Bever achieves BREEAM-NL Excellent for Basecamp

Bever wanted its sustainable philosophy to be reflected in its new Basecamp: a headquarters and logistics environment of approximately 16,000 m² that conveys the same connection with nature, circularity and well-being as the brand itself. As Bever had no previous experience with BREEAM-NL, Encon supported the process from structure and evidence gathering through to certification. The result over the 2023–2025 project period: BREEAM-NL Excellent with 74.54% and an approved MIA subsidy.

Translating sustainable values into 16,000 m²

For Bever, the story did not start with the certificate. As an outdoor retailer, the company also wants to translate its connection with nature into the way it operates. This includes giving products a second life and offering repair, maintenance and washing services. Its sewing and repair team has grown to around 30 people in recent years, while its washing facility has been expanded to accommodate growing volumes.

That same philosophy had to be reflected in the approximately 16,000 m² Basecamp. Bever wanted to create a future-proof working and logistics environment with attention to natural materials, comfort, health and biodiversity. BREEAM-NL provided an integrated framework to assess these choices and make their impact demonstrable throughout the 2023–2025 project period.

Encon keeps the project on course in a complex process

BREEAM-NL requires continuous coordination between design choices, studies, supporting evidence and all parties involved. Encon structured the process, monitored progress and translated the requirements into concrete actions. According to Bever, this comprehensive guidance made the difference: without Encon, the process would not have been feasible due to the time investment and complexity involved. Bever described the collaboration as pleasant, constructive and clear, with valuable interim updates.

Among other things, Encon appointed the assessor, contacted the subsidy consultancy and organised Dutch expertise for the BENG and MPG studies. Bureau Kroner was responsible for the architecture, Machiels for the timber structure of the office, Valeres for the logistics hall, DKC for HVAC and sanitary installations and Hoppenbrouwers for electricity. Erik Stiers acted as construction project manager; Dominique Geerlings and Ann-Rose represented Bever in relation to construction and BREEAM.

M-gineers, Corridor, Linneman, Van der Vlugt and Qbusduurzaam contributed specialist expertise in areas including acoustics, ecology, materials, BENG and sustainability.

Coordination became even more important when the project scope changed along the way. While the process initially assumed a fully finished building including internal finishes, the scope later shifted to a shell building with central building services. Encon adapted the approach and supporting evidence without abandoning the Excellent target. Milan Bonné summarises the approach: clear communication, ownership and collaboration made it possible to continue making the right choices at crucial moments.

“This project proves that clear communication, ownership and strong collaboration make the difference, especially in challenging projects. By staying on course together and making the right choices at key moments, we turned challenges into valuable lessons and achieved a result we can rightfully be proud of. With this project, we also set the bar high in terms of sustainability and created a progressive working environment that is ready for the future.”

Milan Bonné, Encon

Excellent performance supported by BENG and MPG results

Bever Basecamp achieved BREEAM-NL Excellent with an official score of 74.54%. According to the project team, the certificate particularly stands out in terms of energy efficiency, employee health and well-being, material selection and use, and pollution prevention. The building calculations further substantiate these results: BENG 1 amounts to 28.88 kWh/m² of usable floor area per year, while BENG 2 amounts to -0.74 kWh/m² of usable floor area per year. The MPG score is €0.48/m² GFA per year.

The results are reflected in concrete choices such as the timber structure, clay climate ceilings, biodynamic lighting, indoor trees and greenery, and the ecological rooftop terrace. Initial employee feedback has been positive: employees enjoy working at the Basecamp and are proud of their new workplace. In addition, the MIA subsidy application was approved. In this way, the project combines demonstrable sustainability and comfort performance with a concrete financial benefit.