The road to a sustainable work landscape

Guidance Sustainability ACT 1 The road to a sustainable work landscape

Program bureau ACT PO Box 75700 1118 ZT Schiphol The T +31 (0)20 20 666 40 F + 31 (0)20 20 666 49 [email protected] www.actbeyondlogistics.nl

Publication: Program bureau ACT Editor: Kees de Graaf Design: dBOD Printing: Druno en Dekker

2 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 3 ACT Beyond Logistics. The road to a sustainable work landscape

In the near future, anyone approaching Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on the A4 motorway or by train from the south, or a flight preparing to land on the 06-24 runway will be able to catch a glimpse of the Amsterdam Connecting Trade Allow us to (re)introduce ourselves: ACT Beyond Logistics (ACT) logistics business parks. The zone is being developed ACT builds upon the ambitions set out by the extend far beyond the development of a tradi- more than a logistics hub alone (beyond into a new work area set to offer a great deal more than Municipality of , the Province tional business park. The amenities offered by logistics). The latter aspect will require an the ‘traditional’ business parks found alongside so many of North-Holland, Schiphol Group, AM and a traditional facility would not be sufficient to attractively designed physical space as well as motorways in the Netherlands. ACT is designed to serve Schiphol Area Development Company in the gain a competitive edge over other European non-physical elements such as services, the 2006 document Integral Vision on the A4 Work airport areas. In order to do so, we will have to ability to attract labour, safety and efficient as a sustainable work landscape, offering an attractive City. offer permanent added value for businesses, customs processing. The concept also links environment for businesses and their employees as well visitors and local residents alike. ‘traditional’ logistics companies to related as an interesting prospect for local residents and the This document outlines the strategy for The aforementioned parties have set out businesses offering added value (marketing, developing the logistics business parks the requirements for such added value in R&D, education). inhabitants of . The area is designed to fit in around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol into an the innovative ACT concept. The concept The ACT concept successfully combines all with its surroundings and will continue to offer a high airport-related logistics and service location is based on three key values: sustainability, these aspects, bringing together cargo flows, level of quality and value 50 years from now and beyond. that ranks amongst the European top three. accessibility via multiple modes of transport people and expertise. All planning procedures are based around the principle of As the name A4 Work City suggests, ambitions (multimodality) and an area that offers sustainability. This brochure provides further details on how we aim to realise this ambition.

4 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 5 Based on sustainability, inspired by development of the entire area from the very start been elaborated into clear-cut, concrete targets, Cradle to Cradle of development planning. This is the approach criteria and measures, on the basis of the three ACT will be proposing for its locations; an key themes outlined below. In the past, the aspect of sustainability did not approach designed to stand the test of time. This elaboration effort was both based come into play before the actual construction With the (further) development of the various around and inspired by the Cradle to Cradle of office buildings in a business park. Efforts in ACT areas at hand, our ambitions in the area (C2C) principle. C2C represents an interna- this area were generally focused on the use of of sustainability will now have to be elaborated tionally supported approach based around a sustainable materials and the conservation of in further detail. Our approach should leave cyclical model. For example, waste is regarded energy. Although these are good first steps, a room for investors, businesses and developers as the start of a new cycle rather than an truly significant sustainability effort will require to incorporate the aspect of sustainability into end-product. an entirely different approach. An approach in their own plans and projects as effectively as which the principle of sustainability is applied to possible. The ACT sustainability guidance has

The three ACT sustainability themes: space, energy, water & raw materials and mobility & accessibility

