Sustainable technology
Implement the latest technology and strategies to reduce our environmental impact.
Never before have we had such an awareness of what we are doing to the planet, and never before have we had the power to do something about that..Sir David Attenborough - Natural Historian
A culture of responsibility
Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) are already allowing businesses to become cleaner and more efficient. Implementing smart technologies, such as data register, energy savings and efficiency passive strategies, and a culture of responsible sustainability in the company, contributes to the better preservation of the planet.
Efficient lighting
Why LED technology is the smartest choice to reinforce the use of natural light:
- The lowest energy consumption of any lighting product to date.
- LEDs are RoHS compliant and do not use mercury, which makes a cleaner alternative to fluorescent and CFL lamps.
- Instant-start with no warm-up time needed.
- Light quality is equal or superior to traditional lighting products.
- LED usage is mandatory, prescribed by K18 directive, which also sets required maximum power consumption.
- Automated lighting controls contribute to further energy savings.
Low water use
Promote a water saving culture:
- Install sensor-activated water taps, low-flow toilets, waterless urinals or faucets with aerators in bathrooms.
- Install dishwashers in all kitchen areas to minimise single-use cutlery and crockery.
- Select indoors plant species that require low irrigation.
- Choose easily washable upholstery, carpets, and curtains, made of durable and stain-resistant fabrics.
- Employ water filters / drinking stations that use tap water to minimise bottle waste.
Light Pollution reduction
Control light pollution to conserve power and avoid disruptions to body rhythms.
- Nocturnal light interrupts sleep, upsets circadian rhythm, and affects physiological processes in almost all living creatures.
- Light pollution affects animal behaviors, such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation.
- Many national and local standards set strict rules to avoid any light pollution from the interior of the building to the outside. Their values must not be exceeded.
- To avoid light pollution and meet the standards, use lighting systems with a controlled beam angle, in particular close to the perimeter of the facade.
Do use: direct lighting
LED System with a cut-off and controlled beam angle eliminate pollution and provide efficient illumination for an environment.
Specification of the beam < 2×45°
Luminance level at Ceiling max 20-35cd/m²
Avoid: diffused lighting system
Light pollution is caused by uncontrolled lighting spread: it creates unnecessarily high light intensities on the ceiling visible from the outside.
Avoid light fixtures with a beam angle over >2×45°
Motivate a mission of change
Define your long-term purpose towards sustainability to get people involved and engaged.
- Sustainability is an integral part of Roche operations; create knowledge and competence, and make this mission visible inside and outside the company.
- Increase sustainable awareness while considering local specificity; encourage reduce, reuse, recycle practices; showcase achievements.
- Promote eco-friendly mobility by planning for bicycle parking spaces and other support areas.
Cooling and heating, passive strategies
While keeping in mind the local climate conditions and building orientation:
- Prevent heat gain by using external shading and / or automatic control devices, like horizontal or vertical louvers.
- Regulate heat gain and dissipate heat by confronting openings that stimulate cross-ventilation during daytime and introducing cool air at night.
- Consider the thermal mass of the building for seasonal temperature variations.
- Use heat recovery systems.
Cooling and heating, active strategies
To contribute to eliminating greenhouse gases:
- Ensure compliance with K6 and K18 directives.
- Use only natural coolants, such as ammonia, CO2, and non-halogenated hydrocarbons.
- Design using on-demand cooling control.
- Utilise heat removal with water systems instead of air.
- Avoid de-humification if not required.
- Consider reusing heat where possible.
- Asses adiabatic, desiccant cooling, or further innovative cooling systems to reduce energy consumption and peak loads.
Low-impact materials
Innovation in sustainable materials technology is constantly growing. Keep up-to-date and implement the most advanced products and materials:
- Include visually engaging products in which beauty is inherent to sustainability.
- Use recyclable and recycled materials, preferably locally manufactured in a social responsible manner.
- Use eco-friendly materials that have a low carbon footprint, contribute to circular economy, and have certifications, such as FSC wood, Blue Angel, Energy Star rating, GOTS, or Ecolabel for textiles, etc.
- Avoid toxic materials that emit toxics or petroleum-based materials, such as plastic polymers, like PVC.
- Big impact can be achieved through thoughtful carpet and ceiling choices, given the large areas.
- The life span is an important factor for sustainability, consider life-cycle cost.
Key to Sustainable technology
- Take design opportunities to promote and communicate sustainable awareness, considering local specificity.
- Facilitate low-energy solutions for cooling, heating, lighting, etc. in compliance with Roche sustainability directives K6 – K18.
- Choose non-toxic products and materials with a low environmental impact.
- Avoid glare and light pollution by using fixtures with controlled beam angles.