Advanzia Bank Emerald, the first zero-carbon office building in Luxembourg and the wider Benelux region, in Munsbach on 6 June 2024. This building marked a significant step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, the bank said in an announcement.

Emerald adhered to stringent standards for sustainability, carbon neutrality and employee wellbeing. It held the Breeam Excellent and DGNB Gold certifications for sustainability, and met the ILFI’s zero carbon criteria for minimising its carbon footprint. Its energy efficiency was enhanced by advanced heating, cooling and ventilation systems, photovoltaic installations and the utilisation of rainwater. Additionally, sun protection and light control, combined with a centralised control system, enabled continuous energy consumption analysis and optimisation. The building was powered entirely by renewable energy sources.

The design of Emerald also prioritised the wellbeing of Advanzia’s employees, with an anticipated Well platinum certification, the bank stated. This standard encouraged physical activity through an onsite gym available to staff and weekly training sessions. It also promoted healthy eating and provided spaces for relaxation and mental rejuvenation, such as collaboration zones, coffee corners, an indoor patio and a rooftop terrace.

, CEO of Advanzia Bank, stated that the inauguration marked a milestone in Advanzia’s commitment to sustainability and Luxembourg’s journey towards a sustainable future. He acknowledged the collaborative effort that made the project possible.

Emerald, owned by Andando Real Estate and leased exclusively to Advanzia Bank, was designed by the architectural firm Architecture et Environnement.

Founded in Luxembourg in 2005, Advanzia Bank is a digital bank that specialises in credit cards and payment solutions, employing over 200 people in the grand duchy.