My vision on ACT sustainability…

Jaap Bond, member of the Provincial Executive of the Province of North-Holland

‘An increasing number new park. This will help make the area more area development. We have a ‘helicopter view’ of national and interna- attractive to employees, visitors and local of the entire area, which allows us to provide tional companies want residents, adding economic worth and thus useful input on new concepts, such as the their location and business broader significance to existing cultural and potential to transport goods by high-speed From ACT Masterplan to concrete park. The entire ACT area is subdivided into Schiphol South East and Schiphol Logistics environment to reflect landscape values. train. We are also working to build connec- implementation plans four ACT locations: Schiphol South East, Park are already being allocated, with the a sustainable image. As a province, our involvement in development tions to adjacent areas. For example, we could Schiphol Logistics Park, A4 Zone West and other two locations set to follow. However, the They are keen to demon- planning extends to a broad range of aspects. gain a great deal in terms of sustainability by The ACT Masterplan was drawn up in June the Geniepark. The first three areas will offer design of all four locations will be elaborated strate their commitment For example, we make sure that the companies linking ACT to the Aalsmeer Greenport. We of 2008. The plan sets out a high level of innovative business locations in the area on the basis of ACT’s sustainability guidance. to corporate social responsibility. ACT can establishing offices here are exclusively from bring together the relevant parties in order to ambition in terms of liveability, accessibility of logistics while the Geniepark will take on During the coming period this guidance play an important role in this regard. The aviation-related sectors; we want to ensure create optimal added value through collabo- and economic development. The objective the form of a park-like environment that is will be translated into concrete implemen- area’s multimodal accessibility is a genuine that the scarce space around the airport is ration. As a result, overall investment in the is to maintain a solid balance between these built around the Defence Line of Amsterdam tation and development plans. This brochure core quality. However, that also goes for the used as effectively as possible. However, area is greater than the sum of its parts.’ three aspects in order to create Europe´s World Heritage Site and embedded in ample provides further details on our approach to effort to embed the existing landscape in area our participation in the ACT Cockpit – the most sustainable and innovative business greenery and water features. the key aspect of ‘sustainability’. development plans. For example, the Defense executive body that decides on area planning Line of Amsterdam will be incorporated into a issues – reflects our increased commitment to

6 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 7 Theme two: the conservation of energy, water & raw materials

One thing is certain: water and energy prices are producing any waste. This can be achieved feature islands with solar energy centres; set to rise in the years to come. Raw materials through a broad range of measures: • all networks for water, heat, cold and residual will also become increasingly scarce. This will flows are installed underground, creating require a different approach to our energy and • buildings are constructed in a compact sufficient space aboveground for a natural water supply. We will also have to develop a new manner, using a minimum of raw materials. use of available land; way of dealing with raw materials, waste and The materials used in construction are from • rainwater and purified (grey) water from residual flows. ACT aims to apply the cyclical non-depletable or reused sources; buildings is incorporated into a water C2C principle on a much larger scale and at a • all energy is generated locally, eliminating the cycle. As a result, drink water usage will be much earlier stage – during development of need for a connection to the gas mains. The reduced, and the need for a waste (sewage) the very first concepts for area development. buildings are self-sufficient and will actually and rainwater drainage system will be elimi- ACT has defined a clear set of ambitions: by generate a surplus of energy over time; nated. 2040, ACT aims to be entirely self-sufficient • water features are used to collect water and in terms of energy and water supply, without purify it by means of algae cultivation, and Within the ACT locations high end green areas will arise between logistics activities. Employees and visitors can recreate here, but the space can also be used for power generation or water purification.

My vision on ACT sustainability… Theme one: organising space in a sustainable manner Managing Director of KLM Cargo, Michael Wisbrun ‘Aviation is an indispensable carbon footprint. We are currently leading the in terms of sustainability. We have managed to We aspire to organise the space within the four • the creation of a robust greenery and water greenery structures in and outside Haarlem- part of our modern world. Dow Jones Sustainability Index for our sector keep a clear focus on the area’s accessibility; a ACT locations in such a way that actions taken structure at an early stage, which doubles as a mermeer; It allows for global connec- for the fifth year running. This is undoubtedly key concern in terms of the Cargo product. For at the present time will not have any negative pleasant recreation area; • the creation of additional facilities for tions, keeps economies a clear indication of our progress. We can example, we are currently developing a concept impact on future generations. Preferably, these • the separate construction of roads and employees and visitors; running and creates a see a great deal of potential for innovation in for cargo transportation by high speed train. A actions should also have no negative impact on greenery areas; • ensuring that the area is designed in such great deal of employment. terms of broader sustainability throughout the multimodal hub incorporating rail transport the direct or nearby environment, or the location • the creation of functional clusters, in order to a way that the space can be used for other However, both citizens and logistical chain. However, this will require an will help increase the overall level of sustaina- itself. In short: new, liveable space, now and in ensure safety and reduce annoyance and allow purposes over the course of time. For example, companies feel air travel integral approach in which we work together to bility. We expect to see the market make use the future. In concrete terms, we are aiming for the interchange of energy, raw materials distribution buildings can be redeveloped into should be as clean and environmentally-friendly create new solutions on the basis of a shared of the benefits offered by train travel. This will to develop a healthy environment in which and rain water; smaller office buildings. In the longer term, as possible. KLM is working hard to minimise its vision. This vision must be based on the help reduce the number of kilometres per truck, economic vitality is supported through sustai- • the separation of traffic functionality (heavy the complex could even be redeveloped into own environmental footprint, an area in which three ‘I’s: Infrastructure, an Integral approach helping to make the hub more sustainable and nable measures. ACT is also seeking to make goods traffic, passenger travel, slow traffic office space or residential locations. This is it seeks to lead the industry. For example, Air and the Integrity of processes. Our collabo- efficient. Concepts of this nature clearly show a positive contribution to its surrounding area, and safe recreational areas); possible due to the permanent greenery and France-KLM Cargo is the first major airline to ration within ACT helps us to develop and that sustainability and competitive strength through measures such as: • a connection (or potential to establish such water features and adaptability of the infra- offer its customers insight into the amount of market Schiphol and its surrounding area as can be complementary rather than opposing a connection in the future) with a new water structure/buildings; carbon used in air cargo transport and provides a powerful and sustainable logistical hub. This forces.’ main system for the entire polder and larger • the use of building roofs in the production of them with the opportunity to compensate their logistical business park is truly state-of-the-art greenery, food and energy.

