HQE® standard

The HQE® standard has progressively become a sustainable construction benchmark in France: since 2007 it has served as a template for all of ANF’s new developments, reflecting its long-term management view as a real estate investment company.

This initiative has been continually expanded since, and starting from 2009 ANF has almost systematically undertaken the HQE certification of all its ongoing new programmes. The Rabatau development is a typical example. The development was launched at end 2006 with a view to sustainable construction but without at the same time targeting HQE certification. Since then, ANF has decided to certify the development, which plans to create 3,900 square metres of office and business space a stone’s throw away from Rond Point du Prado in Marseilles. Designed on a sound environmental footing since 2006, the main goals of the development are:

- proper integration into its urban environment, notably through the construction of green terraces covering an area of 760 square metres immediately adjacent to the public transport;

- a clean building site, limiting pollution and noise and recycling up to 70% of waste from the demolition and 50% from the construction;

- energy management notably through the implementation of a centralised technical management (CTM) system and the automated management of the artificial lighting on the basis of available natural light;

- optimal user comfort both in hygrothermal terms through the installation of double-flow ventilation but also in terms of acoustics and visual quality.

- reduction of water consumption, by optimising the systems and equipment.

Jacket improvement, heating system efficiency, renovation of façades and trim…
Work on the existing assets is an integral part of ANF’s constant drive for quality across all its real estate assets, and more broadly of its responsibilities as urban stakeholder. Environmental criteria are already systematically included in the specifications for all renovation work: maximum performance of the heating system, requirement for a controlled mechanical ventilation system or indeed resolving heat loss through casements. These usage quality requirements are covered in parallel with in-depth work on the architectural quality of any Haussmann renovation.
The Mansard-style attic space development, in Lyons, illustrates ANF’s expertise in Haussmann renovations. Begun in 2009, the work will make it possible to turn the previously vacant Mansard- style attic space into 5,000 square metres of residential space right in the heart of Lyons: 20 apartments were completed in 2009 and 32 will be completed in 2010. Work focussed on energy savings with high-performance insulation of the walls, roofs and rakes as well as the renovation of the casements and of the heating system. The acoustic treatment of the floors and the automation of the ventilation also made it possible to improve user comfort. This work was carried out in close cooperation with Architecte des Bâtiments de France, in particular for the restoration of the façades and roofing, done in a manner that respects the historic character of the buildings.
The environmental solutions put together for the renovation of the old Haussmann-style properties represent a key aspect to ANF’s sustainable development action plan for 2010.