CMA4005 Environmental And Sustainability Issues Assignment

CMA4005 Environmental And Sustainability Issues

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and Purpose of the Report

The international construction industry stands for environmental degradation because of its large energy consumption, carbon emissions and resource-intensive processes. After a list of negative impacts that the industry has created and a solution to it, sustainable construction has become one solution that provides eco-friendly materials, efficient designs, and innovative building technologies to mitigate the industry’s negative impacts. With climate action goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, governments and organizations try to adopt sustainable construction methods worldwide.

This report aims to study the social, economic and environmental factors covered by sustainable construction using a real-life case study of a low-impact commercial building. The report will research their involvement in the reduction of the environmental footprint of modern office buildings with sustainable materials, energy-efficient construction methods, and smart technologies. It will also consider the role of key stakeholders, policies, and regulations in facilitating sustainability compliance.

1.2 Selection of The Edge as a Case Study

The Edge in Amsterdam, Netherlands has been selected to be a case study, for its record-breaking sustainability achievements. (BRE Group, 2025) The Edge has been designed by PLP Architecture and developed by OVG Real Estate and was cited as one of the most environmentally friendly office buildings in the world. It is a state-of-the-art commercial building built in 2015, with integrated smart energy systems, renewable energy supply, and data-driven building management systems to generate an ultra-efficient working space (BRE Group, 2025). The developments have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating and a 98.36% sustainability score, which is considered the highest ever awarded.

Thus, the case study selection for The Edge.

• From its innovative use of technology, such as IoT-driven intelligent systems for energy management.
• It is also a net positive energy building, meaning that its energy efficiency results from using more energy than it produces.
• It acted as a benchmark in sustainable construction and affects future green building projects.

2. Main Body

2.1 Overview of The Edge Project

Location and Background

The Edge is a landmark commercial office building in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the city’s major financial district, Zuidas. Deloitte Netherlands is its global headquarters, and this building is regarded as one of the most energy-efficient and technologically advanced in the world.

The Edge occupies 40,000 square meters and has open workspaces for employees to collaborate and maintain well-being (BRE Group, 2025). Sustainability efforts have been rewarded with the BREEAM Outstanding rating of 98.36%, the highest ever as well as other accolades (BRE Group, 2025). Renewable energy solutions, smart technology, and eco-friendly materials are installed in the building in order for it to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint. Among its most advertised sustainability features are a solar-powered energy system that produces more energy than the building uses, 28,000 Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that aim to make energy use and air quality as efficient as possible, and rainwater harvesting systems that make water conservation part of the equation as well.

Project Timeline and Key Stakeholders

Construction on the project began in 2013, and the planning and design of the project started in 2012. After finishing in 2015, it was officially opened. The Edge has been continuously monitored and optimized since its completion for use to maximize sustainability performance. The successful realization of The Edge was a realistic achievement through the coordination amongst various key stakeholders (Bakhtiari et al., 2024). The project was led by OVG Real Estate which ensured the compliance of standards of sustainability and feasibility. The structure was designed by PLP Architecture to also maximize natural ventilation and daylight access which cuts the need for artificial lighting and cooling. The main contractor, G&,S Bouw, used modular construction techniques to minimize on-site waste and emissions (BRE Group, 2025).

Sustainability Challenges

With its groundbreaking sustainability features, The Edge ran into many problems during its development and operation. Balancing energy supply and demand was one of the most important challenges (Gawusu et al., 2022). The building produces more electricity than it consumes, however, solar energy fluctuation demands a sophisticated energy storage system be integrated. It stores excess energy to supply the power when the demand is peak. The integration of smart tech in the building was another challenge. Building an IoT-based system was very involved in that we needed to extensively calibrate the sensors to track occupancy levels, lighting levels, and air quality (Chaudhari et al., 2024). Cybersecurity measures had to be implemented to avoid potential data breaches and protect the digital infrastructure.

2.2 Materials, Methods, and Technologies for Sustainability

Sustainable Materials Used

Several eco-friendly materials were used in building the edge to accomplish its ambitious sustainability goals (Almusaed et al., 2023). Using recycled concrete in the building’s foundation and structural elements significantly reduced carbon emissions caused by cement manufacturing. Interior panelling and furniture were made of FSC-certified timber to ensure that all the wood materials were sourced from responsibly managed forests.