8 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 9 The ACT locations, that are not yet being allocated, can be used for temporary activities such as energy- and food production or as a location for an information centre, dedicated to the development of the area.

The development strategy: from blueprint to fflex-plan Accessibility, by car as well as by public transportation, is an important aspect of the ACT development plans. Change is the only constant. In other words: it can a hundred years and has proven capable of water features designed to stand the test of time be difficult to plan ahead in a rapidly changing adapting to changing times and requirements. and the flexibility of the various development world. The development of ACT will span a Amongst other factors, ACT’s approach is based areas. period of decades; for example, the completion on a clear distinction between robust greenery/ of the A4 Zone West sub-area is scheduled for 2030. By this time, the logistical sector will be very different from the way it is today. This is Theme three: innovative concepts for why there is no point in drawing up detailed The added value of a sustainably designed area plans for the design of the four ACT areas. A mobility & accessibility blueprint would merely prove restrictive. It is A sustainably designed area that retains its • accessibility: the area is easily accessible due to also important to keep in mind that technology – quality over the long term will yield demon- a wealth of interconnected transport systems; The concept of multimodality plays a key • the construction of a new public transport passenger cars wherever possible, allowing especially in the area of sustainability – develops strable added value for owners, users, developers • image: companies that actively embrace the role in ensuring accessibility and liveability. hub to the south of A4 Zone West. Ideally, passengers to transfer to public transport and changes at a rapid pace. What is currently and local residents. This added value is expressed principle of sustainability will be eager to work The objective is to create an area that is the definitive solution will feature a and bicycle travel in an effective manner; regarded as ambitious or innovative may be in various areas: in a sustainable environment. A business easily accessible by car, public transport and combination of train and metro transport • creating supplementary facilities at the commonplace or even obsolete in a few years location in the ACT area will help further bicycle. ACT aims to increase the use of public (involving an extension of the metro line central parking location (biodiesel stations, time. This is why ACT’s development strategy • energy: the reduction or elimination of energy improve their image; transport and bicycles without restricting car from Schiphol-Centre to Hoofddorp via this a charging station for electrical cars, a is designed to be both flexible and future-proof. consumption or even a net yield (resulting in • Platinum+: the realisation of ACT’s area-level traffic. After all, a logistical centre has to be southerly ACT hub); supermarket, et cetera); Due to the dynamic nature of the logistics sector, the sale of energy and profits); ambitions will help real estate developers easily accessible by road. However, the availa- • connecting ACT to the Zuidtangent’s • the improvement of bicycle routes. users may relocate to another building every 5 • land use: dual use of available land (multi- achieve high scores on international sustaina- bility of alternative modes of transport can High-End Public Transport (HOV) network; or 10 years. On the other hand, buildings now functionality); bility rankings such as LEED and BREEAM. help stimulate car owners to travel to the area • establishing a good connection with the have a much longer lifespan. Take the example • liveability: a green, attractive environment in other – more sustainable – ways. Schiphol bus network and regional Haarlem- of the Genie dyke, a feature of the Defence Line enhances liveability and helps attract new The following concrete actions are currently mermeer bus network; of Amsterdam: the dyke has existed for over employees; being taken or assessed in this regard: • building centralised parking facilities for

10 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 11 The Geniepark, shaped around the the Defense Line of Amsterdam, combines history with room for recreation, which make it the green heart of ACT. An important impulse for the liveability of the ACT area.

