Kloosterboer has announced that it has received the BREEAM-Netherlands (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) 'Outstanding' handover certificate for its Cool Port coldstore in the Rotterdam Waalhaven.
According to the 2014 assessment directive, its 86.76 per cent score makes the location one of the most sustainable coldstores in the Netherlands.
BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It recognises and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment.
To achieve the desired BREEAM certificate, Kloosterboer took several measures during and after construction.
For example, docks are used based on the DoBo principle, which means containers/trailers can dock with closed doors, so that the cold chain is maintained as much as possible.
In addition, mobile racking in the storage units ensures optimal use of floor area and volume, and efficient storage of pallets saves in cooling costs. Residual heat from the cooling installation is not only used for the industrial processes, but also to heat floors in offices.
The old clinkers from the former container terminal on which Cool Port is built, were re-used as foundation for the building. The site's ecology has also been considered: for example, new planting sites were created around the building for the rare 'white mullein' plant.
The building's most sustainable aspect is the 11,000 solar panels placed on the building's 27,000m2 roof. The expected annual yield is no less than 2.6M kWh, which equals the annual consumption of 737 households. This allows Cool Port to largely meet its own energy requirements.
'We have accepted quite a challenge by aiming for 'Outstanding' rather than 'Excellent' right from the very first stage of construction,' said Jeffrey van der Krogt, project manager at Kloosterboer. 'But good cooperation with main contractor Sprangers Bouwbedrijf, E&W installers, and various advisors has allowed us to realise this
'The energy transition is a process of many steps by many parties where everyone makes their own contribution,' added Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam. 'With its numerous measures in construction and operation, the Kloosterboer Cool Port cold store is an inspiring example in the port of Rotterdam.'