To enhance the thermal insulation, triple glass windows were introduced to cut down on the use of artificial heating and cooling. Moreover, these windows also maximise natural construction daylight, thereby reducing energy related to lighting. External cladding was provided using aluminium composite panels from recycled aluminium, achieving durability while minimizing the environmental impact of extraction and processing of the material.

Green roofing materials are used on the building's roof to support vegetation growth, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality (Mihalakakou et al., 2023). These materials also help balance indoor temperatures, decrease the amount of air conditioning needed, and use less energy.

Energy Efficiency Measures

The Edge was designed as a net zero energy building, producing more energy than it consumes. Smart building management technologies, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy sources achieved this (Eini et al., 2021). The main source of energy for The Edge is solar power. The building has rooftop solar panels and integrates photovoltaic (PV) cells into the façade to produce 102 percent of its electricity needs. If the amount of energy generated exceeds the required amount, this excess energy is fed back into the grid, helping the community.

The building’s Philips-developed LED intelligent lighting system is 80 percent more energy efficient than a conventional one (Danielson and Läppinen, 2023). It is connected to occupancy sensor lighting that adjusts the brightness level according to real-time data to ensure energy is not wasted on unoccupied spaces. Regulation of indoor temperatures is dependent on geothermal energy storage. A system that uses an underground water reservoir to store the excess heat that is being created during warmer months and then to discharge it during the colder months is called the aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system.

Smart Building Technologies

Possibly one of the most modern smart buildings around the world is The Edge because it uses artificial intelligence and IoT for efficiency and occupant comfort. With 28,000 IoT sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, lighting, and occupancy levels, the building is fitted with such sensors. This data is then analyzed by the AI-based building management system, which modifies the levels of energy utilized in real-time optimization (Himeur et al., 2022). The personalized workspace system especially distinguished the innovations in The Edge. With a mobile application, an employee can change desk settings to suit their own preferred choices of lighting and temperature. This not only adds to the comfort of the individual, but energy is used only when and where it is required, thereby working towards savings in total consumption. An innovative automated parking system installed in the building optimizes the allocation of parking spaces according to employees' schedules. Charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) are included in the parking facility to promote sustainable transport modes (Carra, Maternini, and Barabino, 2022).

2.3 Role of Professionals and Environmental Agencies in Sustainability

Architects

PLP Architecture designed the Edge with an emphasis on architectural and energy sustainability (Ali, 2023). The architects made the building asymmetrical to allow as much natural light as possible and reduce the necessity of artificial lighting. To achieve daylighting and limit solar heat gain, large glass panels were installed in strategic locations to minimise the building loads and enhance occupant comfort.

The workspace incorporated elements of biophilic design principles to connect the inside to the outside (Barnaby et al., 2023). The building boasts indoor green spaces, natural ventilation, and open layouts that all came together to provide a healthy and productive workplace. In this building, meanwhile, low-carbon and recyclable materials were integrated to be in keeping with the sustainability goals directed toward long-term environmental conservation.

Engineers

Integrating renewable energy solutions and smart building technologies depended on the engineering team. The building’s energy management systems were designed by mechanical and electrical engineers so that solar panels, LED lighting and geothermal energy storage work together efficiently (Eini et al., 2021). The installation of a thermal aquifer storage energy system into the building itself was a major international engineering achievement in making its internal environment thermally stable, requiring minimal energy consumption.

For durability, safety breaks, and support for sustainable objectives, structural engineers designed the building (Vijayan et al., 2023). Prefabricated construction elements were used to minimize waste and to facilitate a time-bound construction process. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling installations were done by civil engineers. The study allowed The Edge to at least reduce water consumption by the amount necessary while achieving efficient operations.

Contractors

Main contractor G & S Bouw executed the construction of The Edge but had to conform to sustainability targets. Using modular methods, minimization of waste and emissions on-site was achieved (Sajid et al. 2024). As for the preciseness in prefabrication, it promoted better efficiency while reducing waste of materials and emissions from transportation.

