A sustainable approach to land use
Conservation of green spaces
New business parks can often mean development on undeveloped greenfield sites, but Javelin Park is a brownfield development meaning that current areas of unspoiled green space will be preserved as the park takes shape.
Environmental offsets
Sometimes it is simply not possible to avoid environmental infringement – for example, the felling of trees where a new building is to be constructed. We will offset this environmental impact through the creation of new, offsetting green areas – and where trees must be felled, Verdion will plant replacement trees. It should also be noted that the site, which is heavily polluted from decades of military use, will be expertly processed and cleaned in the course of the development work, with renaturing where possible.
Nature reserve remains nature reserve
Javelin Park will only be built upon the area designated as commercial space in the regional development plan of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Elmpter Schwalmbruch nature reserve will remain untouched. Other protected habitats within the area will likewise be respected and fully preserved.
A sustainable approach to building
Ready for the future
All buildings will be constructed to high standards of energy efficiency, environmental protection, and sustainability, targeting the top levels of environmental certification programmes such as DGNB, LEED or BREEAM. All rooftop areas will be maximised for photovoltaic or solar thermal generation.
A focus on green spaces
Javelin Park will be a green business park – quite literally. Through the creation of new green spaces as well as renaturation of previous brownfield areas, our aim is to create a green experience with attractive public areas for the many people who will visit and work here each day.
A sustainable approach to energy
100% renewables
Javelin Park will be 100% free of fossil fuels. To help achieve this, Verdion is constructing an efficient local heating and cooling network to serve the business park’s various structures. The potential extension of this network to Niederkrüchten is currently being explored through a Fraunhofer research project.
The leading edge of technology
Under the "Energy for Niederkrüchten" research project in cooperation with the town of Niederkrüchten, energy park developer PNE AG and Fraunhofer, we are examining how we might achieve additional benefits for Niederkrüchten through the expanded use of renewable energy produced by the neighbouring energy park on the site of the former military airbase. In this way, the new energy park will make sustainable energy a reality not only for Javelin Park but also for the town of Niederkrüchten.
Hydrogen
Verdion is open to emerging technologies which could help us to reach our sustainability goals and has, in this spirit, asked Fraunhofer to examine the use of hydrogen as a possible medium for on-site energy storage.
Photovoltaics
While hydrogen storage may be the future, photovoltaics is an efficient and proven green electricity of today. The rooftop areas of Javelin Park will generate a significant amount of clean, photovoltaic energy. This will benefit not only the environment and the fight against climate change but also our future occupiers, who will have the advantage of energy generated directly on site.
Wildlife protection
Light pollution
Nocturnal animals can be particularly sensitive to certain kinds of nighttime artificial light. For the business park’s lighting plan, we are taking this into account – for example, by reducing the blue component in the lighting colour spectrum. In addition, we are exchanging our ideas with the experts at Paten der Nacht (Godparents of the Night), a non-profit organisation dedicated to this issue. We gratefully welcome their additional suggestions for insect- and bat-friendly lighting, which we will incorporate into our planning.
Wildlife protection
Appropriate wildlife protection fencing will be provided to prevent animals from crossing areas where they could be harmed. In this way, we will not only protect wildlife from the dangers of roads but also drivers from potential accidents with animals.
Nesting aids
As another component of our commitment to wildlife protection, we will install insect hotels and nesting boxes for birds and other wildlife in renatured and other green areas within Javelin Park.
Mobility: Ready for the future
Sustainable mobility
In the future, there is little doubt that combustion engines will be replaced by electric vehicles. Our plans take this into account, putting in place the on-site infrastructure needed for electromobility of today and tomorrow. This includes not only adequately specified charging infrastructure for cars and commercial vehicles, but also ample 100% renewable energy for charging. In addition, we are currently engaged in a research project with Fraunhofer to explore the potential for producing and using hydrogen for on-site energy storage.
Alternative transport facilities
Javelin Park is ideally located to make full use of off-road transport facilities. For example, we are currently in discussions with the river port of nearby Roermond (Netherlands) to explore the potential for transhipment of goods to and from Javelin Park. In addition, we will continue to reserve the areas that would be needed for a future revitalisation of the old rail siding. While issues of property law preclude this upgrade over the short term, we are hopeful that the political will for this measure will exist in the future as sustainability and climate protection become ever more important.
Making the region stronger and better
New job creation and business opportunities
Javelin Park will bring a diverse range of new, high-quality jobs to Niederkrüchten and the region. In addition, the section of Javelin Park intended specifically for small- to medium-sized businesses will offer new space and new opportunities for local businesses, thereby further boosting the regional economy. Owners and occupiers can even acquire their own premises in order to take the next step in their company’s growth while creating a modern environment tailored to their business’s exact needs.
Modern infrastructure
With the planned service and rest area in Javelin Park, the region will have a central hub to serve the needs of private and commercial transport as well as local residents and businesses. In addition to restaurants, the service area will include toilet and shower facilities, overnight accommodation and ample parking for both cars and commercial vehicles.