DNV Technology Center Gdynia

Henrik Bach, DNV Regional Manager, says that the decision to invest in the green technologies that make the building energy efficient was driven by a number of issues. “As an organisation devoted to managing environmental risk, we have to demonstrate our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our own operations,” he says. “In addition to helping us cut costs over the long-term, this building sends a strong message about our institutional commitment to this issue to both existing and potential customers.”

According to project coordinator Magdalena Dzierbicka, the project required a holistic approach to improving energy efficiency and reducing the building’s environmental impact. “There is no one single component of the building that makes it green,” she says. “Rather we looked at a broad range of issues, from temperature control systems to building materials, water saving devices to energy efficient lighting solutions.”

Dzierbicka says that the building itself, which is part of a larger development complex, was not specifically designed to be energy efficient. “When the organisation decided it had outgrown our previous facilities, the decision was taken to buy another property, and install components to make it a green building,” she says. “It was a long process, but we are very satisfied with the results.”

One key component to the building is the automated lighting and air conditioning system, developed by Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management. The system regulates lighting and temperature in different parts of the building using a network of sensors. The system is linked via software to a command centre, which monitors energy usage, and allows adjustments to be made where necessary. The system can be controlled from a remote location but individuals in the building can also adjust temperatures and lighting manually.

DNV also focussed on building materials. To reduce carbon emissions related to transportation of goods over long distances, many elements of the building were acquired locally. For example, the stone on the building’s façade was quarried nearby, and most of the design elements were contracted from local suppliers. Wherever possible, DNV sought to suppliers who demonstrated a commitment to sustainable operations. To save water, DNV equipped the taps in the bathrooms are equipped with motion sensors, which shut off when not in use, and to save on energy, ordered long-lasting energy efficient light bulbs. To help insulate the property, the windows are double-paned thermal windows, which trap heat in the winter, but reflect sun in the summer.

The building’s location, situated near the public rail system and about 20km from the Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport, will allow easy access to the facility and reduce automobile usage. Even the plantings outside the structure were chosen to be compatible with local bird populations.

Bach notes that for all the features of the building, most people react first to the spacious offices, which is home to a DNV approval and technology centre, the broad deck outside the canteen, and the organisation’s 3D Survey Simulator, (see: link). “There is nothing about the building that suggests it is part of the EC GreenBuilding Programme,” he says. “But we are currently considering adding a windmill to help drive the point home – DNV is serious about managing environmental risk.”