Material suppliers are a critical part of any project, so the contractors worked closely with them to obtain sustainable building materials that fell within the environmental standards set for the project. Extra coordination among teams was thus required to ensure the construction activities met the requirements for BREEAM Outstanding certification. Construction debris was incorporated into waste management strategies, recycled, and reused to lessen the environmental impact of the project (Himeur et al., 2022).

Environmental Agencies and Certification Bodies

In matters of sustainability performance measurement and certification, the Edge has been there. One of the agencies involved in this effort is BREEAM. The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) is a global sustainability rating tool that measures energy efficiency, water management, materials selection, and overall environmental impact (BREEAM, 2024).

Figure 1: BREEAM Accreditation

(Source: BREEAM, 2024)

Edge is aptly named with an outstanding 98.36% BREEAM rating. The government has also set up incentives to construct energy-efficient buildings (BREEAM, 2024). Edge has been constructed based on national and EU targets for sustainability since policies drive countries towards almost zero energy buildings (NZEB).

Environmental enforcement agencies also monitored the installation and operation of systems related to renewable energy and water conservation to see if these complied with local environmental regulations. Future commercial developments were held against the performance of The Edge by virtue of their supervision.

2.4 Impact of Policies, Legislation, and Initiatives on The Edge

European and Dutch Sustainability Policies

The Center was designed following European and Dutch sustainability policies emphasizing energy efficiency and public carbon neutrality concerning the built environment. The energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) by the European Union is one of the most important dictates influencing the design and construction of the Edge (European Commission, 2018). This directive directs all new buildings to meet nearly zero. The Edge covers these requirements that feature solar power, geothermal energy, and smart energy management systems, which leads to reducing its dependency on non renewable energy sources (European Commission, 2018).

At a national level, the Dutch Climate Agreement and Sustainable Energy Act include ambitious targets for carbon emission reductions in the construction sector. The Dutch government aims to cut carbon emissions by 49% by 2030 and ensure climate neutrality in 2050 (Government of the Netherlands, 2014). “They are edge buildings from which they produce more energy than they consume through an advanced solar panel system. That is, they function as net positive energy buildings,” explains Hanson. The Edge’s design came from the Netherlands also has strict energy labelling requirements for commercial buildings (Government of the Netherlands, 2014). New developments under these regulations have to meet strict energy efficiency standards to substantially reduce the environmental impact of their entire lifespan.

BREEAM and LEED Certification Requirements

In order to comply to global sustainability certification systems like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) and LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), the Edge was designed. These certifications ensure that buildings are energy efficient, environmentally responsible, and occupant well.

BREEAM is a globally recognised sustainability assessment framework. It scored a record-breaking 98.36% of the BREEAM Outstanding rating, the highest of any building in the UK (BREEAM, 2024). The criteria for energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, water conservation, and sustainable materials were assessed for this certification. Energy management powered by IoT, solar photovoltaic panels, geothermal energy storage, and intelligent ventilation systems for energy mitigation were installed in The Edge to earn this rating (BREEAM, 2024).

Additionally, the Edge design was influenced by the criteria of the LEED certification system, which evaluates buildings with regard to sustainable site selection, water efficiency, energy optimization, materials, and indoor environmental quality criteria (BREEAM, 2024). The most important certification provided in the Netherlands is BREEAM. On the contrary, The Edge actually earned maximum compatibility with LEED Platinum standards, indicating compliance with best practices in sustainability worldwide. Some of the factors that can deliver compliance include provision of recycled building materials, harvesting rainwater, advanced insulation techniques, and AI-driven energy management systems, among others.

In addition to superb BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum ratings, The Edge is worldwide a leader in sustainable construction (Li, Cheng and Cheng, 2023). The certifications therefore serve as an endorsement of the building's environmental performance and will serve to increase its market value, attracting corporate tenants whose interests align with sustainability. The certifications ensure that the building continues to comply with updating sustainability regulations over the long term and provides a healthy and energy-efficient environment for its occupants.

