The Circle certified as Switzerland's best LEED building
The Circle at Zurich Airport has been officially certified for its sustainability. Both the Minergie and LEED Platinum certificates were presented at an event. The Circle is not only the largest Minergie certified building in Switzerland, but also the LEED Platinum certified building with the highest number of points.
The Circle sets new standards in terms of sustainability. The goal to be certified for its sustainability was already defined at the beginning of the project phase in 2008. Around twelve years later, two important sustainability labels have now been officially received. In addition to the co-owners, representatives of Minergie Switzerland, HRS Real Estate AG as the general contractor and Amstein + Walthert, responsible for building services engineering, were also present at the event.
“We are proud to hold both the Minergie and LEED Platinum certificates in our hands. Such certification processes require a long-term sustainability strategy and good cooperation with our partners. We are pleased that we were able to meet this requirement.”
"Sustainability and energy efficiency are central to real estate today. We are very pleased to receive these two certificates for The Circle. They underline the forward-looking orientation and innovative character of the building."
International recognition for sustainability
LEED® stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" and is one of the world's leading sustainability labels for buildings. It aims to promote healthy, durable, affordable and environmentally sound construction. The LEED label is awarded based on credit points. The Circle received 93 out of a possible 110 points, making it LEED Platinum certified, which is the highest possible rating. This is the highest score ever received by a LEED Platinum certified building in Switzerland. Both in Switzerland and in Europe, the Circle is also the largest building complex with this certification.
Minergie standard thanks to renewable energies
In addition to LEED, the Circle is also Minergie certified. This voluntary standard designates and qualifies buildings that meet specific requirements in terms of permissible energy demand. The Circle is characterized by a number of sustainability aspects. The decisive factors for the Minergie certification of the Circle included the above-average energy efficiency and the high proportion of renewable energy via geothermal energy piles and photovoltaics. The entire Circle manages almost entirely without fossil fuels.
Environmentally compatible construction
Property alterations and new-builds are crucial to the development of the airport. Old infrastructure needs to be updated so that it continues to meet the contemporary requirements of use, management and environmental protection. Construction projects therefore receive environmental construction support and are assessed with regard to their ecological impact during the realization phase as well as later use. Thus, LEED certification is also being sought for the next major construction project, the new Dock A with tower and dock base. The new Dock A is to be built largely from sustainable wood on the passenger levels - this is so far unique for a terminal building of this size.
The Circle is a commercial center jointly owned by Zurich Airport Ltd and Swiss Life AG. Since its opening in autumn 2020, the new district at Zurich Airport invites guests to discover the world of brands, and to relax and enjoy the ten restaurants and cafés. Two hotels belonging to the Hyatt group, a congress center accommodating up to 2500 guests, an outpatient health center of the University Hospital of Zurich, attractive office space as well as art, culture and education complete the wide range of services at Switzerland's largest national airport. The Circle, with its accompanying park, is a cultural and economic resource that extends beyond the airport region. The project was realized in joint ownership by Zurich Airport Ltd, holding 51 percent and Swiss Life AG, holding 49 percent.