, which achieved LEED Platinum certification in 2016, one and a half year after it was delivered to Fugro, is located directly opposite the new headquarters. "We still refer to this certification regularly so it was obvious that we would set ourselves a challenging sustainability ambition for this project too," Michiel said.

As the LEED Accredited Professional, we – Royal HaskoningDHV – were closely involved in obtaining the LEED Platinum certification for the TechCenter. This cooperation continued when Fugro approached us for advice on the sustainability certification of their new headquarters. We explained and discussed the trade-offs between BREEAM and LEED in detail during a workshop.

"The collaboration with Fugro, which began back in 2010, inspires us because of the like-minded pursuit of sustainability, a vision that Royal HaskoningDHV shares. It is an honour to be part of both the LEED certification of the Fugro TechCenter and the BREEAM certification of the new Fugro headquarters which underlines the strength of our long-term cooperation." - Isolda Strom

The choice of BREEAM for Fugro's new headquarters was motivated by the Dutch construction industry's familiarity with BREEAM and its dominance in the Dutch real estate market.

Copyright: Courtesy of Fugro

Sustainability of the new headquarters

As sustainability consultants, we worked closely together throughout the process in order to integrate sustainability into the design, right down to the smallest details. A notable aspect of Fugro's sustainability initiatives is the integration of innovative solutions into the design and construction of their new office. For example, an advanced water management system for collecting, reusing or infiltrating rainwater was designed by Fugro's own specialists. This helps relieve the burden on the sewerage system and maintain the groundwater level.

Fugro deaquarters — Copyright: Courtesy of Fugro

The energy-neutral building is connected to a TES system (Thermal Energy Storage) with heat pumps and equipped with solarpanels on facades and roofs so that the whole energy requirement is generated on site.

Another striking feature of Fugro's new office is its focus on greenery and biodiversity. Extensive gardens and green spaces, both inside the building and outside, create a connection between the working environment and nature. The presence of water features and landscape elements increases the site’s biodiversity and connects to ecological networks. By also integrating nature into the building by means of a green carpet in the atrium and natural elements on each floor, users are provided with a pleasant and diverse working environment.

The smart choice of materials and building systems ensures that the building's material footprint is reduced to less than 50% of the MPG reference value required by law which measures the environmental impact of materials. The building is designed to be demountable (LI index 58%) and will be delivered with a digital material passport and disassembly manual.

A new vision for workspace

The transition to Fugro's new headquarters is more than a physical move: it is a leap forward to a dynamic and sustainable way of working. The changes in the way space is used reflect a modern vision of work, with a focus on flexibility and collaboration.

Instead of traditional fixed offices, Fugro has embraced the concept of shared workplaces. This not only encourages a more efficient and sustainable way of using space, it also promotes the exchange of ideas and knowledge. The approach encourages employees to actively participate in the vibrant corporate culture.

The new headquarters has been designed as a place for creativity and interaction. With amenities such as sports facilities, different meeting places, a cosy coffee corner and lush roof gardens, it will be a place where employees come not only to work but also to grow, learn and relax.

The building will also be set up as an experience centre which is Fugro’s response to creating a connection between employees, customers, suppliers and the organisation's identity and operations.

Lessons for the future

Fugro's success story offers valuable lessons for organisations striving for future-proofing. Through a combination of innovation, dedication and a strong corporate culture, Fugro has shown how sustainability can be not only a prerequisite but also an engine for growth and success. By investing in sustainable solutions and integrating sustainability into all aspects of the organisation, companies can build a better future for themselves and society as a whole.

Want to read more about how we are building smart and future-proof for the needs of tomorrow or to find out how you can incorporate sustainability within your property? Then contact us.