Carbon Reduction Initiatives

In line with the global and national approach to reducing carbon footprints and climate change adaptation projects, the development of The Edge inflicts in climate change project, Pessarrodona et al. (2023). The implementation of renewable energy sources represents the one most effective carbon-reducing strategy within commercial buildings. The Edge produces more energy than is needed for its own consumption through a full solar-array system situated on the rooftop and the façade of the building. Since excess electricity can be returned to the grid, it contributes to Amsterdam's renewable energy infrastructure. This approach, therefore, ensures positive energy carbon neutrality for The Edge.

The aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) is a highly significant aspect of The Edge's strategy for carbon reduction (Biernink, et al. 2022). The technique captures surplus energy during the summer and transmits it back to the building in winter, thus considerably eliminating the necessity of conventional heating and cooling systems. The ATES technology acts in conjunction with high-performance insulation and smart climate control systems in building energy minimization and carbon reductions. The design The Edge naturally imbibes from national initiatives on sustainable mobility solutions in the Netherlands (Coenegrachts, et al. 2021).

2.5 Impact of The Edge’s Sustainable Solutions

Social Impact

It has been assessing the social well-being of people who benefit from The Edge, whose workspace imparts a thorough focus on health, comfort and productivity of their employees (Francesca Giada Antonaci et al., 2024). The use of biophilic design elements such as indoor green spaces and maximum natural lighting have enhanced mental wellness as well as job satisfaction for occupants. The open-plan office is enhanced by flexible workspaces and combined with innovative technology to facilitate collaboration in the form of IoT-enabled applications that control lighting and temperature preferences to allow a stretch of an employee’s work setting (Francesca Giada Antonaci et al., 2024).

The building’s indoor air quality system monitors the CO₂ levels to keep them in their optimal levels ensuring one does not fatigue or improve cognitive function. The airflow inside this building is controlled by the automated ventilation system which is adjusted automatically depending on the occupancy and environmental conditions to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor atmosphere.

Economic Impact

Sustainable construction has shown that it can generate long-term economic benefits for businesses, investors, and tenants (Kaklauskas et al., 2021). Edge’s operational cost savings are one of its major economic advantages. Significant reduction in electricity and heating costs is achieved through the integration of renewable energy sources, automated lighting systems and energy-efficient climate control technologies (Kaklauskas et al., 2021).

Figure 2: Building cycle stages

(Source: Voland, Saad and Eicker, 2022)

The Edge's highly sustainable ratings have added to its commercial real estate market value (Voland, Saad and Eicker, 2022). As a strong and traditional location for corporate headquarters, it is an excellent opportunity to focus on beautiful sustainable office space that meets their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies through the building’s outstanding BREEAM and LEED Platinum compliance.

Environmental Impact

The commercial construction sector has benefited significantly from innovations in the Edge that help reduce its environmental footprint. One of its most outstanding achievements is the building’s net-positive energy performance. The Edge itself directly cuts its reliance on fossil fuels through its solar power generation system, its geothermal energy storage, and its energy management specifically. This has resulted in a drastic drop in carbon emissions that will help meet the Netherlands' climate neutrality target by 2050 (Government of the Netherlands, 2014).

Embodied carbon emissions typically linked with using traditional building materials such as concrete, timber and aluminium composite panelling were minimised through sustainable construction materials, like recycled concrete, FSC-certified wood and low-impact aluminium composite panels (Government of the Netherlands, 2014). The choices of these materials contribute to a circular economy at this early stage by reducing waste and increasing resource efficiency in the construction industry.

3. Conclusion

As a pioneering sustainable construction, The Edge demonstrates how technological innovation and energy efficiency can be combined with environmentally responsible design to create a low-impact commercial office building. Considering social, economic, and environmental impacts, this report has looked at The Edge’s sustainability initiatives and explained how green building strategies can help create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable built environment for employees, businesses, and the world.

The second part of the discussion focused on the role of regulatory frameworks in enabling net zero energy buildings by discussing the European and Dutch sustainability policies. The building met BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum standards, validating the building’s dedication to energy efficiency and resource management as a benchmark for commercial sustainability practices. Besides all that, implementing carbon reduction initiatives such as renewable energy integration, innovative climate control systems, and water conservation measures shows how The Edge relates to global climate action goals.

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