My vision on ACT sustainability… Feasibility: high-potential combinations and a far-sighted approach Paul Bos, local entrepreneur and initiator of Bouwland-Urgenda ‘My farm is located in of the same principle. A few years ago, I also yet, we can still do it. Better yet, build one or The development of ACT is feasible in terms car traffic to public transport; more vibrant and lively; Aalsmeerderbrug, right next started organising meetings for entrepreneurs two new farms within the ACT area and allow of technical aspects and spatial design, and is • bundling cables and pipes within the green- • creating green user areas and recreational to the ACT area. Sustai- and other local parties in order to help speed us to supply its users with products or new based on viable sustainability ambitions. Plans blue landscape structure, ensuring that areas. For example, office buildings and their nability has played a key up the effort to improve the sustainability of services. Alternatively, you could allow us to have been designed to take into account rising maintenance efforts do not cause disruptions restaurants will be linked to greenery and water role in our business for a the Schiphol region. make temporary use of the zones that haven’t fuel prices and other developments in the global for users in the inner areas; features and screened off from traffic zones. long time now. My parents One thing led to another, and I’m currently yet been developed in order to keep the area economy. The phased completion of the various • designating a 200-metre strip along the A4 applied organic farming helping ACT to develop its plans for the area. lively and vibrant. I’m committed to this idea ACT locations will allow for the introduction of (not for development purposes) for various Feasibility can be further improved by linking the methods – even though I would like to see a focus on the area’s existing of interconnection and cross-pollination, and new technologies that are financially viable at the purposes, including water storage and energy development of the ACT area to development they didn’t use that term at the time – because values, and ensure that they are incorporated ACT is listening to my suggestions. As we work time. Feasibility can also be further improved by production; efforts in its environs. The ACT Masterplan they felt strongly about using fertiliser and into the ACT development wherever possible. together, it is becoming increasingly clear that combining various measures in an intelligent • creating ‘robust’ greenery and water features specifies these ‘harmonisation projects’, such pesticides. I remember thinking their approach These values are rooted in the area’s physical sustainability is all about creating “win-win- manner. Our focus will be on: at an early stage, in order to stimulate the as the PrimAviera greenhouse zone and Park 21. was hopelessly old-fashioned, until I returned qualities as well as its history. It’s all about win-situations”, for the economy, people and liveability and vitality of the area and its plant By effectively combining these developments, to the farm ten years ago and realised it could the human factor. Some farmers have been the natural environment. It’s definitely “beyond • linking the World Hertitage status of the and wildlife from the very start; we can ensure that the sum total of our invest- be effectively combined with modern sustaina- working here all their lives, and it’s important logistics”, in the same way as my own farm Defense Line of Amsterdam (cultural and • the temporary designation of undeveloped ments (and thus the value of ACT) is greater bility ambitions. Creating cycles, conserving raw to take that into account. Don’t bulldozer their looks beyond the normal boundaries of the historical values) to a recreational park, water areas for other purposes (energy production, than its individual components. materials, using sheep as ‘woolly lawnmowers’, farms and the old trees on their land; incor- agricultural sector.’ purification, tollbooths and a transition from nature, culture). This will help make the area supplying locally-produced food: it’s all part porate them into your plans. It’s not too late

12 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 13 The parties: public and private participation, embedment in the surrounding area

ACT constitutes an alliance of six individual the table. We are also working to incorporate innovation network for the Haarlemmermeer parties, working together to design a work ACT’s social environment in development region and Schiphol. The network unites landscape with a total area of 250 hectares. planning wherever possible. In addition to pioneers, trailblazers and freethinkers working The initiative is certainly unique. From the creating support for the project, this effort to rapidly develop the region into a ‘sustai- public sector, the Municipality of Haarlem- is also aimed at generating creative ideas nable testing ground’. Their responses to the mermeer, the Province of North-Holland and which can then be incorporated into the guidance were incorporated into the definitive The Rijnland District Water Control Board development plans. Local parties are familiar version, and this creative form of collabo- are taking part in development planning. with the environment and the location’s ration is set to continue in the future. The private sector is represented by Schiphol unique qualities, and have access to local In the next step towards finalising the Group, AM and Schiphol Area Development networks. As a result, they can serve as a guidance, we will be making work agreements Company, who will be helping to develop and source of unexpected opportunities and new which are recorded in a covenant between the finance the project. These six parties each insights. For example, the draft version of ACT business parks and the Municipality of bring their own expertise and experience in ACT’s sustainability guidance was presented Haarlemmermeer and The Rijnland District the area of long-term area development to to Bouwland-Urgenda, a sustainability & Water Control Board.

14 Guidance Sustainability ACT Guidance Sustainability ACT 15 16 Guidance Sustainability ACT