We always strive for energy neutral, or energy-providing buildings. Back in 1994 we honed our skills for Ecotopia, we constantly evolve and ensure that also our buildings can evolve. So they might not now, but certainly in the future be energy neutral and incorporate innovative technologies like those already applied in our fully self-sufficient floating house.
In large scale urban projects with high densities, this is unaffordable, or often physically impossible with the current state of technology. In these cases we immediately look into minimizing the impact on the environment. Think of intelligently switching of function, purchasing green energy, minimize transportation and applying smart grid systems. Our buildings are open to the future. In the future they can absorb new technologies and perform even better (with larger cost reduction).
Performances in this area are developing quickly. For example in terms of EPC: East Watergraafsmeer (2009) had an EPC of 1.0, with the Rabobank administrative center (2011) we achieve 0.66 and the City Hall Vlaardingen (2014) is expected to achieve an EPC of 0.5, which is 50% below the legal requirements.
With the expertise and experience we acquired, time soon will come that buildings will produce energy (within a sustainable network), instead of using energy.
