Bettembourg construction project sets new standard for decarbonisation

Decarbonisation, a key term in discussions addressing climate change, refers to reducing CO2 emissions from economic activities. The construction industry, like all sectors, is tasked with contributing to decarbonisation.

This project represents a pioneering initiative not only in Luxembourg, but potentially across Europe. The building features façade elements constructed from wood, straw, and clay, each standing twelve metres tall. These components were manufactured in a factory located in Belgium, near the Luxembourg border. Sustainability is integral to the project, with materials sourced either locally or from the immediate vicinity.

The building's exceptional insulation and thermal properties eliminate the need for mechanical heating, air conditioning, or ventilation. Régis Bigot, architect at Neobuild, explains, "In fact, we have an energy storage function in this building. It can store heat, but it can also store cold over a very long period. This enormous energy storage capacity allows for the elimination of conventional heating or cooling methods. Additionally, conventional mechanical ventilation systems operate continuously, which is inefficient when the building is unoccupied."

Innovative solutions are evident in the construction of the office building in Bettembourg, with ventilation replaced by a centralised system that automatically opens windows if indoor CO2 levels rise above a certain threshold. This approach not only ensures optimal indoor air quality, but also contributes to the building's energy efficiency.

Another notable advantage of this construction method is the accelerated progress of the site compared to conventional projects. Christoff Dellizotti, director of the construction company, highlights the rapid pace of construction, stating, "We started in January, completing the shell within four months. Facade construction is expected to be finalised within two months. Consequently, the building will be completed within twelve months, so we'll be moving in at the end of December. Twelve months is pretty quick, but that's thanks to the prefabrication of elements and all the preliminary studies."

Despite the innovative features, the designer does not anticipate an increase in construction costs. The building adheres to the principles of the circular economy, meaning that it can be completely dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere.

Financial support for the Bettembourg project is provided by the Ministry of the Economy through the "Neistart" programme, established during the pandemic to stimulate economic activity.

Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)