ABN AMRO’s new home base: green and socially impactful

In order to meet the objectives set out in the Paris climate accord, every office building should consume no more than 50 kWh per square metre per year by 2050. Once the Foppingadreef redevelopment project is complete, the building will consume only about 25 kWh per square metre. This makes it twice as sustainable as the international agreement requires – twenty-five years ahead of the Paris deadline and five years ahead of the bank’s own target.

Unique

The sustainability initiative will see 70,000 square metres of the building reused, with many of the materials generated during demolition being repurposed. But that’s not all – wood, not concrete, is being used for the main load-bearing structure supporting some 30,000 square metres of new office flooring.

“On this scale, it’s truly unique,” says Boudewijn van Putten, real estate development manager at ABN AMRO. “Just by making basic choices like these, you instantly make a difference in terms of circularity. We’re also pleased the building isn’t being demolished first. Thanks to its architectural design – the building is low and wide – there’s a lot we can do to make the premises much more sustainable within the current structure.”

The right to copy

Construction is scheduled to start in 2022. The building will be equipped with daylight-controlled LED lighting and smart air conditioning using intelligent occupancy-sensor technology. These measures alone will greatly reduce energy consumption. And the energy that is consumed will be generated by 10,000 square metres of solar panels fitted to the building’s roofs and facades.

The right to copy applies to all the measures applied in the project, meaning that other parties are free to adopt them. It’s hoped this will result in a leverage effect for the environment. “Sustainability is a challenge we all have to face,” says Jordi Scholten of the Lead by Example department, which helps make the bank’s operations more sustainable. “You make so much more of an impact if you give others a behind-the-scenes look and inspire them. We’ve had positive experiences in this respect with other buildings and at Circl, ABN AMRO’s circular pavilion.”

Social inequality

Located in Amsterdam’s Zuidoost district where social inequality is rife, the renovation project is expected to have a positive effect not only on the environment, but also on the local community. ABN AMRO has joined forces with the municipality of Amsterdam to make a contribution to society, and will sign a covenant to that effect.

Jordi says, “We’ll soon be making space available to budget coaches, schools and community-based organisations. Plus we’ll be offering classes in financial autonomy. By supporting the Dutch Debt Assistance Route, we’re helping to fight poverty in the district as well. We’re also offering internships to neighbourhood residents and promoting local employment – 80 per cent of all our Facilities staff will be recruited from the Zuidoost district. Finally, we plan to buy as much as possible from local entrepreneurs.”

A social role

Jordi explains that the part of the building dedicated specifically to the community at large has been dubbed Socialpoint. “Banks have a pivotal role to play in society,” he says, “whether they’re creating equal opportunities or helping vulnerable groups become more financially resilient. At the end of the day, banking is about people. The bank has an office building in a district of Amsterdam that is home to some very disadvantaged neighbourhoods. That’s why it’s fantastic that the purpose assigned to Socialpoint is specifically social in nature.”

In the run-up to construction, employees and stakeholders are encouraged to share ideas. The bank has also asked GroenplatVorm Zuidoost, an association dedicated to making the district greener for residents, to contribute. Boudewijn sums up, “The renovation will give the building a new lease of life for the next few decades. We feel our plans will have been a success if all our employees feel at home there. We want it to be a great place to collaborate – both with one another and with the local community. It’s going to be a redevelopment we can be proud of. Taking on this social role will enable us to truly be a part of Amsterdam-Zuidoost.”