The new Olympic House is the first international headquarters - and the second building worldwide - to achieve the highest level of the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS). It has also been awarded Swiss Minergie P certification for low-energy buildings. It is the first building to receive all three certifications, and the first in Switzerland to achieve LEED platinum v4.
Located in Lausanne and designed by 3XN+IttenBrechbühl, the Olympic House brings together all IOC staff under one roof. The new building will serve as a meeting place for the entire Olympic Movement. It is a private investment in sustainability, operational efficiency, local economy and development.
With its shape inspired by the movement of an athlete, the Olympic House combines the highest standards of architectural design with a holistic approach to sustainability. It incorporates rigorous criteria for energy and water efficiency, while optimizing the health and well-being of its users. It pushes the boundaries of sustainability and has also transformed the market, particularly in terms of building materials and furnishings, which comply with strict environmental standards.
"The Olympic House combines symbolism, functionality and sustainability"... " With the achievement of unparalleled levels, it is a testament to how the IOC is moving from words to deeds when it comes to sustainability, serving as a source of inspiration for the entire Olympic Movement." H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Chairman of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission
The Olympic House has been awarded Platinum status, the highest level of certification in the international LEED green building program. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the organization behind the certification, the Olympic House scored the highest number of points (93) of all LEED v4-certified new buildings to date.
With over 98,000 registered and certified projects in 175 countries and territories, LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the world's most widely used green building program and an international symbol of excellence in sustainability. This certification guarantees that a building reduces carbon emissions and conserves resources, while making sustainable practices a priority and creating a healthier environment. Platinum is the highest level of certification.
The new headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been awarded three of the most demanding certifications for sustainable construction.
"We are proud that Olympic House, as the new headquarters of the Olympic Movement, has received such prestigious Swiss and international certifications, recognizing our strong commitment to sustainability, which is one of the three pillars of Olympic Agenda 2020," said IOC President Thomas Bach. "From the launch of the architectural competition through to the construction, energy management and furnishings, the IOC has focused first and foremost on the adoption of sustainable solutions. We are delighted that our investment in sustainability has enabled us to achieve these three certifications."
In all, 80% of the investment in the building was made with local suppliers, and over 95% of the materials from the former IOC headquarters were reused or recycled. Solar panels and heat pumps using water from Lake Geneva provide renewable energy for the building, which is expected to consume 35% less energy and 60% less water than a conventional new build.
The project involved unprecedented collaboration between local authorities, suppliers, academics and IOC business partners.
Sustainability is one of the three pillars of the Olympic Agenda 2020 - the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement. In line with this Agenda, the IOC is committed to integrating sustainability principles into all its operations - whether as an organization, as the owner of the Olympic Games, or as the leader of the Olympic Movement.
The official inauguration of the Olympic House will take place on Olympic Day, June 23, 2019.