Chiel van Dijen, International Head of Development at Kadans Science Partner
The future of workspaces is being defined by the need for smarter and more sustainable environments. As the life sciences industry expands, companies are shifting from traditional industrial parks on city outskirts to more dynamic, urban locations. This trend reflects a broader change in the expectations placed on our built environment – a built environment that prioritises accessibility, sustainability and flexibility.
Today’s workforces expect more from their workspaces, meaning the pressure is on to create environments that mirror the innovation and care we invest in our homes. Whether it’s in labs, offices, or collaborative spaces, organisations are faced with the challenge of building with planet, people, and purpose in mind.
Companies no longer look for just a functional building. They want spaces that attract talent, foster innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable future. This shift is particularly noticeable in sectors like life sciences, agri-food, and technology, where flexible, urban locations are becoming essential to attract skilled workers and recent graduates who prefer accessible, city-based environments. These demands are driving the need for more intelligent buildings that meet operational needs and align with the importance placed on sustainability and well-being.
Why smart buildings matter
As well as reducing energy consumption and operating costs, smart buildings are also critical in addressing some of the most pressing challenges we face today – from climate change to resource scarcity. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, most stemming from inefficient energy use. Smart buildings offer a path forward by using technology to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier living and working environments.
Smart buildings also reflect a shift in how we think about urban spaces. Buildings have moved past their status as static entities, and instead are dynamic environments that adapt to the needs of its users. This adaptability is crucial as industries evolve, particularly in sectors like life sciences, agri-food, and technology, where innovation thrives in flexible, collaborative spaces.
At Kadans, we have long recognised the importance of smart, sustainable buildings. Our mission is to develop research and innovation facilities that meet today’s standards and are future-proofed for tomorrow’s innovators. In fact, one of our latest projects – Plus Ultra Wageningen III – encapsulates this vision. Set in the heart of the Wageningen University & Research campus its location offers the ideal combination between work, life and education, and its design is a great example of an adaptable, sustainable space.
Plus Ultra Wageningen III: The blueprint for the future of innovation spaces
Plus Ultra Wageningen III is designed to support the agri-food and biobased sectors and is a testament to the power of sustainable construction. In these sectors, where innovation and flexibility are key, companies need spaces that can grow and adapt with them. Plus Ultra Wageningen III offers a highly adaptable environment where labs, offices, and pilot plants can be customised to meet the needs of each tenant. This flexibility is important as industries evolve, and allows research organisations, start-ups, and established companies to rapidly scale operations and adapt their spaces in real-time.
Beyond its technological advancements, Plus Ultra Wageningen III leads by example in sustainable construction. The building is primarily constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT), a renewable resource that stores approximately one tonne of CO2 per cubic metre of wood. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the structure and contributes to a CO2-negative building process, a significant environmental advantage when compared to traditional materials. What’s more, the building uses recycled materials and solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and energy-efficient LED lighting to further minimise its environmental impact.
With over 7,500 square meters of laboratories and offices, Plus Ultra Wageningen III integrates advanced smart sensor technologies to optimise everything from climate control to energy use, ensuring operational efficiency. Yet, sustainability is also about creating spaces that enhance the well-being of the people who use them. Therefore, these smart sensors continuously monitor the internal environment, guaranteeing that the building operates at peak efficiency and is comfortable and healthy space for its occupants. This is crucial for creating a space that encourages collaboration and innovation and fostering an environment where operational costs can be reduced by up to 20–30%, and productivity increased by 15%.
The key to sustainable urban development
The success of smart buildings like Plus Ultra Wageningen III demonstrates that sustainable development and technological innovation can go hand-in-hand. As we face mounting global challenges, the role of smart buildings in urban development will only grow in importance. They represent an efficient way to manage energy use and reduce emissions and provide dynamic environments that adapt to the needs of businesses.
The future of urban development must be smart, sustainable, and focused on fostering collaboration. Plus Ultra Wageningen III is the blueprint for what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and a commitment to sustainability come together.