Romainvilliers

With over 15% of all global green house emissions emitted by buildings and a further 14% by transportation, Veolia Transdev and its partners sought to construct and manage the first HQE^® compliant technical operations center for passenger transport in France.

The project was conceived as a recognized reference in sustainable development within the transportation sector and beyond.

• Ensure the most sustainable products, systems and construction processes.
• Manage and optimize energy, water and waste management.
• Use the depot site as a springboard for numerous environmental initiatives across the networks it serves.

An optimized design and construction phase limited the effect on the external environment and maximizes future energy savings. The building also corresponds to a second objective: provide a healthy and comfortable workplace for staff. Features include reinforced insulation throughout, two-way heat transfer ventilation and large reflective glass windows.

Result: A wooden - instead of steel - structure to the building reduced energy consumption directly attributable to construction materials by 54% and large amounts of natural light reduce electricity consumption.

• Water: a 120 m³ catchment tank collects approximately 1,700 m³ of rainwater a year; a source of huge savings when washing vehicles. Depending on the vehicle and wash cycle, water savings are between 67-91%.
• Waste: in addition to collection and recycling across the office spaces, particular attention is paid to the technical outputs with detailed recycling and disposal procedures for each type of engine and vehicle waste.
• Energy: thanks to the extensive insulation and ventilation systems, the depot consumes 32% less energy and produces 33% less green house emissions than a standard counterpart building.
• Maintenance and furnishings: 20 m² of solar panels contribute to keeping electricity consumption down; all wall paints are waterbased; and instead of a typical tarmac base, the entire vehicle turning and parking area is made of recycled plastic flooring.

• The depot is home to a new range of hybrid and ultra-clean vehicles.
• Regular visits from local school children help to inspire the next generation of environmentally friendly actions.
• A model and source of knowledge transfer for future depots in France and Veolia Transdev operations worldwide.